2004 Cadillac CTS

Above average

Owners filed 224 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Cadillac CTS years to avoid. Which Cadillac CTS years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

172 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Cadillac CTS problems

46 of the 224 complaints (21%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · transmission29
000
Electrical System27
001
Service Brakes · brakes19
100
Air Bags · airbags15
605
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes11
100
Power Train · transmission9
101
Structure › Body · body and frame7
001
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
201
Steering6
100
Wheels3
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump14V542000
Filed Sep 9, 201410,005 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.

Risk. If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.

Electrical System › Ignition14V394000
Filed Jul 2, 2014554,328 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings10V105000
Filed Mar 17, 2010139,131 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE FITTING AT THE CALIPER MAY CORRODE DUE TO SNOW OR WATER, CONTAINING ROAD SALT OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS, ENTERING AND BEING RETAINED IN THE ROUTING SLEEVE. IF THE FITTING CORRODES SIGNIFICANTLY, THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY DEVELOP A LEAK.

Risk. THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Air Bags05V024000
Filed Jan 20, 200587,000 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERACTION BETWEEN THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE AND VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG AND/OR ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO THE "ON" POSITION.

Risk. A PERSON POSITIONED FOR DRIVING MAY RECEIVE MINOR INJURIES, SUCH AS ABRASIONS, FROM CONTACT WITH A DEPLOYING AIR BAG.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

Steering › Linkages04V273000
Filed Jun 9, 200441,928 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL STUD NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLIES WITH WASHERS WERE MADE OF THE WRONG MATERIAL. THE WASHERS MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME LOOSE OR FALL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, REDUCING CLAMP LOAD. SEPARATION OF THE CONTROL ARM BALL STUD AND STEERING KNUCKLE, DUE TO DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TAPERED ATTACHMENT AND RETAINING NUT, IS POSSIBLE.

Risk. IF THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATES FROM THE KNUCKLE, THE AFFECTED CORNER OF THE VEHICLE WILL DROP AND THE CONTROL ARM WOULD BE FORCED DOWNWARD, CONTACTING THE WHEEL. THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TILT OUTWARD AND CREATE A DRAGGING ACTION THAT WOULD TEND TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND CREATE A TENDENCY FOR THE VEHICLE TO TURN IN THE DIRECTION OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL. IN EXTREME SITUATIONS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WOULD ALSO SEVER THAT WHEEL;S HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE AND RESULT IN DIMINISHED BRAKING PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL STUD JOINTS AND MEASURE THE TORQUE OF THE NUT FOR ALL FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS IN ALL MODELS AFFECTED AS WELL AS THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE XLR AND CORVETTE. IF THE TORQUE IS NOT AT SPECIFICATION, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL STUD, THE KNUCKLE, AND THE NUT. IF THE TORQUE IS AT SPECIFICATION, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLY ONLY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Filed Sep 29, 20036,771 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." ONE OR BOTH FRONT ANCHOR TABS FOR THE FRONT BUCKET SEATS ARE NOT ENGAGED IN THE FLOOR PAN REINFORCEMENT SLOTS. A SEAT WITH ONLY ONE TAB ENGAGED OR NEITHER ENGAGED WOULD NOT MEET THE STATIC REARWARD LOADING TEST REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Risk. IN SOME CRASH CONDITIONS, THE SEAT COULD PIVOT REARWARD AND ITS OCCUPANT OR A REAR SEAT OCCUPANT COULD BE INJURED MORE SEVERELY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ENSURE THAT BOTH FRONT ANCHOR TABS ARE FULLY SEATED IN THE FLOOR PAN REINFORCEMENT SLOTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-800-458-8006.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 2024WA

The output shaft flange for the transmission that mounts to the driveshaft coupler the flange starts to break away and then breaks . I can provide photos but the metal on the part is close the the end and if I did not find this problem by mistake the drive shaft would have came free

Wheels
Filed Sep 2, 2024CA

I am writing regarding a recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the car was inspected, and the recalled piece replaced in 2006. The dealer at that time was named Martin Cadillac. The night of [XXX], my son was driving the CTS on the freeway at about 50 mph, when the front left tire and wheel suddenly twisted out of place and rendered the car undrivable. Fortunately, he was not injured or worse, but he was stranded in the middle of a busy freeway for more than 30 minutes until AAA arrived. The car was then towed to our home and towed to our mechanic the following day. The repair needed and done was to replace the left front control arm, precisely the area noted in the recall notice. Also, it was necessary to repair the undercarriage that was damaged by the dislocated wheel and tire. The left front fender was also damaged by the action of the detached tire and wheel. The total repair cost we paid was $793.13 for the control arm and undercarriage. We are not currently driving the car, as we are concerned that the car is still unsafe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Wheels
Filed Jul 15, 2024CA

Recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the car was inspected, and the recalled piece replaced in 2006. The dealer at that time was named Martin Cadillac. The night of [XXX], my son was driving the CTS on the freeway at about 50 mph, when the front left tire and wheel suddenly twisted out of place, impairing the steering and motion, rendering the car undrivable. He was stranded in the middle of a busy freeway for more than 30 minutes until AAA arrived. The car was then towed on a flatbed to our home and towed on a flatbed to our mechanic the following day. The repairs needed and done were to replace the left front control arm, precisely the area noted in the recall notice. Also, it was necessary to repair the undercarriage that was damaged by the dislocated wheel and tire. The left front fender was also damaged by the action of the detached tire and wheel. The total repair cost we paid was $793.13 for the control arm and undercarriage. We are not currently driving the car, as we are concerned that the car is still unsafe, and we are renting a car meanwhile. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 2, 2024CT

Fuel pump was failed replaced under recall back in 2016. Now again the fuel pump has failed again vehicle stalled. Please have GM repair it again under previous recall remedy. Please see attached photo

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 2022129,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle would not restart. The contact stated that the ignition failure required her to contact roadside assistance to jump start the battery. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle and determined that there was an unknown electrical issue. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 10, 202074,500 milesCA

VEHICLE GOES INTO THEFT MODE WHILE DRIVING, LOCKING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS INSIDE THE CAR. WINDOWS CANNOT BE ROLLED DOWN AND DOORS CANNOT BE UNLOCKED. CAR STOPS SHOWING SPEED, FUEL LEVEL, ETC. IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS. ALSO HAPPENS WHEN PARKED.

Power Train
Filed Apr 19, 2020100,000 milesWA

AT ABOUT 100K I NOTICED THE AXLE SEALS ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LEAKING. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS BUT NOT BASED ON MY VIN NUMBER. WHEN I NOTICED THIS THE CAR WAS ON A LIFT IN THE AIR BEING INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.

Engine
Filed Jan 13, 2020VA

I HAVE A CTS AND I'VE GOTTEN IT SERVICE THINKING IT WAS A TUNE UP DO TO IT WAS MISFIRING. COME TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS MY CYLINDERS GOTTEN THEN FIXED AND IT HAS DONE THE SAME. DID RESEARCH ON CTS AND COME TO FIND OUT THAT IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR THESE CARS. WHAT KIND OF SOLUTION CAN BE MADE TO STOP THESE ISSUES

Engine
Filed Oct 20, 201975,000 milesKY

THE TIMING BELT COVER LEAKING OIL CREATING FIRE HAZARD

Air Bags
Filed Apr 2, 2019CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V024000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TT *TR

Structure › Body › Trunk Lid
Filed Jan 11, 201947,500 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK MANUALLY, IT RAPIDLY CLOSED DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY AND STATED THAT IT COULD CAUSE INJURIES. DUE TO THE DISTANCE AND THE CONTACT'S HANDICAP, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,500.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 15, 20181 milesAP

I GOT THE CAR TOOKEN BUT THEY DONT WANT GAVE IT BACK I DONT NOW THE RESON CAN U GUYS GET IT BK THANK U WITH MY FULL RESPECT GOING OUT TO U N UR WORKERS

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 2018TN

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE BRAKES WENT OUT AND HE HAD TO PUMP THEM TO BE ABLE TO STOP. UPON REASEARCHING THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER CAME UP. HIS BRAKE LIGHT CAME AND AND UPON INSPECTING THE BRAKE LINES AND CHECKING THE FLUID IT WAS LOW AND THE LINES APPEAR TO BE CORRODED. CADILLAC STATED THERE IS NOT ACTIVE RECALL.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 28, 2018OH

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AT 60 MPH, MY SUNROOF, WHICH WAS CLOSED, FLEW OFF OF MY CAR! NO WARNING. NO REASON TO DO SO. IT JUST FLEW RIGHT OFF. THANKFULLY, NO-ONE WAS HURT AND EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. I WAS DRIVING WEST ON 90 RIGHT BEFORE THE LAGRANGE RD/301 EXIT IN OHIO.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 2018CA

IN BACK SEAT ON LEFT AIRBAG IS REALLY COMING OUT. IM AFRAID IT WILL EXPLODE WHEN I HAVE A CHILD OR FAMILY MEMBER IN THE SEAT. THE AIRBAG SITS RIGHT OVER THE PERSON THAT SITS UNDER IT. I HAPPEN TO NOTICE IT WHEN I WAS HELPING MY ELDER MOTHER OUT OF THE CAR. HELP PLEASE 🙏🏼 WE JUST HOME FROM DOCTORS APPOINTMENT.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2018CA

ON MAY 18TH, 2018 I PURCHASED A 2004 CADILLAC CTS FROM TOP NOTCH AUTO. THE GAS GAUGE, BRAKES, A/C, BLINKERS DASH BUTTONS ALL WERE NOT WORKING. HE SAID TO BRING IT THE NEXT DAY AND THEY WOULD FIX IT ALL. I RAN OUT OF GAS GETTING THERE THE NEXT DAY DUE TO NOT HAVING A WORKING GAS GAUGE. I SPENT THE ENTIRE DAY THERE AND THEY DID NOTHING TO FIX THE CAR. THE NEXT DAY THE COMPUTER (ECM) WENT OUT ON THE CAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND ASKED FOR MY MONEY BACK AND THEY SAID NO BUT WOULD FIX IT AND THEY HAD THE CAR FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FIXED BUT I NOTICED THE CAR WENT FROM 176000 MILES TO 101000 MILES (ODOMETER ROLLED BACK). I ASKED ABOUT THIS AND HE SAID IT WAS LEGAL AND NECESSARY TO FIX THE CAR. THE DAY AFTER GETTING IT BACK THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 20MPH ON THE ROAD. THE CODES READ PO121, PO23 AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND WIRING THAT WERE BAD. THE DEALER WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT. I PAID $498 OUT OF POCKET AND ANOTHER 3 DAYS WITHOUT THE CAR. I TOLD HIM THE BRAKES WERE STILL BAD AND THE CAR BARELY STOPS AND PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. ON FRIDAY JUNE 22ND THEY TOLD ME TO COME IN TO GET THE CARS VIN CHECKED OUT FOR MY REGISTRATION AND SO THEY CAN LOOK AT THE BRAKES. THEY SAID THEY BRAKES ARE FINE (THEY ARE NOT) AND HE TOOK MY KEYS AND WOULD NOT RETURN THEM UNTIL I SIGNED DOCUMENTATION SAYING I WOULD NOT COMPLAIN OR TAKE HIM TO COURT. IT IS NOW JULY

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 22, 201875,000 milesFL

WHEN YOU ENGAGE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER, THE WIPERS CONTINUE TO RUN AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. AT TIMES THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE WIPERS IS TO PULL THE FUSE. OTHER TIMES, SIMPLY TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND LETTING THE CAR SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES ALSO WORKS.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 9, 2018160,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE AIR BAG, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES. PATRIOT AUTO SALES IN CLEVELAND, OHIO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 18, 2018110,000 milesSC

MY CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR IS USED BUT EXCELLENT CONDITION AND RECENTLY PURCHASED. I FELT A JOLT GOT OFF THE NEXT EXIT AND CAR WILL NOT START, ALL BATTERIES COME ON, EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS

Electrical System
Filed Oct 24, 2017200,000 milesMS

ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017, WHILE DRIVING FROM WORK I HAD TO SUDDENLY APPLY TO MY BRAKES. IN THE PROCESS, FROM OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR JUST CUT OFF AND CONTINUE TO CRUISE ALONG. I HAD TO CRUISE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND AT THE SAME TIME MY STERN WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. ONCE I CAME TO A STOP ON SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURN MY IGNITION SWITCH TO THE ON POSITION. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION FOR ME, BECAUSE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 201792,876 milesTX

CAR WITH INTERMITTANT STARTING PROBLEMS. CAR WAS ABLE TO TAKE A JUMP BUT NO LONGER ABLE TO TAKE JUMPS. WENT TO START CAR AND KEY STUCK IN IGNITION, TEMP GAUGE AND GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING. SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM ON. THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO MOVE FROM DRIVEWAY. HAS TRIED BOTH CARS KEYS AND NO CHANGE. HAD BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER CHECKED. ALL WERE FINE. CAR STILL STUCK.

Service Brakes
Filed May 30, 2017139,650 milesCA

MY BRAKING POWER ASSIST FAILS OCCASIONALLY WHEN I AM MAKING A HARD TURN (AS WHEN PARKING), EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT , BUT RECOVERS WHEN I STRAIGHTEN OUT MY STEERING WHEEL. THIS BEGAN AFTER I REPLACED MY FRONT WHEEL ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AT AROUND120,000 MILES. MY POWER ASSIST UNIT FAILED COMPLETELY AROUND 138.000 MILES, SO I HAD IT AND MY MASTER BRAKE UNIT REPLACED. I CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME BRAKING PROBLEM AS BEFORE.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 7, 201787,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE GLASS MOON ROOF SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND BLEW AWAY. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE MOON ROOF WAS IN THE CLOSED POSITION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 30, 201765,000 milesVA

THE AIR BAG INDICATOR HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE OCTOBER 2016. I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT AFTER MY MECHANIC RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON 1/19/2017, THE READING SHOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER SEAT WHICH CAUSES THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" TO HIGHLIGHT IN THE INFORMATION CENTER OF THE STEREO SYSTEM AT EVERY STARTUP OF THE ENGINE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2016130,000 milesMN

SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM HAS CAME ON RANDOMLY WHICH WOULD NOT LET THE CAR BE MOVED OUT OF PARK. WHICH ALSO CAUSES THE KEY TO NOT BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION. THE CAR ALSO HAS INTERMITTENT STARTS AND CAN BE JUMPED AT THE STARTER RELAY IN THE FUSE PANEL. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. IT MAKES THE GAS GAUGE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE NOT WORK BUT SPEED AND RPM DO WORK.T HE LIGHTS ON THE SHITTER DO NOT WORK ALONG WITH RC NOT FUNCTIONING AND THEFT SYMBOL SHOWING ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO..

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 22, 201688,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 18, 201670,000 milesSC

TAKATA RECALLED MY 77 YEAR OLD MOTHER, A DIABETIC, RECENTLY RAN INTO THE BACK OF A COP CAR IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC WHEN HER BLOOD SUGAR WAS LOW. HER HEAD BANGED AGAINST THE WHEEL AND HER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT DIDN'T DEFLATE. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2004 CADILLAC CTS SEDAN WITH AROUND 60K MILES ON IT, WITH VIN NUMBER [XXX]. I HAVE CONTACTED CADILLAC CORPORATE AND THEY ARE PROCESSING MY INFORMATION AT THE MOMENT. THE CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. PLEASE CONTACT ME, [XXX] , BACK AT [XXX] AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, OR RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 2, 2016101,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V225000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 21, 2016120,000 milesNY

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT DID NOT START. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. MEANWHILE, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 05V024000 (AIR BAGS), 10V105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), AND 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 1, 201680,000 milesME

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK WHEN FILLED OVER 3/4 TANK AND SENDING UNIT NOT OPERATING PROPERLY WITH SOME NOTICEABLE HESITATION , FUEL GAUGE NO LONGER REPORTS CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN TANK SAME ISSUE AS CADILLAC CTS-V NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V542000,WITH THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT OVERHEATING AND BURNING A HOLE IN THE UNIT.

Electrical System
Filed May 26, 201631,557 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE THE ACCURATE READINGS. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND THE TIRE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,557.....UPDATED 0711/16 *BF *CN

Service Brakes
Filed May 2, 2016110,000 milesCA

WHEN TURNING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED THE BREAKING SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILS. THIS NEARLY CAUSED MY ENTIRE FAMILY TO END UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY WE WERE TRAVELING SLOW AND THE EMERGENCY BREAK WORKED. WE IMMEDIATELY GOT HOME AND CHECKED FLUID AS WAS WELL. READING THROUGH ONLINE COMPLAINTS THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE EXACT SAME THING. I AM TRULY WORRIED THIS COULD GET SOMEONE KILLED. AT THE TIME THE BREAKS FAILED THEY STUTTERED A BIT AND THE BREAK LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AS WELL AS A TONE OR ALERT IN THE CAR. PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. THIS JUST STARTED HAPPENING SUDDENLY OUT OF THE BLUE. MY DAUGHTER HAD TOLD ME HER BREAKS DID SOMETHING STRANGE WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY ONE MORNING. THEN THE NEXT DAY SHE SAID IT DID IT AGAIN GOING FORWARD SHE ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. I HAD HER TAKE ME FOR A DRIVE SO I COULD SEE FOR MYSELF AND I WAS TERRIFIED WHEN IT HAPPENED.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 11, 2016143,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CADILLAC CTS EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL TIGER PAW TOURING TIRES, SIZE: 235/55R17 99HM+S (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON SLIGHTLY WET ROADS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE, DROVE INTO A DITCH, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE'S TIRES FAILED TO GAIN TRACTION IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FACE, ARM, AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 2, 2016185,000 milesMO

TAKATA RECALL WS DRIVING THE CAR - I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN IN PARKING LOT - THEN SOUNDED LIKE A POP - THE BOTTOM BALL JOINT FELL COMPLETELY OUT DUE TO SCREW FALLING OFF BOTTOM CALLED SEVERAL PLACES FOR PART AND SEVERAL WOULDN'T EVEN GIVE ME A QUOTE DUE TO A RECALL THEN I CALL GM DEALERSHIP IN COLUMBIA MO AND THEY STATE VIN # ARE OFF BUY 270 I FEEL LIKE IT SHOULD BE COVERED DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT DONE EXACTLY THE SAME THING OTHER CTS

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 24, 2016110,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 2, 2016IL

2004 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE THROTTLE WAS EITHER REPLACED OR SERVICED SIX TIMES. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 45- 50 MPH. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock1 injured
Filed Jan 4, 20162,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REMOVING AN OBJECT OUT OF THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK CLOSED ON THE CONTACTS BACK INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER BACK BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 04/29/16*LJ *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 24, 201585,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION, THE KEY FAILED TO EJECT FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 9, 2015CA

WHEN AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN PARKING AND TURNING HERE KIND OF GRINDING AND CAR NOT WANTING TO STOP, GENERALLY WHEN PULLING INTO OR OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, OR COMING TO ANY SLOW STOP. ALWAYS AT A LOW SPEED. SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGERS WHO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH IT IS DOCUMENTED CLOSE TO 100 TIMES ON THIS AND OTHER WEB SITES: TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0F480A/29 PLEASE CHECK THESE POSTS SINCE SO MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WHICH (AS STATED IN ONE OF THE POSTS) VERY WELL COULD BE A FAILURE IN THE DESIGN OR WORKMANSHIP IN SOME OF THE WIRING HARNESSES CONNECTING THE EBCM TO THE SPEED SENSORS THAT CAUSES THE BRAKES TO FAIL. WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT(ALMOST STOPPED) THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND, A VIBRATING BRAKE PEDDLE AND THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO STOP. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT IS ONLY HAPPENING ON RIGHT TURNS AND VERY SLOW SPEEDS.

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2015128,000 milesGA

I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC CTS I HAVE REPLACED THE ECM, THROTTLE BODY 3 TIMES, GAS PEDAL, WIRING HARNESS FOR THE THROTTLE BODY, BUT THE THROTTLE BODY POSITION WILL BE LEARNED FOR ABOUT A MONTH THEN MY VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE ALMOST CAUSING SEVERAL CAR ACCIDENTS. I HAVE TRIED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED AS WELL. I DON'T WANT TO LET THIS VEHICLE GO BUT THIS ISSUE WILL NOT STOP. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND I NEED IT FIXED BEFORE ME OR ONE OF THE OTHER GM OWNERS LOSE THEIR LIVES.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 22, 201587,594 milesTX

SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT AND WARNING INDICATOR CAME ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED. TOOK TO GM CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. WAS ADVISED CODE B0058- RIGHT FRONT PRETENSIONER DEFECTIVE ON PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THIS PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM GM AND THEREFORE THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO MAKE REPAIRS. ALSO ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED AND WILL NOT DEPLOY. WAS TOLD TO CONTACT GM CUSTOMER SERVICE. AFTER 3 WEEKS OF LENGTHY TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS, STILL NO HELP FROM GM. SEARCHED EVERY ONLINE WEBSITE AND THIS PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE WITH GM.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 16, 2015135,375 milesFL

PULLING OUT FROM MY DRIVEWAY IN SLOW SPEED ABOUT 3 MPH ON REVERSE TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT MY RADIO SHOW MESSAGE "SERVICE BRAKE ASSISTANCE". SAME TIME I LOST THE BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHT COME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. LUCKY THIS WAS LOW SPEED SO CAR STOPS ON MY NEIGHBOR TRASH CAN. I DON'T WANT TO THINK WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE OTHER CAR WILL DRIVE BY OR SOMEONE WILL WALK BY. I AM SCARE TO DRIVE NOW.

Steering
Filed Aug 17, 201595,394 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,394.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 10, 2015700 milesIL

THIS INCIDENT WAS THE FIRST OF 5 TIMES THAT THE TRUNK LID, WHEN COMPLETELY OPENED, BLEW SHUT ON MY HEAD. MY BOYFRIEND HAS BEEN HIT 2 TIMES. WHEN IT'S OPEN ALL THE WAY, IT'S AT AN APPROXIMATE 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND THE LEAST AMOUNT OF WIND WILL CAUSE IT TO BLOW SHUT. THE TRUNK LID ITSELF IS EXTREMELY HEAVY AND I'M FAIRLY STRONG. I ACTUALLY HAVE SCAR TISSUE ON MY HEAD FROM BEING HIT. I DIDN'T SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION BUT THERE WERE A COUPLE OF TIMES THAT I WAS ALMOST KNOCKED OUT. I LOVE MY CAR AND WOULD GET ANOTHER CADILLAC CTS IN A HEARTBEAT IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed May 2, 2015153,000 milesIL

REAR PINION SEAL FAILED AND REAR AXLE LOCKED UP. LOST CONTROL AND WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2005 AND NEWER CTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V589000, GM RECALL NO. 07204) BUT NOT MY 2004 WHICH HAS AN IDENTICAL REAR MAIN SEAL. THE PART NUMBER USED IN THE RECALL IS THE SAME TO REPAIR MY 2004. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 6, 2015IN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 22, 201546,050 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AFTER MAKING A TURN AT A STOP SIGN, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR UN-LATCHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,050.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 8, 2015107,020 milesCA

WENT TO JIFFY LUBE TO GET ENGINE OIL CHANGED. ON THE WAY HOME MY CAR STARTED TO STALL, THEN SHUT OFF. TOOK IT TO THE GMC CADILLAC DEALER AND THEY STATED I NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP, AND THAT THERE IS A LEAK. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE IS NUMEROUS RECALLS FOR THIS EXACT SITUATION, HOWEVER MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER THIS RECALL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 6, 2015MO

2004 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER STATES RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR CAR AND HAVE YET TO GET TO GET FIXED DUE TO NO PARTS. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS FINALLY ARRIVED AND THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. RECALL # 14V394000.*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 224, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201910000Routine
20188200Routine
201727200Routine
201631410Routine
201549320Routine
2014146600Routine
201373200Routine
201265200Routine
2011101230Routine
201067310Routine
2009167503Fatalities reported
2008175230Routine
2007217660Above average
2006269621Fatalities reported
2005277642Fatalities reported
2004 — this page224610Above average
20033134120Above average

Compare every CTS year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 9, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.