NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 2, 2024
SteeringSuspensionWheels
I am writing regarding a recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 20…
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I am writing regarding a recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the car was inspected, and the recalled piece replaced in 2006. The dealer at that time was named Martin Cadillac. The night of [XXX], my son was driving the CTS on the freeway at about 50 mph, when the front left tire and wheel suddenly twisted out of place and rendered the car undrivable. Fortunately, he was not injured or worse, but he was stranded in the middle of a busy freeway for more than 30 minutes until AAA arrived. The car was then towed to our home and towed to our mechanic the following day. The repair needed and done was to replace the left front control arm, precisely the area noted in the recall notice. Also, it was necessary to repair the undercarriage that was damaged by the dislocated wheel and tire. The left front fender was also damaged by the action of the detached tire and wheel. The total repair cost we paid was $793.13 for the control arm and undercarriage. We are not currently driving the car, as we are concerned that the car is still unsafe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11612149
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2024
SteeringSuspensionWheels
Recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service …
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Recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the car was inspected, and the recalled piece replaced in 2006. The dealer at that time was named Martin Cadillac. The night of [XXX], my son was driving the CTS on the freeway at about 50 mph, when the front left tire and wheel suddenly twisted out of place, impairing the steering and motion, rendering the car undrivable. He was stranded in the middle of a busy freeway for more than 30 minutes until AAA arrived. The car was then towed on a flatbed to our home and towed on a flatbed to our mechanic the following day. The repairs needed and done were to replace the left front control arm, precisely the area noted in the recall notice. Also, it was necessary to repair the undercarriage that was damaged by the dislocated wheel and tire. The left front fender was also damaged by the action of the detached tire and wheel. The total repair cost we paid was $793.13 for the control arm and undercarriage. We are not currently driving the car, as we are concerned that the car is still unsafe, and we are renting a car meanwhile. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11602467
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 …
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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
95,394 miles · Aug 17, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,394.
NHTSA ODI #10749118
150,000 miles · Nov 26, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
WHILE DRIVING AT VARYING SPEEDS (TYPICALLY OVER 30 MPH) THE "STABILITY SYSTEM ENGAGED" MESSAGE COMES ON AND THE CAR VIOLENTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT WITH A WEIRD NOISE. THIS IS REALLY SCARY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEEDS. NO RECALL EXISTS AND THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE FOR TWO YEARS. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED HOW TO TURN OFF T…
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WHILE DRIVING AT VARYING SPEEDS (TYPICALLY OVER 30 MPH) THE "STABILITY SYSTEM ENGAGED" MESSAGE COMES ON AND THE CAR VIOLENTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT WITH A WEIRD NOISE. THIS IS REALLY SCARY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEEDS. NO RECALL EXISTS AND THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE FOR TWO YEARS. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED HOW TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THIS PROBLEM BY HOLDING DOWN THE TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON ON THE INSIDE OF THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS NO REAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM SINCE IT HAS TO BE DONE EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553874
175,000 miles · Nov 26, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainSteering
HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70 MPH FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING WHEN I HEARD A PSSHHH SOUND AND CRUISE CONTROL BROKE VIOLENTLY AND SMELLED BURNT RUBBER WITH SMOKE COMING FROM BACK END OF CAR. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CAR SMOKE FROM BACK END AND SMELL ONLY INCREASED. THOUGHT FOR SURE I HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT. WALKED AROUND CAR AND NOTHING…
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HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70 MPH FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING WHEN I HEARD A PSSHHH SOUND AND CRUISE CONTROL BROKE VIOLENTLY AND SMELLED BURNT RUBBER WITH SMOKE COMING FROM BACK END OF CAR. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CAR SMOKE FROM BACK END AND SMELL ONLY INCREASED. THOUGHT FOR SURE I HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT. WALKED AROUND CAR AND NOTHING WRONG WITH TIRES. HAD CAR TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR PLACE AND AM TOLD THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT. I HAVE SINCE INVESTIGATED AND FOUND MANY, MANY FORUMS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL BUT A CERTAIN RECALL FOR 2005 MODELS. THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AND I FEEL BOTH FORTUNATE AND UPSET WITH GM THAT SUCH A PROBLEM HAS BEEN SO COMMONLY NOTED BUT WITH NO "REAL" RESOLVE. THE AUTO REPAIR PLACE HAS CALLED AROUND AND THIS IS A SPECIAL PART THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN MY STATE AND A NEW ONE COSTS AN ESTIMATED $1,200. WITH SO MANY ISSUES WITH MODELS 2004-2006 HOW COME THERE IS NO RECALL FOR 2004 AND ONLY A LESSER DEGREE OF A RECALL FOR 2005? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553873
65,000 miles · Sep 23, 2013
Steering
2004 CTS V-6 3.6L,REAR WHEEL DRIVE , THIS CAR HAS PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL AT ABOUT 12 O'CLOCK POSITION . PLAY IS ALWAYS THERE NO MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU ARE AT. PLAY IN WHEEL IS ABOUT 1 INCH EACH WAY , IT IS DIFFICULT TO STEER/ CONTROL AT HIGHER SPEEDS .RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS COULD BE AN UNSAFE CONDITION
NHTSA ODI #10544945
57,684 miles · Dec 30, 2010
SteeringSuspensionCrash
1) LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF MY EMPLOYER, TURNING RIGHT ONTO MAJOR HIGHWAY 2) ONE OCCURRENCE. THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM, HENCE DROPPING THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER ONTO OF THE WHEEL/TIRE. THE NUT "BACKED OFF" AND SLOWLY SPUN ITSELF OFF. THE NUT HAD NO VISIBLE "MARRING" OF THE METAL OR SHOWED SIGNS …
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1) LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF MY EMPLOYER, TURNING RIGHT ONTO MAJOR HIGHWAY 2) ONE OCCURRENCE. THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM, HENCE DROPPING THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER ONTO OF THE WHEEL/TIRE. THE NUT "BACKED OFF" AND SLOWLY SPUN ITSELF OFF. THE NUT HAD NO VISIBLE "MARRING" OF THE METAL OR SHOWED SIGNS OF DISTRESS. THIS IS ALSO TRUEFOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT. 3) VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE PARTS WERE REPLACED AND A NEW NUT WAS APPLIED. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED BY GM FOR THE 2004 CADILLAC CTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEMS, GM HAS FAILED TO CURE THE PROBLEM AS " IT DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE DESCRIBED LOT OF VEHICLES PER YOUR VIN # ". GIVEN THE MAJOR SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS SURROUNDING THE IMPROPER FUNCTION OF THIS PART IT IS IRRATIONAL TO BELIEVE THAT THE NUT WOULD JUST "BACK ITSELF OFF". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373571
70,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Steering
HELLO, I HAVE HEARD REPORTS OF THE GM RECALL FOR POWER STEERING IN SOME VEHICLES. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT CADILLAC'S AS WELL. I HAVE A 04 CTS THAT JUST RECENTLY STARTED DOING THE EXACT SAME THING A FEW WEEKS AGO. AT LOW SPEEDS THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL…
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HELLO, I HAVE HEARD REPORTS OF THE GM RECALL FOR POWER STEERING IN SOME VEHICLES. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT CADILLAC'S AS WELL. I HAVE A 04 CTS THAT JUST RECENTLY STARTED DOING THE EXACT SAME THING A FEW WEEKS AGO. AT LOW SPEEDS THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A WHINE SOUND. LOOKS LIKE THE POWER ASSIST PUMP HAS GONE OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315353
65,000 miles · Jun 17, 2008
SteeringSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT HEARD A TAPPING AND GRINDING SOUND UNDER HER FEET WHILE DRIVING, AND ALSO FELT SOMETHING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND IS CURRE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT HEARD A TAPPING AND GRINDING SOUND UNDER HER FEET WHILE DRIVING, AND ALSO FELT SOMETHING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND IS CURRENTLY MAKING REPAIRS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER HER VEHICLE IDENTIFCATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 07/29/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10231281
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.