NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
12 reportsClear category filter156,366 miles · Jun 2, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes
THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES BLEW OUT OF THE RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BLOWING OUT ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FRONT TIRES, FRONT BRAKES, AND ONTO THE ROAD. I SAW ON SOME FORUMS, WHERE THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE CADILLAC CTS. AND I WASN'T SURE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD FILED A COMPLAINT. I…
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THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES BLEW OUT OF THE RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BLOWING OUT ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FRONT TIRES, FRONT BRAKES, AND ONTO THE ROAD. I SAW ON SOME FORUMS, WHERE THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE CADILLAC CTS. AND I WASN'T SURE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD FILED A COMPLAINT. IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT A SAFE SITUATION TO BE IN. TO BE HONEST, I HAVE OWNED/DRIVEN A NUMBER OF CARS, STARTING FROM A 1950 CHEVY. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THE COOLER LINES BLOWING OUT OF THE RADIATOR IS NOW A PROBLEM. NONE OF MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WERE DEFINITELY NOT IN ANY KIND OF PRISTINE CONDITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10595466
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2013
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2004 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ECM BOARD RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE COST TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE ECM BOARD WAS $800.00. THE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, IT WOULD NOT START. AND THE SAME MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE VEHICLE, FROM WHEN IT …
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2004 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ECM BOARD RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE COST TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE ECM BOARD WAS $800.00. THE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, IT WOULD NOT START. AND THE SAME MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE VEHICLE, FROM WHEN IT WAS ORIGINALLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER. ALSO, THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI #10492803
93,000 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
NOTICED BROWN LIQUID LEAKING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AREA. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO GM DEALER WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A COOLANT LINE FAILURE WHICH CREATED LEAKING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO RADIATOR AND COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION. BOTH TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEED REPLACING, CAR IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY THE …
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NOTICED BROWN LIQUID LEAKING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AREA. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO GM DEALER WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A COOLANT LINE FAILURE WHICH CREATED LEAKING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO RADIATOR AND COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION. BOTH TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEED REPLACING, CAR IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY THE DEALER AND CADILLAC TO BE A FAILURE OF THE PART, UNABLE TO BE PREVENTED AND UNABLE TO DETECT. CONSUMER WAS NOT AT ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $4,900. CONTACTED GM WHERE THEY OFFERED TO "SPLIT" THE COST 50/50, MYSELF RELIABLE FOR THE $2400. ALTHOUGH CADILLAC TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE, I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10437576
99,300 miles · Apr 25, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10397285
90,400 miles · Mar 3, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
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 RADIA…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10386328
61,971 miles · Aug 27, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
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 REP…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10352390
40,000 miles · Nov 10, 2008
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10248334
60,000 miles · May 19, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
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
NHTSA ODI #10228241
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSuspension
REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY 2004 CADILLAC CTSV IS TOO WEAK. IT CLUNKS, AND PRODUCES EXCESSIVE WHEEL-HOP THUS NOT ALLOWING THE POWER TO TRANSFER. THE WHOLE REAR END OF THE CAR FROM THE BUSHINGS TO THE REAR CRADLE TO THE HALF SHAFTS ARE TOO WEAK FOR THE CAR. OVER 1000'S OF CTS-V'S OF THE UNDER APPROX. 4,000 PRODUCED FROM 2004-2005 HAV…
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REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY 2004 CADILLAC CTSV IS TOO WEAK. IT CLUNKS, AND PRODUCES EXCESSIVE WHEEL-HOP THUS NOT ALLOWING THE POWER TO TRANSFER. THE WHOLE REAR END OF THE CAR FROM THE BUSHINGS TO THE REAR CRADLE TO THE HALF SHAFTS ARE TOO WEAK FOR THE CAR. OVER 1000'S OF CTS-V'S OF THE UNDER APPROX. 4,000 PRODUCED FROM 2004-2005 HAVE HAD MAJOR ISSUES. SERVICE CENTERS CLAIM EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. MY CAR IS CONTINUALLY IN THE SHOP. GM REFUSES TO PAY FOR THESE ITEM AND I HAVE A 6YR 100K WARRANTY. SERVICE CENTERS ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THIS CAR, AND GM FAILED TO ENGINEER IT PROPERLY. IN ADDITION ALL OF MY INTERIOR PARTS RATTLE WHEN I STEP ON IT, AND SOME CONTINUE TO RATTLE DURING DAILY DRIVING. THE PAINT QUALITY OF THE EXTERIOR IS THE WORST I HAVE TO SEE YET. THERE ARE WEIRD BLOTCHES ALL OVER THE PLACE AND ARE OBVIOUSLY DUE TO POOR PAINT APPLICATION AT THE FACTORY. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS AND SO FAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR, THE WHOLE NAV UNIT, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. AND ALREADY, THE NAV UNIT IS BEGINNING TO SHOW THE SAME INDICATIONS OF WHY IT GOT REPLACED IN THE FIRST PLACE, AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS STARTING TO MAKE NOISES AGAIN. ALSO, THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL PRODUCES LOTS OF NOISE. I HAVE HAD IT UP TO HERE WITH THIS VEHICLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10150028
5,808 miles · Jun 24, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. IT WAS TEST DRIVEN, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10079836
Official recalls
6Sep 9, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jul 2, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Mar 17, 2010
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jan 20, 2005
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jun 9, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Sep 29, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA07017 · Rear Drivetrain Component Failure
Opened Dec 7, 2007 · Closed Jul 16, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
IN JULY OF 2007 THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PE07-037 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAY FAIL CAUSING A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, AND IN SOME INSTANCES A LOSS OF CONTROL, IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 THROUGH 2006 CADILLAC CTS, CTS-V, AND STS VEHICLES.AS A RESULT OF THAT INVESTIGATION GM ISSUED RECALL 07V-589 TO CORRECT A LEAKING PINION SEAL PROBLEM.EA07-017 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF FRACTURED REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSINGS OR REAR HALF SHAFTS IN HIGH PERFORMANCE CADILLAC CTS-V VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO GM, THESE FAILURES RESULTED FROM THE CUMULATIVE DAMAGE FROM MULTIPLE POWER HOP EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR DURING VERY AGGRESSIVE DRIVING. IN FEBRUARY 2008 INVESTIGATORS FROM ODI MET WITH GM REPRESENTATIVES TO CONDUCT TESTING OF THE SUBJECT CTS-V VEHICLES.DURING THE TESTING THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SUBJECTED TO CONSIDERABLE TORSIONAL FORCES FROM STANDING STARTS AND WHILE DRIVING.POWER HOP OCCURRED DURING SOME OF THE MOST AGGRESSIVE DRIVING MANEUVERS.THE TESTING DID NOT RESULT IN FAILURE OF ANY REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS.THE ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TESTING DATA SUPPLIED TO ODI BY GM AND THE RESULTS OF THE TESTING CONDUCTED BY ODI TEND TO SUPPORT GM'S POSITION THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL DESIGN IS NOT DEFECTIVE. COMPLAINTS LISTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT DO NOT INCLUDE THOSE INDICATIVE OF FAILURE OF THE REAR PINION SEAL IN CTS-V VEHICLES COVERED BY RECALL 07V-589. FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
PE07037 · Failure Of The Rear Differential
Opened Jul 17, 2007 · Closed Dec 27, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
ODI EVALUATED TWO DIFFERENT ALLEGED DEFECTS INVOLVING REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS DURING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL TO ADDRESS ONE OF THE DEFECT CONDITIONS AND ODI HAS OPENED AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO CONTINUE ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE OTHER ALLEGED DEFECT. ON DECEMBER 19, 2007, GM SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING DEFECTIVE REAR AXLE PINION SEALS IN APPROXIMATELY 275,936 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005-07 CADILLAC CTS, STS AND SRX VEHICLES AS WELL AS MY 2006-07 PONTIAC SOLSTICE AND MY 2007 SATURN SKY VEHICLES (RECALL 07V-589).ON STS AND SRX VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE FRONT AXLE PINION SEAL ALSO DOES NOT MEET ALL OF GM'S SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.GM INDICATED THAT THE SEAL SUPPLIER MADE AN UNAUTHORIZED CHANGE TO THE PINION SEAL MATERIAL.LEAKING PINION SEALS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. ON DECEMBER 7, 2007, ODI OPENED AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-017) TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURE (E.G., FRACTURED REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER HOUSING OR REAR AXLE HALF SHAFTS) WHILE DRIVING IN APPROXIMATELY 7,600 MY 2004 THROUGH 2006 CADILLAC CTS-V VEHICLES.THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND VEHICLE DISABLEMENT AND IS NOT ADDRESSED BY RECALL 07V-589.ODI IDENTIFIED 35 COMPLAINTS (16 TO ODI AND 19 TO GM) AND 128 WARRANTY CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO THIS CONDITION (SEE EA07-017 OPENING RESUME).THESE COMPLAINTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY OF THIS CLOSING RESUME. THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY FIGURES GIVEN IN THIS RESUME ARE LIMITED TO THOSE THAT (A) ARE MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY A LEAKING REAR PINION SEAL; AND (B) RESULTED IN AN ALLEGATION OF A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING.THE DATA DO NOT INCLUDE ALL REPORTS OF SEAL LEAKAGE.
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