Page 3 of 5 · complaints 101–150 of 224

2004 Cadillac CTS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 2, 201178,000 milesNV

CAR WOULD NOT STOP AT LOW RATES OF SPEED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. HAVE HAD TO THROW IT INTO "PARK" GEAR TO MAKE IT STOP. HAVE CHANGED BRAKE SENSORS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS, EBSCM SYSTEM, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" LIGHT CAME ON AFTER MULTIPLE EPISODES OCCURRED. HAVE HAD IT INTO CADILLAC DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND CONTINUE WITH SAME PROBLEM. AWARE THIS HAS OCCURRED ON MANY CARS OF SAME MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR VIA INTERNET SEARCH.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 25, 201199,300 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH AND ABOVE OR WHILE SITTING IDLE WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,300.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 11, 201158,343 milesCA

BOUGHT CAR IN 4-2009. FIRST THROTTLE WENT OUT WITHIN 20 DAYS, REPLACED BY DEALER. DEALER WENT BANKRUPT WITHIN A MONTH. SECOND THROTTLE REPLACED 8-2010, THIRD 2-2011, AND FOURTH THROTTLE WENT OUT YESTERDAY (4-4-2011.) ONE GM DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIR, CALLING CAR A "PROBLEM CHILD." (I.E. LEMON) ANOTHER SAID THEY DID NOT WANT TO, BUT WOULD REPLACE THROTTLE, BUT WOULD NOT HANDLE THE WARRANTY. I HAVE CALLED GM AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, TALKING FOR HOURS, AND THEY REFUSE TO THINK THIS IS THEIR PROBLEM. I HAVE REPEATEDLY BROUGHT UP THE DANGEROUS SITUATION A THROTTLE GOING OUT CREATES WHEN THE CAR LOOSES POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. THEY JUST DON'T CARE. GM DOES HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THROTTLE PROBLEMS. I HAVE PUT @ 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR SINCE PURCHASE IN 2009.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Mar 3, 201190,400 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN FLUID BEGAN LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE FRACTURED FROM THE RADIATOR. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY, COOLANT LINES AND REFILLING WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,400.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 28, 201150,000 milesCA

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT ANY SPEED WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL WAS RETURNED TO A STRAIGHTENED POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE BRAKING AND MAKING RIGHT TURNS. THE FAILURE RECURRED MORE FREQUENTLY DURING RAINY CONDITIONS. DURING THE FAILURES A BRAKE ASSIST LIGHT WOULD ALSO ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. SM.

SteeringCrash
Filed Dec 30, 201057,684 milesFL

1) LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF MY EMPLOYER, TURNING RIGHT ONTO MAJOR HIGHWAY 2) ONE OCCURRENCE. THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM, HENCE DROPPING THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER ONTO OF THE WHEEL/TIRE. THE NUT "BACKED OFF" AND SLOWLY SPUN ITSELF OFF. THE NUT HAD NO VISIBLE "MARRING" OF THE METAL OR SHOWED SIGNS OF DISTRESS. THIS IS ALSO TRUEFOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT. 3) VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE PARTS WERE REPLACED AND A NEW NUT WAS APPLIED. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED BY GM FOR THE 2004 CADILLAC CTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEMS, GM HAS FAILED TO CURE THE PROBLEM AS " IT DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE DESCRIBED LOT OF VEHICLES PER YOUR VIN # ". GIVEN THE MAJOR SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS SURROUNDING THE IMPROPER FUNCTION OF THIS PART IT IS IRRATIONAL TO BELIEVE THAT THE NUT WOULD JUST "BACK ITSELF OFF". *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 24, 201048,500 milesCT

I OWN A 2004 CADILLAC CTS WITH NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR RESPONDING TO SEVERAL RECALLS. SEVERAL DAYS AGO, I WAS MOVING FORWARD INTO A PARKING SPACE AT ABOUT 3 MILES/HOUR. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUDDENLY THE PEDAL WENT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AND I BARELY STOPPED INCHES FROM THE CAR IN FRONT. I WAS NOT STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT NORMAL BUT TWO LOUD BURSTS OF AIR, 2-3 SECONDS EACH, OCCURRED. THE CADILLAC DEALER FINDS NOTHING IN COMPUTER CHECKS, ROAD TESTS, AND VISUAL INSPECTIONS AND DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE EDMUNDS.COM TOWNHALL WEB SITE CONTAINS SEVERAL REPORTS OF EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CADILLAC CTS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 20, 201043,560 milesPA

ABS BRAKES WOULD KICK IN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 5 MPH. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STOP THE CAR WAS TO THROW IT INTO PARK OR HIT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT WAS HAPPENING ABOUT 2 TIMES EVERY MONTH OR TWO. VERY RANDOMLY. I KEPT BRUSHING IT OFF UNTIL ONE DAY I ALMOST HIT A PERSON. THE ABS AND TC WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON THE DASH AND THEN GO AWAY WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE CADILLAC DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE ABS SENSORS. THIS WAS ON OCT. 12, 2010. AS IT TURNED OUT, I HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $659.41. THE NAME OF THE CADILLAC DEALERWHERE I HAD IT REPAIRED IS FAULKNER CADILLAC, 298 STOKE PARK ROAD, BETHLEHEM,PA..PHONE # 610-867-4177. MY CUSTOMER ON THE RECEIPT IS #[XXX], AND THE INVOICE # IS [XXX]. THE MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 50,590. THE REPAIR DATE WAS OCT. 12, 2010. SINCE I HAD IT REPAIRED, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS. I'M SURE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. I REALIZE IT WOULD BE AN EXPENSIVE RECALL ON GM'S PART BUT A NECESSARY ONE. THANK YOU, [XXX] PHONE # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 16, 201055,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE METAL BRAKE LINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CORROSION AFTER FINDING OUT ABOUT RECALL 10V105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION, HOSES, LINES/PIPING). HE EXPERIENCED NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Oct 21, 201076,000 milesCA

MY CADILLAC '04 CTS HAS A BRAKE ISSUE. WHEN TURNING SHARP AT LOW SPEEDS THE BRAKES "DISENGAGE" AND I LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND I CAN'T DUPLICATE IT AT WILL. IT JUST HAPPENS. I HAVE FILED A CASE WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AM TAKING TO THE DEALER TOMORROW. *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 28, 201056,000 milesIL

BACK PLASTIC PIECE THAT COVERS MY LICENSE PLATE FELL OFF, I HAVE 2004 CADILLAC CTS AND I BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER AND IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. TO REPLACE THIS PIECE COSTS AROUND $1200.00. HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO BEFORE CADILLAC TAKES CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. ITS A CADILLAC A PIECE OF PLASTIC ON A $40,000 CAR SHOULD NOT JUST FALL OFF. *TR

Service Brakes, ElectricCrash
Filed Aug 28, 201075,000 milesCA

BRAKE FAILURE IN CADILLAC CTS I HAVE A LARGE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION IN A PDF THAT EXPLAINS OUR EXPERIENCE AS WELL AS DOCUMENTS MULTIPLE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES FROM OTHER INDIVIDUALS. HOW DO I SEND IT TO YOU? THE BRAKES ARE INTERMITTENTLY COMPLETELY FAILING AT SLOW SPEEDS AND SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A PEDESTRIAN SEEMS INEVITABLE. PLEASE HELP!!! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Aug 27, 201061,971 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE BROKE OFF FROM THE RADIATOR AND THE FLUID SPILLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. HE STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED, THERE WAS FLUID ON THE GROUND AND INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY AND REFILLED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,971 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,100. UPDATED 01/04/11. *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 26, 201069,500 milesNY

THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT TWISTED ON THIS '04 CADDY CTS WITH 70K MILES. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TOLD US TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WANTED HRS OF LABOR GUESTIMATED AT $170 TO TAKE IT APART. ISN'T IT ESSENTIAL THAT A SAFETY FEATURE HOLDS UP. THE CAR IS MOSTLY DRIVEN BY A LIGHT WEIGHT WOMAN WHO IS VERY CAREFUL. I THOUGHT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD WARRANTY THE SEATBELT DESIGN LONGER! THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS IS HAPPENED IN THE 20 CARS WE HAVE OWNED SINCE SEATBELTS WERE STANDARD. ARE THERE ANY OTHER SUCH COMPLAINTS?> THESE FRONT BELTS COME FROM THE TOP OF THE SEAT. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 11, 201042,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. HE NOTICED THE FAILURE AT LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 5 TO 10 MPH. HE HAD TO SHIFT INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE WHEEL SENSORS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,150. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 2, 2010NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTICE MAY 2010 AND AFTER WAS TOLD THE PARTS NEEDED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AFTER THREE MONTHS. SHE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY DEFECT NOT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 26, 20104,200 milesGA

I PURCHASED A 2004 CTS IN MAY OF 2007. THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THERE IS NOW 52,000 MILES ON THE CAR. MY CONCERN IS THAT SINCE HAVING THE CAR ON FOUR OCCASIONS THE CAR HAS FAILED TO START. THE DASHBOARD GOES BLACK, THE FIRST TIME WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, BUT WHEN THE BATTERY WAS TESTED WE WERE TOLD IT WAS FINE. THE OTHER TIMES IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. NO CLEAR EXPLANATION WAS GIVEN FOR THE BREAKDOWN. THE PROBLEM IS THAT CAR GOES DEAD THE DASH PANEL IS BLACK AND SILENT. THERE ARE NO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 19, 201082,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN WHEN THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS AT STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. UPDATED 9/22/10 THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED A HESITATION AND SURGE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY CLEANING THE AIR INTAKE THAT HAD AN OILY DIRTY FILM ON IT. UPDATED 09/24/10 UPDATED 04-14-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOW BEAMS ARE POORLY ILLUMINATED. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages1 injured
Filed Jul 5, 201024,000 milesFL

TRUCK LID SLAMS DOWN. ALMOST KNOCKED ME OUT. *TR

Wheels
Filed Jun 2, 201050,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK AN OBJECT ON THE ROAD. THE RIGHT FRONT RIM BECAME DAMAGED, CAUSING THE EDGE OF THE RIM TO HIT THE BRAKE CALIPER AND A BRAKE FLUID LEAK. THE CONTACT INSTALLED THE SPARE TIRE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 6, 201020,000 milesCA

SPORADIC BRAKE FAILURES ON A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. CAR HAS HAD FRONT LEFT HUB/SPEED SENSOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED 4 TIMES PER AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDATION STARTING AT <20K MILES. BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRING EVERY FEW DAYS, TYPICALLY AT LOW SPEED BUT NOW STARTING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. NEARLY RAN OVER PEDESTRIAN IN PARKING LOT. ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED THUS FAR. CAR IS WITH DEALERSHIP; THEY SAY ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE IS TO BLAME. CALLED GM; THEY REFUSE TO COVER COST OF REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH PROBLEM STARTED WHEN CAR WAS 19 MONTHS OLD WITH <20K MILES. *TR THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE ABS ACTIVATED AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. UPDATED IVOQ 09/29/10 THE DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY. UPDATED 10/29/10

Suspension
Filed Apr 6, 201019,144 milesCA

IF YOU GO HERE: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0F480A YOU WILL SEE THAT OUR CAR IS NOT THE FIRST CTS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM!!! MY IN-LAWS PURCHASED A CADILLAC CTS IN ILLINOIS IN 2004. THAT CAR NEEDED ITS FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING/SPEED SENSOR/HUB REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT WAS REPLACED ON 2/906, 7/10/07, AND 12/3/07 IN IL, AND AGAIN IN CA IN 7/08. IN 12/07 MY IN-LAWS PURCHASED A NEW CAR AND GAVE THE '04 CTS TO MY HUSBAND AND I (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS). SINCE RECEIVING THIS CAR, IT INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED A 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' WARNING. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING/SPEED SENSOR/HUB WAS REPLACED AGAIN AT A LOCAL CA DEALERSHIP ON 7/30/08. THE 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' WARNING HAS CONTINUED TO BE DISPLAYED RARELY BUT INTERMITTENTLY DURING THIS TIME. EARLIER THIS SPRING, I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. WE TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE REPLACE THE TIRES (WHICH WE DID) AND THEN RECOMMENDED THAT WE REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING/SPEED SENSOR/HUB AGAIN FOR THE 5TH TIME. WE WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT (OBVIOUSLY IT WAS NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM) SO TOOK IT HOME TO INVESTIGATE. WE WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THE WAY THE CAR WAS BRAKING AND TOOK IT BACK IN LAST WEEK TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE TOLD AGAIN THAT WE SHOULD REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING/SPEED SENSOR/HUB ASSEMBLY. WE REFUSED ASKING THEM TO PLEASE FURTHER INVESTIGATE WHY THE SAME PART WAS FAILING. WE CALLE

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Mar 12, 201034,842 milesNY

I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, PUT VEHICLE INTO FIRST GEAR, BEGAN TO LET OFF OF CLUTCH, HEARD & FELT A VERY LOUD BANG. REAR DIFFERENTIAL EXPLODED. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 7, 201089,160 milesMI

2004 CTS W/ 89160 MILES COMPLETE AND SUDDEN LOSS OF TRANS FLUID. HAD TOWED TO GM DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANS LINES TO THE RADIATOR WERE "STRIPPED " AND BOTH NEEDED REPLACING. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND THIS AREA HAS NEVER BEEN SERVICED OR TOUCHED. DEALER THAT WORKED ON PROBLEM IS ST. *TR

Traction Control System
Filed Mar 5, 201050,000 milesCA

ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY OF 2007, SEPTEMBER 2008, JUNE 2008 AND MARCH 2010, MY 2004 CADILLAC CTS'S RPM FLUCTUATED FROM 1 TO 3 AT A HIGH SPEED WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE PARKED. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 2, 201070,000 milesVA

HELLO, I HAVE HEARD REPORTS OF THE GM RECALL FOR POWER STEERING IN SOME VEHICLES. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT CADILLAC'S AS WELL. I HAVE A 04 CTS THAT JUST RECENTLY STARTED DOING THE EXACT SAME THING A FEW WEEKS AGO. AT LOW SPEEDS THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A WHINE SOUND. LOOKS LIKE THE POWER ASSIST PUMP HAS GONE OUT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 28, 201029,635 milesVA

WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 55 MPH LOST ALL POWER EXCEPT ENGINE POWER. ALL DASHBOARD FEATURES CD POWER AND TIME. I HAVE PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF ROAD TURNED KEY ON AGAIN EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON AND EVERYTHING LIT UP AGAIN... IF ENGINE WOULD OF STOPPED THIS COULD OF CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Sep 17, 200935,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE HEARD A RUMBLING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE AS IF IT WERE UNSTABLE. INSTABILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASED THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RESURFACED. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE DIFFERENTIALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 118,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 7, 200941,000 milesKS

I HAD A 2004 CADILLAC CTS AND I WAS TRAVELING AT A RATE OF 60 MILES PER HOUR AND HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION. MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Dec 13, 2008IL

WHILE READING MYCARSTATS, I TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE TRUNK ON MY 04 CTS SLAMMING DOWN ALL THE TIME. THIS HAS NOT CAUSED ANY INJURY TO ME THUS FAR. HOPEFULLY THIS CAN BE RESOLVED BEFORE FURTHER INJURIES OCCUR. *TR

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal
Filed Dec 5, 200871,700 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE PINION SEAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V589000 (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL) APPLIED TO THE 2005-2007 MODELS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE DEALER REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT TO GO TO ANOTHER DEALER. IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PINION SEAL FAILED. HE WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, IT WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED FOR FREE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,700. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/08/09. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages1 injured
Filed Dec 3, 2008AZ

2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE TRUNK LID FELL ON MY HEAD. I HAVE BEEN HAVING HEADACHES EVER SINCE. I PROBABLY WILL GO TO THE DOCTOR TO MAKE SURE THAT I DID NOT CRACK MY SKULL. THE LID CAME DOWN WITH SUCH A FORCE THAT WAS UNBELIEVABLE! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 10, 200840,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE AND COULD NOT ASSIST. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V024000 WAS REFERENCED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD IDLE VERY LOUDLY AS IF SOMEONE WERE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED JUST AS THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Oct 13, 20081,000 milesTN

2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CAR HAS MADE A LOUD NOISE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL SINCE PURCHASED. THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE NOISE AND JERKING OF REAR WHEELS CONTINUES. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES THREE TIMES BECAUSE THE DEALER SAID THEY WERE THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE AND JERKING, BUT THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS. I HAVE CHECKED THE INTERNET AND INFORMATION LISTED REVEALS THE CADILLAC CTS HAS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE DRIVE TRAIN HOWEVER GM HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Aug 27, 200828,000 milesIA

I HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC CTS 3.6L. I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH 28,000 MILE ON IT AND HAVE NOTICED A WHINING AND HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I BRUSHED IT OFF THINKING IT WOULD NOT BE ANYTHING. BUT THEN I DID RESEARCHED ON IT AND NOTICED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION BULLETINS THE REAR END PROBLEMS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE CADILLAC DEALERSHIP ABOUT 6 TIMES OR MORE WITH COMPLAINTS AND THEY HAVE HEARD THE NOISE BUT TELL ME THAT IT IS NORMAL GEAR RASH NOISE YEAH RIGHT!!. HERE IS A LIST OF PI'S TAKE TO UR DEALERSHIP NOVEMBER 24, 2004 - PIP3140 - ABNORMAL NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING - KW ACCESSORY AFTERMARKET AXLE BUZZ CASE GROWL GROAN HOWL MOAN PROP RATTLE RESONANCE SHAFT TRANSMISSION WHINE BODY BOOM PART MODIFICATION NO OEM PIP3051PI03-05 CADILLAC CTS , CTS-V AND SRX HOWL WHINE NOISE FROM REAR AXLE - KW ACCELERATE DECELERATEJULY 8, 2004 PIP3140PIABNORMAL NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING - KW ACCESSORY AFTERMARKET AXLE BUZZ CASE GROWL GROAN HOWL MOAN PROP RATTLE RESONANCE SHAFT TRANSMISSION WHINE BODY BOOM PART MODIFICATION NO OEMNOVEMBER 24, 2004 PIP3152BPI 04-05 CADILLAC SRX, CTS, CTS-V AND 05 CADILLAC STS SHUDDER OR BIND ON LOW SPEED TURNS - KW DIFFERENTIAL GROAN GROWL MOAN NOISE REAR SLOW VIBRATION DECEMBER 7, 2004 PIP3152FPISHUDDER OR BIND ON LOW SPEED TURNS - KEYWORDS AXLE DIFFERENTIAL GROAN GROWL MOAN NOISE REAR SLOW VIBRATIONOCTOBER 28, 2005 PIP3051BPIHOWL WHINE NOISE FROM REAR AXLE - KEYWORDS ACCELERATE DECELERATE SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 PIP3

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Aug 15, 2008TN

2004 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE INVESTIGATION ON THE 2004-2005 CADILLAC CTS-V. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 200 MILES BEFORE THE REAR END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Aug 3, 200853,751 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING IN SLOW TRAFFIC, LOST POWER IN ALL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, AIR CONDITIONER, DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS). LUCKILY CAR KEPT GOING. DROVE OFF FREEWAY AND MANUALLY UNLOCKED CAR TO GET OUT. CAR STARTED UP NORMALLY AFTER THAT. *TR

Tires
Filed Jul 7, 200831,005 milesAZ

TWO TIRES HAD TREAD SEPARATION. BOTH WERE REPLACED WITH NEW TIRES AFTER 9,000. THE BRAND NAME IS 'NANKANG', MADE IN KOREA, SIZE 245-50-16 RADIAL. THEY WERE PURCHASED AT BIG O TIRE COMPANY. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 25, 200820,600 milesCO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS RESTING ON THE WHEEL, WHICH WAS ONLY ATTACHED BY THE BRAKE LINE. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V273000 (STEERING:LINKAGES) FOUR YEARS PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,600.

Steering › Linkages
Filed Jun 17, 200865,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT HEARD A TAPPING AND GRINDING SOUND UNDER HER FEET WHILE DRIVING, AND ALSO FELT SOMETHING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND IS CURRENTLY MAKING REPAIRS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER HER VEHICLE IDENTIFCATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 07/29/08. *JB

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Jun 15, 200865,000 milesGA

I AM WRITING TO REPORT A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED TO MY WIFE'S 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING TO WORK THAT MORNING SHE BEGAN TO SMELL A ROTTEN EGG TYPE OF ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SHE THOUGHT WHAT SHE SMELLED WAS AN EXHAUST ODOR. AT THIS POINT SHE DECIDED TO RETURN HOME WITH VEHICLE. WHEN SHE RETURNED SHE HAD ME INSPECT THE CAR, AS THERE WAS STEAM EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD THE SOURCE OF THE STEAM WAS REVEALED AS THE VENT OUTLETS ON THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY WAS HOT AND WAS VENTING SULFURIC ACID STEAM. THE BATTERY IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE AIR INTAKE GRILLS FOR CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SULFURIC STEAM WAS BEING SUCKED INTO THE AIR INTAKE OF THE HVAC SYSTEM AND THEN BEING EMITTED INTO THE CABIN VIA THE VENT SYSTEM. MY WIFE HAD INHALED THIS CAUSTIC GAS FOR THE PERIOD SHE DROVE THE CAR CAUSING HER TO HAVE SEVERE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS REQUIRING AN EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT. SHE WAS TREATED FOR SEVERE RESPIRATORY IRRITATION DUE TO EXPOSURE TO THE CAUSTIC GAS. THE SYMPTOMS AND ILLNESS FROM THIS EXPOSURE LASTED 8-10 DAYS AND INCLUDED A NUMBER OF FOLLOW UP VISITS TO THE DOCTOR. AT THIS TIME THERE HAS BEEN NO DEFINITE CAUSE OR REASON TO WHY THE BATTERY FAILED. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC SAID THAT THE BATTERY PROBABLE HAD A MAJOR PLATE FAILURE AND WENT INTO AN INTERNAL, DEAD SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSING THE OVERHEATING. I WANT TO WARN/DOCUMENT THIS INCIDENT AS A DANGEROUS THREAT TO THE OCCUPANTS OF 20

Suspension
Filed Jun 11, 200834,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED HER VEHICLE WITH NUMEROUS FAILURES. SHE STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE FRONT END SUSPENSION, STEERING WHEEL SHAFT, AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL. SHE WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER LOCATION BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, DUE TO THE NUMBER OF FAILURES, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AT ALL. THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT THE CONTACT TO TRADE THE VEHICLE IN OR TAKE IT BACK. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE IS A LEMON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 3, 2008LA

I HAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A VEHICLE THAT DIDN'T HAVE A TURN SIGNAL ON, THE BACK BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD. MY RATE OF SPEED WAS 55MPH, THE FRONT OF MY CAR WAS DESTROYED AND THE HOOD WAS CAVED IN AND UP. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT BUT MY NOSE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING ME TO HAVE A BLOODED NOSE, BLACK EYES, AND FRACTURED NOSE. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS AMAZED. THE VEHICLE THAT I HIT WAS ALSO A CADILLAC BUT AN OLDER MODEL. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 19, 200860,000 milesCA

I HAVE A 04 CADILLIAC CTS THAT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE PARKED. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THERE WERE ONLY 60,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT RAN OK . MY WARRANTY WAS UP A MONTH BEFORE THIS HAPPEN I FILED A COMPLAINT BUT NO ONE IS CALLING ME BACK TO VIEW THE VEHICLE OR OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *TR

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Mar 19, 2008GA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,610.

Power Train
Filed Mar 11, 200823,000 milesCA

POWERTRAIN PROBLEM AS MANY OTHERS ALREADY POSTED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Dec 31, 200746,540 milesCA

THE MASTER CYLINDER IN MY 2004 CADILLAC CTS HAS BEEN REPLACED AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME , TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR (MAY 2007 AND DEC. 2007). *TR

Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights
Filed Nov 5, 200775,000 milesFL

ON MY 2004 CADILLAC CTS THE AREA WHERE THE BACKUP LIGHTS ARE LEAKS FROM RAIN, OR A CAR WASH. THIS CAUSES THE CONSTANT REPLACEMENT OF BULBS BECAUSE OF RAIN AND MOISTURE GETTING INTO THE AREA CAUSING THE SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE BULBS, AND CORROSION OF ELECTRICAL SOCKETS, LET ALONE THE RISK INVOLVED OF BACKING UP AND SOMEONE HITTING OUR CAR FROM THE REAR BECAUSE OF FAILURE OF THE BACK UP LIGHTS, (WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS FOUR TIMES IN 2 MONTHS). WE TOOK OUR CAR TODAY TO THE CADILLAC DEALERSHIP, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM, THAT CADILLAC FOUND THE ERROR, AND THAT THE ENTIRE SECTION OF THE CAR HAS TO BE REPLACED. YET WE HAVE TO PAY BETWEEN 500.00 TO 700.00 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE THE CORRECTION MADE. FOR THIS TO BE A 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE, AND FOR THIS TO BE A PROBLEM, THAT CADILLAC KNOWS ABOUT, THIS SOUNDS MORE LIKE A RECALL ITEM THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY CADILLAC AND GM. *TR

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Sep 10, 20077,000 milesIL

OIL LEAKING FROM REAR DIFF IN 2004. DEALER REPLACED SEAL, BUT LEAKED AGAIN IN 2006 AND DEALER THEN REPLACED REAR DIFF. THEN IN 2007 A SEAL ON THE NEW DIFF LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. IT APPEARS THAT THE REAR DIFF IS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED AND WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL OUTSIDE MY WARRANTY PERIOD. IN MY OPINION, THE REAR DIFF IS THE ONLY DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 CTS. *JB

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Apr 26, 200730,150 milesTX

1) I TOOK MY CAR IN ON 3/30 COMPLAINING OF A LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL. I WAS INFORMED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. 4/20 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS. I DOWN SHIFTED AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE ENGINE REVVED YET THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD QUITE LITERALLY EXPLODED. 2) THE HOUSING TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SHATTERED CAUSING ONE OF THE BOLTS TO COME OUT AND THE REMAINDER OF THE HOUSING TO HANG AT AN ANGLE. THE INTERNALS OF THE DIFFERENTIAL LOOKED AS THOUGH A GRENADE HAD BEEN SET OFF IN THEM. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR HALF SHAFT WAS HANGING OUT OF THE HOUSING. 3) I'M CURRENTLY LOCKED IN A FIGHT WITH MY LOCAL CADILLAC DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE TRYING TO REFUSE WARRANTY. *JB

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2004 Cadillac CTS → · Every CTS year → · How the figures are calculated →