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2019 Cadillac CTS

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported by owners of the 2019 Cadillac CTS, categorized by component. The 2019 Cadillac CTS is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its sharp handling, comfortable ride, and stylish design. Engine options for the 2019 CTS include a 2.0L Turbo I4 (268 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6L V6 (335 hp, 285 lb-ft of torque), and a high-performance 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 (420 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque) available in the V-Sport trim. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers often praise the CTS for its nimble handling and attractive styling but cite infotainment system complexity and a smaller rear seat as drawbacks.

Engine

2.0L Turbo I4

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light illumination.
    • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling at startup, check engine light, potential engine misfires. Often more prevalent on earlier model years, but still reported on the 2019 model.
    • Solution: Timing chain replacement, potentially including guides and tensioners.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 (V-Sport)

  • No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating. Some owners report this issue is more pronounced in colder weather.
    • Solution: Software reflash/reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software reflash $100 - $300, Valve Body Replacement $800-$1500, Transmission Replacement $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Issues (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of damping control, resulting in a bouncy or harsh ride. Warning messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected MRC shock absorber.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per shock.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • CUE Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes unexpectedly.
    • Solution: Software update, system reset, or replacement of the CUE module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $0 - $200, Module Replacement $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the vehicle is not driven for a few days. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from various modules or a failing battery.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic draw. Test and replace the battery if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnostic fee $100-$200, Battery replacement $200-$400, Parasitic Draw Repair Varies based on source.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • CUE Screen Delamination/Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: The CUE screen develops bubbles, cracks, or delaminates from the digitizer.
    • Solution: Replacement of the CUE screen or entire CUE module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Screen replacement $300-$800, Module Replacement $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Cadillac CTS presents a mix of potential issues, some more prevalent than others. The most common complaints revolve around the infotainment system, particularly the CUE screen’s durability. Engine issues, while less frequent, can be costly, especially those related to the timing chain on the 3.6L V6. Transmission problems are often manageable with software updates but could escalate to more expensive repairs. Overall, while the CTS offers a luxurious driving experience, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, as repairs could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

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