Owners have filed 222 complaints
about the 2009 Cadillac CTS with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Cadillac CTS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 81
15.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 55
32% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
137.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
106.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2112.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2515.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3320.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2917.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3118.8%
150,000+ miles
31.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB Later Release
—
—
—
10.3% risk
2009 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB Early Release
—
—
—
10.3% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2009peak 7Mar 2025
Recalls on the 2009 Cadillac CTS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201427330,927 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, there is a risk that some drivers may bump the ignition key with their knee and unintentionally move the key from out of the "run" position. If this were to occur, engine power, power braking and power steering would be affected, which would unexpectedly increase steering and brake pedal effort, potentially increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the "run" position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers are to remove the key blade from the original flip key/transmitter assemblies provided with the vehicle, and provide two new keys and two key rings for every original key. Important note: Until the correction is performed, drivers should adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.
Recall 20110642,249 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, a wax coating applied to the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may allow the nut(s) to loosen. Should this occur, a metallic clanking noise may be heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. Ignoring this warning could result in a further loosened toe link, which could eventually separate, allowing the rear wheel to turn inboard or outboard. If this were to happen, sudden changes in vehicle handling could occur, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will clean all wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts. If required, the rear suspension toe link will be replaced.
Recall 201018999,000 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with a Heated Washer Fluid System (HWFS), a short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. A repair was implemented in a recall in 2008, however, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on heated washer fluid system modules after this improvement was installed. This situation may cause some minor distortion, but also could lead to melting of the plastic around the heated washer fluid system, or cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page will be provided and inserted in the Owner Manual to document the removal of the feature.
Recall 2008403453 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the software within the Passenger Sensing System may disable the front passenger airbag when it should be enabled or vice versa. Malfunction of the airbag system will increase the risk of personal injuries or death in certain crash conditions. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the passenger sensing module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Barstow, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I am writing this correspondence with regard to a purchase of a 2009 Cadillac CTS . I purchased the vehicle for my mother in Missouri December 2022. I reside in California and had the vehicle shipped to California when my mother relocated to California. The vehicle had not been driven frequently. In September of 2024, my mother was driving on the freeway when she heard what sounded like metal hitting the underside of the car. My mother stopped twice on the freeway and contacted me to inform of the sound. I asked my mom if she was close to our residence, and she stated that she was close. I advised that she attempt to drive slowly home. My mom made her way to the residence, pulled into the driveway, and the vehicle accelerated with no prompting on the gas through my residence. I contacted General Motors to inform of the concern. GM sent out a representative who has determined the accident was intentional citing my mother hit the gas pedal. This incident has caused medical concerns with my mother. She has had to seek medical care on an ongoing basis (with her legs swelling, constant headaches, back concerns, and etc.). I am writing because I was not made aware by GM there had been a recall, and other individuals were experiencing the same concerns with this particular vehicle. GM claimed the issue with the recall of this vehicle had been rectified, but failed to give a date of the repair. I am writing this with concerns to prevent other individuals experiencing the same mishap with this vehicle, to prevent others from harm or worse. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11648137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesSUN Valley, CA1 injured
ENGINE
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLINKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE SOUND USUALLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND THE "TIMING CHAIN" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,053. " TIMING CHAIN FAILURE AT 102,000 MILES MANUFACTURER DID NOT HELP, ESIS CLAIM PENDING FOR INJURY
NHTSA complaint #11241213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snellville, GACrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT AND A TREE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS WERE BENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AUTO STAR (4395 BUFORD HWY, PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA 30071, (770) 446-8772) TOWED THE VEHICLE AWAY AND DECLARED IT DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER WAS SUING THE CONTACT FOR THE REMAINING BALANCE OWED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT PAYING THE CLAIM BECAUSE THEY STATED THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11171692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snellville, GACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT AND A TREE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS WERE BENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AUTO STAR (4395 BUFORD HWY, PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA 30071, (770) 446-8772) TOWED THE VEHICLE AWAY AND DECLARED IT DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER WAS SUING THE CONTACT FOR THE REMAINING BALANCE OWED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT PAYING THE CLAIM BECAUSE THEY STATED THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11171692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesCarrnbrook, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO MULTIPLE VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO REPORTED FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11100399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesCarrnbrook, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO MULTIPLE VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO REPORTED FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11100399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Barstow, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I am writing this correspondence with regard to a purchase of a 2009 Cadillac CTS . I purchased the vehicle for my mother in Missouri December 2022. I reside in California and had the vehicle shipped to California when my mother relocated to California. The vehicle had not been driven frequently. In September of 2024, my mother was driving on the freeway when she heard what sounded like metal hitting the underside of the car. My mother stopped twice on the freeway and contacted me to inform of the sound. I asked my mom if she was close to our residence, and she stated that she was close. I advised that she attempt to drive slowly home. My mom made her way to the residence, pulled into the driveway, and the vehicle accelerated with no prompting on the gas through my residence. I contacted General Motors to inform of the concern. GM sent out a representative who has determined the accident was intentional citing my mother hit the gas pedal. This incident has caused medical concerns with my mother. She has had to seek medical care on an ongoing basis (with her legs swelling, constant headaches, back concerns, and etc.). I am writing because I was not made aware by GM there had been a recall, and other individuals were experiencing the same concerns with this particular vehicle. GM claimed the issue with the recall of this vehicle had been rectified, but failed to give a date of the repair. I am writing this with concerns to prevent other individuals experiencing the same mishap with this vehicle, to prevent others from harm or worse. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11648137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying to the left or the far right without the contact moving the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was easier to control. The contact stated the traction control, TPMS, service brake assist, air bags, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V089000 (Suspension) and called the NHTSA Hotline to see if the VIN was included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying to the left or the far right without the contact moving the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was easier to control. The contact stated the traction control, TPMS, service brake assist, air bags, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V089000 (Suspension) and called the NHTSA Hotline to see if the VIN was included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying to the left or the far right without the contact moving the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was easier to control. The contact stated the traction control, TPMS, service brake assist, air bags, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V089000 (Suspension) and called the NHTSA Hotline to see if the VIN was included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas leaking from above gas tank took car in for service 5/6/24. they could not duplicate issue on 5/24 engine light comes on. On 5/26/24 code indicated fuel pump issue. Several months before all of this, I would notice a strong gas smell after driving
NHTSA complaint #11590940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deep River, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Severe and sudden malfunction of the ABS/Stabilitrak system at 45MPH causing loss of directional control of the vehicle. Failure caused by disintegration/cracking of ABS/HUB RELUCTOR RINGS, feeding incorrect wheel speeds to stability system. This failure caused a total loss of power, vehicle veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.
NHTSA complaint #11581265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deep River, CT
STEERING
Severe and sudden malfunction of the ABS/Stabilitrak system at 45MPH causing loss of directional control of the vehicle. Failure caused by disintegration/cracking of ABS/HUB RELUCTOR RINGS, feeding incorrect wheel speeds to stability system. This failure caused a total loss of power, vehicle veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.
NHTSA complaint #11581265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deep River, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
Severe and sudden malfunction of the ABS/Stabilitrak system at 45MPH causing loss of directional control of the vehicle. Failure caused by disintegration/cracking of ABS/HUB RELUCTOR RINGS, feeding incorrect wheel speeds to stability system. This failure caused a total loss of power, vehicle veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.
NHTSA complaint #11581265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
POWER TRAIN
The all wheel drive link is not working. This causes the stabilitrac and abs to go out leaving only rear wheel drive. With very little weight in the rear of the car, it is very difficult to drive in snow or rain conditions as the car slides very easily. This is the 2nd time it's happened.
NHTSA complaint #11573764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
The all wheel drive link is not working. This causes the stabilitrac and abs to go out leaving only rear wheel drive. With very little weight in the rear of the car, it is very difficult to drive in snow or rain conditions as the car slides very easily. This is the 2nd time it's happened.
NHTSA complaint #11573764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stone Mountain, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump is leaking gas on top of the fuel tank. I just bought the car and didn’t know about the consistent problem with second generation CTS. The problem is stated to ba a plastic elbow attached to the fuel pump that ruptures.There is a fuel smell inside while I’m driving and around the car when the car is motionless. This a fire and explosion hazmats that is common to this model year. I can see some fuel on the side of the fuel tank. From reading , I can see that GM has recalled other vehicles for the same problem. I believe that the first generation CTS was recalled and the second generation was not included. Replacing the fuel pump is a very expensive a labor intensive process and I would like to have 2009 CTS included in the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11544862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car constantly makes a noise. Even when it's parked you can still smell gas. It jerks all the time. Been having problem with it since day one I got it.
NHTSA complaint #11525016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, TX
ENGINE
The car constantly makes a noise. Even when it's parked you can still smell gas. It jerks all the time. Been having problem with it since day one I got it.
NHTSA complaint #11525016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OH
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about Technical Service Bulletin:10-07-30-005a (Transmission output shaft and transfer case input shearing). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11523409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkton, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May car just stopped working come to find out water was leaking from my sunroof which I always keep my closed. Found out water in leaking from sunroof to my mom board now mechanic is saying to take to dealership I no its gonna be a lot of money to fix electric issue smh.
NHTSA complaint #11521986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeton, NJ
AIR BAGS
My airbag sensor on my passenger seat does not work. It cannot detect the passenger and therefore would not go off if there was an accident. I tried purchasing the item from GM by going to my local service location and was told the part is not made anymore and I cannot buy it. There is none made for my car online. I need a module to detect if a passenger is present not only for safety but to pass inspection in NJ. They offered no solution and simply told me after ten years they don’t have to make parts for a car. My problem with that is this car body style and parts is for years 2009-2014 so they should still make it for the 2014 and I could use that. During my research I have come across approximately 30 other ctsv owners that have the same issue and it’s not just a part that can be replaced with an aftermarket one because there is none being made that fit these seats. GM has an issue with lots of their cars including the ctsv generation before mine and there is recalls for that one too. How can a company sell a 500hp car to someone and not make the parts for the car anymore which could result in a serious injury or death? I cannot inspect my car and could be ticketed in my state for not having an inspection. An airbag sensor not working or not detecting a passenger is a major concern and they will not address this issue. There’s forums dedicated to this issue. I even said it’s fine I would buy it if it’s not recalled and they simply said we don’t or won’t make them anymore. I don’t know what I’m suppose to do? Not drive my car? I have tried everything and even purchasing a whole new seat and have not gotten anywhere. Part number#20903436
NHTSA complaint #11502528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peru, IL
SEAT BELTS
My 2009 has 112,000 miles on it. Over a period of time we started to smell gasoline . Thought it may be simply from putting gas in the car. The smell got stronger. Fortunately we had to have a tire replaced. The tire service owner advised we had a major gas leak and advised us not to drive it far. End result was we had a fuel feed pipe that was leaking. Please know we had been driving our 4 year old nephew and 1 year old niece in the car. Final bill was over $2300. Leaking gas !! How can that not warrant a safety recall? Searching the web for information about others having the same problem I discovered others did. Please go to Cadillac Forums for starters. Please review and advise. More safety issues for the CTS involved a seat belt that was worn down and a passenger front door that would not open from either the inside or outside. Cell [XXX] Email [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11490542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peru, IL
ENGINE
My 2009 has 112,000 miles on it. Over a period of time we started to smell gasoline . Thought it may be simply from putting gas in the car. The smell got stronger. Fortunately we had to have a tire replaced. The tire service owner advised we had a major gas leak and advised us not to drive it far. End result was we had a fuel feed pipe that was leaking. Please know we had been driving our 4 year old nephew and 1 year old niece in the car. Final bill was over $2300. Leaking gas !! How can that not warrant a safety recall? Searching the web for information about others having the same problem I discovered others did. Please go to Cadillac Forums for starters. Please review and advise. More safety issues for the CTS involved a seat belt that was worn down and a passenger front door that would not open from either the inside or outside. Cell [XXX] Email [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11490542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peru, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2009 has 112,000 miles on it. Over a period of time we started to smell gasoline . Thought it may be simply from putting gas in the car. The smell got stronger. Fortunately we had to have a tire replaced. The tire service owner advised we had a major gas leak and advised us not to drive it far. End result was we had a fuel feed pipe that was leaking. Please know we had been driving our 4 year old nephew and 1 year old niece in the car. Final bill was over $2300. Leaking gas !! How can that not warrant a safety recall? Searching the web for information about others having the same problem I discovered others did. Please go to Cadillac Forums for starters. Please review and advise. More safety issues for the CTS involved a seat belt that was worn down and a passenger front door that would not open from either the inside or outside. Cell [XXX] Email [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11490542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWetumpka, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle was not able to start immediately. The accelerator pedal was pumped to start the vehicle. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty purge solenoid; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested filing a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11464343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
ENGINE
My 2009 CTS has 67k miles; however, on 02/24/2022 it was serviced at Les Stanford Cadillac for "Timing Chain Failure" which cost me $3,371,27. GM published service bulletin #11340C: Special Coverage Adjustment-Timing Chain Wear on 11/5/2012 that was sent to the dealerships explaining that the timing chain could wear prematurely but the document was not shared with the car owners. The make and models listed on the document includes: 2007 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, 2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, and STS, 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn. The special coverage adjustment covers the condition described for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. I sent a letter to the Cadillac Customer Service Complaint Department asking GM to pay for half of the repair bill ($1,685) but was denied stating that the special coverage had expired and that my vin number was not included in the special coverage adjustment document. At that time, I told the reviewing agent that according to my written document all service maintenance has been completed timely by the same dealership, my average car mileage is 5,600 per year so retirees will surpass the 10 years before the 120,000 miles, and GM did not capture all VIN#'s since my car has such low mileage. Therefore, the time period should be waived, and all vehicles indicated on the 11340C document should be considered for reimbursement due to GM's knowledge of the premature timing chain failure even if the vin numbers are not listed on the bulletin.
NHTSA complaint #11461072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, NC
STEERING
JUST LIKE MANY OTHER GM'S THE STEERING WHEEL WILL STICK WHILE DRIVING AND RELEASE IN ONE DIRECTION OF THE OTHER. IT HAS CAUSED US ALMOST TO HAVE A HEAD ON COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 2 AND THEY HAVE NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY COULD CHANGE THE STEERING COLUMN BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE IT WILL FIX THE ISSUE. THEY HAVE TEST DRIVE AND HAVE DUPLICATED THE SAME LOCKING AND STICKING WHILE DRIVING. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE GM DEALER HAS NO DIAGNOSIS TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND VIOLENTLY TAKE A SHARP TURN WHEN IT UNLOCKS.
NHTSA complaint #11374741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,104 milesSunvalley, CA
ENGINE
REPLACED TIMING CHAINS AT CERTIFIED DEALER, INCLUDING WATER PUMP. PARTS AND LABOR ABOUT $4,400.00. VEHICLE IS FINE IS THERE ANY REIMBURSABLE COST ON THIS FROM CADILLAC, VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 140,104??
NHTSA complaint #11364350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesNarrows, VA
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN ON A STREET ROAD IN BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AT 59,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11339529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesDemarest, NJ
ENGINE
SECOND TIME TIMING CHAIN FAILED CADILLAC SAYS 2007-2009 CADILLAC TIMING CHAINS HAVE A RECALL 11340C EXCEPT MY VIN # CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS I HAD TO PAY FOR BOTH REPAIR $1600 AND $2900 CADILLAC SHOULD REIMBURSE ME.
NHTSA complaint #11330149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
