AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE I76, MY CAR LOST POWER AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF MY CAR IS COMPLETELY SMASHED.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cts years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Structure complaints
7 reportsTHE TRUNK LID ON THE CTS HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND WILLNOT STAY UP. IT CAME DOWN ANS HIT ME ACROSS THE SHOULDERS WHEN TRYING TO UNLOAD ITEMS IN THE TRUNK. THIS HAD HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MANY TIMES I HAVE OR OTHER PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN STUCK IN THE HEAD FORCEFULLY BY THIS HEAVY LID. *TR
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
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE TRUNK LID CLOSED ON ITS OWN WHEN THE CONTACT WAS STANDING UNDERNEATH IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HIT HER SEVERELY ON THE HEAD AND LOST CONSCIOUSNESS. SHE BEGAN EXPERIENCING FORGETFULNESS AND DEPRESSION AFTER THE INCIDENT. SHE CLAIMED SHE HAS NO HISTORY …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE TRUNK LID CLOSED ON ITS OWN WHEN THE CONTACT WAS STANDING UNDERNEATH IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HIT HER SEVERELY ON THE HEAD AND LOST CONSCIOUSNESS. SHE BEGAN EXPERIENCING FORGETFULNESS AND DEPRESSION AFTER THE INCIDENT. SHE CLAIMED SHE HAS NO HISTORY OF HEADACHES, AT THE MOST MAYBE ONE OR TWO A YEAR. NOW THE HEADACHES ARE CONSTANT. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND HE STATED THAT SHE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED GASOLINE ESCAPED FROM THE STRUTS WHICH CAUSED IT TO FAIL. UPDATED.
EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: NO ABUSE, NO TIRE BURNING. VEHICLE USED FOR COMMUTING AND JOB RELATED PURPOSES. PROBLEMS & RESOLUTIONS: 7/11/2005 7/18/2005 PROBLEM SHIFTING - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY SUNROOF RATTLING - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY RIGHT-REAR SAIL PANEL BROKEN - WARRANTY REPAIRED PIXELS BURN ON NAV SCREEN - NAV U…
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EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: NO ABUSE, NO TIRE BURNING. VEHICLE USED FOR COMMUTING AND JOB RELATED PURPOSES. PROBLEMS & RESOLUTIONS: 7/11/2005 7/18/2005 PROBLEM SHIFTING - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY SUNROOF RATTLING - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY RIGHT-REAR SAIL PANEL BROKEN - WARRANTY REPAIRED PIXELS BURN ON NAV SCREEN - NAV UNIT REPLACED WHEELS SCRATCHED - DEALER PAID FOR REPAIR FRONT PANEL LOOSE - REPLACED LOOSE PANEL 7/25/2005 7/27/2005 LEFT-REAR PANEL BROKEN - WARRANTY REPAIRED COMPETITION MODE NOT WORKING - WARRANTY REPAIRED DASH PANEL LOOSE - WARRANTY REPAIRED 8/22/2005 8/24/2005 WHEEL HOP - SERVICE BULLETIN WARRANTY REPAIR HARD TO PUT IN REVERSE - DEALER SAYS NORMAL GRINDING WHEN SHIFTING - ALIGNED EXHAUST SYSTEM SUNROOF RATTLE - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY SUNROOF MATERIAL LOOSE - WARRANTY REPAIRED 10/19/2005 10/23/2005 FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION - WARRANTY REPAIRED 11/21/2005 11/23/2005 SUNROOF RATTLE - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY DRIVETRAIN ROUGH - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT - TIRES BALD @ 9000 MILES BATTERY FAILURE - WARRANTY REPAIRED GRINDING IN 5TH GEAR - DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY 11/29/2005 12/1/2005 RATTLE FROM REAR - WARRANTY REPAIR SUSPENSION RIGHT-REAR PANEL BROKEN - WARRANTY REPAIR; DEALER WARNED THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AS "SOMEONE" IS BRAKING THE PANELS ON PURPOSE 2/6/2006 2/8/2006 CLUNK FROM REAR - DEALER REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL/DRIVETRAIN UNIT UNDER WARRANTY. 5TH GEAR SOMETIMES HITS REVERSE - COULD NOT VERIFY GRINDING NOISE IN REVERSE - DEALER FORGOT TO CHECK UNIT WON'T PLAY CDS - REPLACED NAVIGATION/RADIO 2/15/2005 2/17/2006 GRINDING NOISE IN REVERSE - DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY; AREA REP ADVISED THEY WILL NOT REPLACE FUTURE FAILURES. COMPETITION MODE NOT WORKING - WARRANTY REPAIRED. *NM
4/11/05 - 8,367 MILES - 1 DAY OUT OF SERVICE REAR END FAILURE 4/28/05 - 9,664 MILES - 5 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE REAR BUSHING FAILURE. *JB REAR END FAILURE 5/5/05 - 9,720 MILES - 1 DAY OUT OF SERVICE REAR END FAILURE WHEEL DELIVERED FROM FACTORY WILL NOT BALANCE - NO SIGN OF DAMAGE 7/25/05 - 15,732 MILES - 4 DAYS OUT OF SERVI…
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4/11/05 - 8,367 MILES - 1 DAY OUT OF SERVICE REAR END FAILURE 4/28/05 - 9,664 MILES - 5 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE REAR BUSHING FAILURE. *JB REAR END FAILURE 5/5/05 - 9,720 MILES - 1 DAY OUT OF SERVICE REAR END FAILURE WHEEL DELIVERED FROM FACTORY WILL NOT BALANCE - NO SIGN OF DAMAGE 7/25/05 - 15,732 MILES - 4 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE PCM RECALL #05544 - DEALER UNABLE TO REPROGRAM REAR END HOPS WILDLY IN RAINY OR SLICK ROADS WHEN ACCELERATING HARD SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR REAR END WHINE DRIVE LINE CLUNK PARKING BRAKE GOES TO FLOOR AND WON'T STOP CAR REAR END FAILURE - DEALER REPLACED REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND DID NOT ADD FRICTION MODIFIER, CLAIMED CTS-V'S DO NOT NEED - LATER DETERMINED THIS WAS INCORRECT 8/29/05 - 17,372 MILES - 22 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE REAR END GRINDING FRICTION MODIFIER ADDED TRANSMISSION REBUILT REPLACED PRESSURE PLATE REPLACED CLUTCH - TSB 05-07-31-001 REAR END BUSHINGS INSTALLED TO REDUCE WHEEL HOP TSB 05-04-114-001A NAVIGATION SYSTEM REPLACED AFTER ALL BUTTONS WERE PEELING PARKING BRAKE GOES TO FLOOR AND WON'T STOP CAR PCM RECALL PERFORMED 10/6/05 - 18,990 MILES- 0 DAY OUT OF SERVICE NAVIGATION SYSTEM NOT PROGRAMMED PROPERLY BY DEALERSHIP - RETURNED FOR REPAIR 11/5/05 - 22,151 MILES - 0 DAY OUT OF SERVICE REPLACE ALL CENTER CAPS ON WHEELS - PEELING 1/2/05 - 27,171 MILES - 10 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE REAR END FAILURE RADIATOR FAILURE TSB 05-06-02-005A SUN VISOR REPLACED DUE TO PEELING 1/19/06 - 27,538 MILES - 6 HOURS OUT OF SERVICE PCM REMOVED AND REPLACED AT GORDON HISTED'S REQUEST 1/26/06 - 28,000 MILES - 2 HOURS OUT OF SERVICE NAVIGATION SYSTEM REMOVED AND REPLACED 2/2/06 - 28,500 MILES - ? TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN - WON'T SHIFT INTO REVERSE 10 SERVICE VISITS IN THE LAST 9 MONTHS 44 DAYS OF OUT OF SERVICE IN THE LAST 9 MONTHS. *JB
RUST HAS FORMED ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW SILL. IT IS LOCATED ON THE METAL PIECE BETWEEN THE WINDOW DOOR.
Official recalls
614V542000 · 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
3EQ11001 · 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.
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