NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
224 reports31,557 miles · May 26, 2016
Electrical System
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 HOWEV…
Read full complaint
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
NHTSA ODI #10871041
110,000 miles · May 2, 2016
Service Brakes
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 MAN…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10862443
143,000 miles · Mar 11, 2016
Air BagsTiresCrashInjury
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 GAI…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10846100
185,000 miles · Mar 2, 2016
SteeringWheels
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 …
Read full complaint
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
NHTSA ODI #10839571
110,000 miles · Feb 24, 2016
Service BrakesStructure
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 TIME…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10838061
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control
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
NHTSA ODI #10692444
2,000 miles · Jan 4, 2016
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureInjury
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 DI…
Read full complaint
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
NHTSA ODI #10817550
85,000 miles · Dec 24, 2015
Electrical System
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 (ELECTRI…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10812050
Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2015
Service Brakes
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 THI…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10789434
128,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015
EngineVehicle Speed Control
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 REPLAC…
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10780095
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.
Illustration