2007 Cadillac CTS

The 2007 Cadillac CTS marked a significant redesign, offering a more contemporary and sporty driving experience compared to its predecessor. The available engine options included a 2.8L V6 (210 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6L V6 (255 hp, 252 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.6L V6 VVT DI (304 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic, and a 6-speed automatic depending on the engine choice. Owners typically praise the CTS for its sharp styling, comfortable ride, and available features. Common complaints often revolve around reliability issues, particularly electrical problems and some engine-related concerns, as well as lower than expected fuel economy for some engine choices.

Engine

2.8L V6

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine noise, rough running, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ depending on the leak location.

3.6L V6 (255 hp)

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine noise, rough running, check engine light. This is often due to stretched timing chains and/or worn timing chain tensioners.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often originating from the valve cover gaskets or the rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ depending on the leak location.

3.6L V6 VVT DI (304 hp)

• High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Extended cranking time, rough idle, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the high pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, decreased fuel economy, check engine light. This is common in direct injection engines.
  • Solution: Manually clean the intake valves, or walnut blasting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky shifts between gears, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and filter change may help. In some cases, valve body repair or replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 for a fluid change to $800+ for valve body work.

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Shaking or vibration at highway speeds, particularly during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Fluid flush with updated fluid may help temporarily. Torque converter replacement is often the long-term fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 for a fluid flush to $1,000 - $1,500+ for torque converter replacement.

Suspension

• Rear Differential Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially during acceleration or deceleration. Can also cause vibration.
  • Solution: Replace the rear differential bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• Navigation/Radio Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen flickering, dimming, or complete failure. Loss of navigation, radio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the screen or radio unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the unit.
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• Stabilitrak/Traction Control Issues * Description/Symptoms: The “Service Stabilitrak” or “Service Traction Control” message appearing on the DIC, loss of power, ABS light on, or harsh shifting. * Solution: Diagnosing the system, and replacing the faulty wheel speed sensor, steering angle sensor, or the EBCM. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the part needed.

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Remove headlight housing, dry, and reseal. Or replace headlight housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-700+ depending on if you DIY or replace the whole headlight assembly.

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, track, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Recalls

• #07V360000 On Certain Passenger Vehicles Equipped With A 3.6l Engine, High Resistance In The Wiring Harness Connector Of The Heated Windshield Washer Module Could Result In Overheating.

Summary

The 2007 Cadillac CTS has a mixed bag of potential issues. Engine and transmission issues, particularly timing chain problems on the V6 engines and torque converter issues on the 6-speed automatic, can be costly to repair. Electrical gremlins, especially with the navigation/radio system, are also a common complaint. While the CTS offers a stylish and comfortable ride, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor repair costs into their purchasing decision. While a well-maintained model can provide a rewarding ownership experience, neglecting these potential issues can lead to significant expenses.