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2005 Cadillac Cts

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cts years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Cadillac Cts are substantially higher than the model-year median of 101.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

225 reports with mileage · 52 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports4 fire reports23 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

74 reports
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25,273 miles · Jun 29, 2012
Air BagsElectrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS FOUND ON THE WIRES UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE WIRES HAD A SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAILED TO RECOGNIZE WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS FOUND ON THE WIRES UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE WIRES HAD A SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAILED TO RECOGNIZE WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,273. UPDATED 7/26/12 *CN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED, THE AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY EVEN WITHOUT A CRASH OCCURRING. UPDATED 07/30/12 UPDATED 08/02/12

NHTSA ODI #10463589

71,200 miles · May 31, 2012
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CAUSING A DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CAUSING A DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,448.

NHTSA ODI #10460144

62,000 miles · Mar 23, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND CRASHED INTO SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS/HER LEGS. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND CRASHED INTO SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS/HER LEGS. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,000. UPDATED 04/27/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE INJURIES TO BOTH WRIST AND FOREHEAD, AS WELL AS NUMEROUS CUTS AND BRUISES. UPDATED 06/13/2012 *JS UPDATED 07/03/12.*JB UPDATED 08/28/12. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10452823

70,000 miles · Feb 21, 2012
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

NHTSA ODI #10448788

116,000 miles · May 17, 2011
Air BagsCrashInjury

I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS HEAD ON COLLISION WITH AN ONCOMING CAR. MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO GET 10 STITCHES, A FRACTURED NOSE, NECK, BACK, CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PAIN. THE AIR BAGS WERE SERVICED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO AT THE SPECIFIC BRAND CAR DEALER BUT THIS DID NOT HELP. THIS WAS NOT THE F…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS HEAD ON COLLISION WITH AN ONCOMING CAR. MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING ME TO GET 10 STITCHES, A FRACTURED NOSE, NECK, BACK, CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PAIN. THE AIR BAGS WERE SERVICED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO AT THE SPECIFIC BRAND CAR DEALER BUT THIS DID NOT HELP. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO STOP SIGNS OR TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO PREVENT THIS AND ALSO THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION SEEM TO BE AT FAULT. IF THE DRIVER OF BOTH SIDES STAYS NEXT TO IT THE CARS WILL HIT EACH OTHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10401209

51,000 miles · Apr 14, 2011
Air BagsStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE PASSENGER SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH A REPROGRAMMING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SEAT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE PASSENGER SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH A REPROGRAMMING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SEAT SENSOR BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPROGRAM IT FOR SOME REASON. THE LIGHT STILL REMAINED ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. UPDATED 05/25/11 *BF THE AIR BAG SENSOR CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED DURING THE WINTER TIME, THE REAR DOORS WOULD FREEZE AND NOT CLOSE. UPDATED 11/21/11

NHTSA ODI #10395927

68,000 miles · Apr 8, 2011
Air Bags

MY "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT CAME ON RECENTLY AND I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD DETECT A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I WENT ONLINE TO DISCOVER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 CADILLAC CTS MODELS. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE GM DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR AND SAID THAT THEY COULD LO…

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MY "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT CAME ON RECENTLY AND I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD DETECT A PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I WENT ONLINE TO DISCOVER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2005 CADILLAC CTS MODELS. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE GM DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR AND SAID THAT THEY COULD LOOK AT IT BUT I WOULD BE CHARGED TO FIX IT. I THEN CALLED MY NEAREST CADILLAC DEALERSHIP AND THEY ALSO STATED THAT MY CAR HAD NO RECALLS ON IT AND THAT I COULD TAKE IT IN TO BE FIXED BUT THEY WOULD CHARGE ME. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES AND I FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395263

33,105 miles · Mar 27, 2011
Air Bags

IN JANUARY I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2005 CADILLAC CTS FOR A POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR. IN LATE FEBRUARY WHILE ON VACATION, THE AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON EVERY TIME I STARTED MY CAR. I THEN NOTICED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF MESSAGE ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR SHOWED THE AIR BAG WAS OFF AL…

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IN JANUARY I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2005 CADILLAC CTS FOR A POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR. IN LATE FEBRUARY WHILE ON VACATION, THE AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON EVERY TIME I STARTED MY CAR. I THEN NOTICED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF MESSAGE ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR SHOWED THE AIR BAG WAS OFF ALL THE TIME. EVEN WHEN SOMEONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IT SHOWED OFF. UPON RETURNING FROM VACATION IN EARLY MARCH, I CALLED THE CADILLAC DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2004 AND WAS TOLD THAT ACCORDING TO GENERAL MOTORS RECORDS MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG SENSOR (10V-644000). I THEN CALLED CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I ASKED WHY MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED WHEN IT APPEARED I WAS HAVING THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD I COULD WAIT TO SEE IF IT WOULD BE IN THE FUTURE AND I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT IF I WAITED IT WOULD NEGATE THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A PASSENGER AIR BAG IF IT WOULD NOT WORK. I WAS TOLD I COULD HAVE THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AT MY EXPENSE BUT AS FAR AS THEY WERE CONCERNED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED RECALL. ON MARCH 7, 2001 I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECK AT MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY VERIFIED THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY INSTALLED THE NEW MODULE KIT AND IT COST ME $451.78. I CALLED CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL. I'M SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED UNDER RECALL 10V-64000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10393004

85,000 miles · Mar 24, 2011
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS A PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V644000 (AIR BAG: FRONTAL: SENSOR/CONTRO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS A PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V644000 (AIR BAG: FRONTAL: SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) BUT THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #10392738

59,000 miles · Mar 18, 2011
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE STATING THE AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V644000, (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL: SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE STATING THE AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V644000, (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL: SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ODI #10390573

Official recalls

6

14V542000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Sep 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.

14V394000 · Electrical System:ignition

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.

10V644000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Dec 17, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH REPEATED FLEXING OF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE MAT TO KINK, BEND, OR FOLD. THIS FLEXING CAN BREAK THE CONNECTIONS IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE SENSOR MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AND WILL DISABLE THE AIR BAG.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING THAT AIR BAG'S DEPLOYMENT MAY REDUCE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AND INCREASE THE RISK OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THEM.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

10V105000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

07V589000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal

Dec 20, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.

06V020000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Jan 25, 2006

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL LOW INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE WARNING CHIME.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING, THE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2005 AND ASKED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK FUEL LEVEL TO AVOID THIS CONDITION UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE, OWNER RENOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

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

3

EQ11001 · Iee Passenger Sensing System Mats

Opened Feb 7, 2011 · Closed Jul 19, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

On December 17, 2010, General Motors (GM) notified the NHTSA that it had decided certain 2005 - 2007 model year Cadillac CTS vehicles contain a safety related defect.GM stated that certain CTS vehicles contain a passenger sensing system mat, manufactured by IEE, in the front passenger seat that may flex causing the mat to kink, bend or fold.If this flexing causes the connections in the mat to break, the passenger airbag could become disabled.Non-deployment of the front passenger air bag in the event of a crash necessitating that air bag's deployment may reduce protection of the passenger and increase the risk or severity of injury to them.This issue was assigned recall number 10V-644.On February 8, 2011, RMD mailed an information request (IR) letter to IEE requesting a list of purchasers for any company that was sold the same or similar defective mats.RMD also requested IEE supply the year, make and models of compatible vehicles for each of the mats it listed in its response.IEE responded on February 15, 2011, reporting that the mats recalled in GM recall 10V-644 were developed specifically for the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS.IEE noted that, ...the CTS Sensor Mat is not the same or similar to any other sensor mat manufactured by IEE.IEE further explained that the sensor mats were sold to Lear Corp. (Lear), for incorporation into seat assemblies, with the seat assemblies finally being sold to GM.Also, some sensor mats were sold to Integrated Manufacturing and Assembly, LLC (IMA) who would then re-sell the mats to GM to use as service parts.Ultimately, these parts were all sold to GM for use in the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS vehicles.According to its 10V-644 Defect Report, GM reported that some vehicles outside the recall population have ...significantly lower incident rates and will be provided a special coverage.This special coverage includes a free repair should the same issue occur to non-recalled 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS vehicles up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.On April 7, 2011, RMD mailed an IR letter to GM to gather more information on GM's decision to only recall a portion of the vehicles that contained the subject IEE mats.RMD also requested that GM provide updated to current warranty claims, field reports, and other field information for CTS vehicles both recalled and those under the special coverage.On May 19, 2011, GM responded with a letter and several CD attachments that were submitted to NHTSA's Office of the Chief Counsel along with a request for confidentiality.GM confirmed that the IEE mats recalled in 10V-644 were only used in the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS.GM also explained its reasoning in only recalling a portion of the CTS vehicles containing IEE mats.Due to various production phases, error detections, and false corrections, certain vehicles were more prone to mat failures than other vehicles.GM identified 4 distinct seat assembly production periods and chose to recall CTS vehicles depending on which seat assembly each vehicle received.Examining the data submitted in regards to warranty claims, field reports, and incidents, the CTS vehicles that were included in the safety recall were responsible for about 80% of the overall claims.CTS vehicles included in the special coverage (essentially an extended warranty), those with seat assemblies from other identified production phases, were responsible for about 20% of the overall claims.As GM has provided clear data to support its recall decision and since no other manufacturer has installed these same or similar passenger sensing system mats / seat assemblies in their vehicles, this Equipment Query is satisfied.This EQ is cl

EA07017 · 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.