NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
43 reportsClear category filter173,520 miles · Apr 19, 2024
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated when the vehicle was started with the key in the ignition, it was difficult to shift from park(P) to reverse(R). The contact stated that once she was able to reverse the vehicle onto the roadway, it was difficult to shift the vehicle into drive(D). The contact turned off a…
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The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated when the vehicle was started with the key in the ignition, it was difficult to shift from park(P) to reverse(R). The contact stated that once she was able to reverse the vehicle onto the roadway, it was difficult to shift the vehicle into drive(D). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift into drive(D). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off. While attempting to start the vehicle, it was difficult turning the ignition key. The contact stated that she was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that she was only able to jiggle the key enough to turn the vehicle off. The contact called a local dealer and explained the failure. The contact advised the dealer that she had a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The dealer advised the contact that the key that was stuck in the ignition was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,520.
NHTSA ODI #11584032
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Air BagsElectrical SystemSuspension
Well I am uncertain but we have two 2006 Cadillac cts and both have had multiple transmissions replaced. Multiple differential problems and air bag and wireing problems
NHTSA ODI #11578995
116,000 miles · May 10, 2019
Electrical System
VEHICLE BATTERY IS DRAINED EVERY 3 DAYS.
NHTSA ODI #11206833
124,000 miles · Nov 8, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROE MOTORS (201 NE 7TH ST, GRANTS PASS, OR 97526, 541-237-7208) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROE MOTORS (201 NE 7TH ST, GRANTS PASS, OR 97526, 541-237-7208) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #11150211
90,300 miles · Jun 20, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT ECM RELATED PROBLEMS. EVERY COMPLAINT IS THE SAME. THE COMPUTER CAUSES THE TEMP GAUGE, FUEL GAUGE TO STOP WORKING, THE TC LIGHT & ANTITHEFT LIGHTS TO COME ON, AND THE KEY BEING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT RENDERS THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE THE TEMP & FUEL GAUGES STOP WORKING. I H…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT ECM RELATED PROBLEMS. EVERY COMPLAINT IS THE SAME. THE COMPUTER CAUSES THE TEMP GAUGE, FUEL GAUGE TO STOP WORKING, THE TC LIGHT & ANTITHEFT LIGHTS TO COME ON, AND THE KEY BEING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT RENDERS THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE THE TEMP & FUEL GAUGES STOP WORKING. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND THERE HAS BEEN THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF CARS!!! WHEN I CONTACTED CADILLAC ABOUT THIS THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR A DIAGNOSES FEE. I TOLD THEM THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH POOR DESIGN AND/OR BAD PARTS. I HAVE INCLUDED JUST ONE OF MANY LINKS THAT OWNERS HAVE HAD WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR. THIS MODEL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND CADILLAC NEEDS TO FIX THIS ONGOING PROBLEM!! HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CADILLAC-CTS/T0O6TKB3DQGANK509/P3 THIS IS SO WRONG THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM I MENTIONED ABOVE AND HAVE DONE NOTHING TO FIX IT!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11000207
115,000 miles · Jun 13, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS STUCK IN THE RUN POSITION. ADDITIONALLY, THE ANTI-LOCK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (ST CLAIRE CADILLAC LOCATED AT 3737 STEVENS CREEK BLVD SANTA CLARA, CA 408 244-1000), BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THERE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS STUCK IN THE RUN POSITION. ADDITIONALLY, THE ANTI-LOCK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (ST CLAIRE CADILLAC LOCATED AT 3737 STEVENS CREEK BLVD SANTA CLARA, CA 408 244-1000), BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THERE WAS ANOTHER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #10994643
95,000 miles · Apr 6, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON REACHING THE CONTACT'S DESTINATION, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS MOST LIKELY THE ISSUE AND NEEDED TO B…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON REACHING THE CONTACT'S DESTINATION, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS MOST LIKELY THE ISSUE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #10970951
82,000 miles · Jan 18, 2017
Electrical System
WINDOW WIPERS WONT TURN OFF OR WORK ON DELAY. KEEP GOING ON OFF. SAME PROBLEM ON 2003 CADILLAC A YEAR AGO AND COST US OVER $400. IF NOT A DEFECT, HOW COULD ONE PERSON END UP WITH TWO VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE & MODEL DOING THE SAME THING ON WIPERS? ESPECIALLY SOMETHING SO EXPENSIVE AND NOT SOMETHING SIMPLE. NOW I HAVE TO PAY …
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WINDOW WIPERS WONT TURN OFF OR WORK ON DELAY. KEEP GOING ON OFF. SAME PROBLEM ON 2003 CADILLAC A YEAR AGO AND COST US OVER $400. IF NOT A DEFECT, HOW COULD ONE PERSON END UP WITH TWO VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE & MODEL DOING THE SAME THING ON WIPERS? ESPECIALLY SOMETHING SO EXPENSIVE AND NOT SOMETHING SIMPLE. NOW I HAVE TO PAY THAT AGAIN AND HAVE NEVER HAD THAT ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED.
NHTSA ODI #10945923
100,000 miles · Jun 22, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
WHILE RETURNING FROM A TRIP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ALL THE POWER IN THE CAR WAS GONE, WHILE DRIVING (IN MOTION). WE HAD BEEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1.5HRS. WE WERE GOING ABOUT 65MPH, WHEN THE RADIO AND AC WENT OFF. THERE WAS A MESSAGE THAT SAID SOMETHING ABOUT "BATTERY RESERVE" (?????) I TURNED THE RADIO AND AIR BACK ON. IM…
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WHILE RETURNING FROM A TRIP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ALL THE POWER IN THE CAR WAS GONE, WHILE DRIVING (IN MOTION). WE HAD BEEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1.5HRS. WE WERE GOING ABOUT 65MPH, WHEN THE RADIO AND AC WENT OFF. THERE WAS A MESSAGE THAT SAID SOMETHING ABOUT "BATTERY RESERVE" (?????) I TURNED THE RADIO AND AIR BACK ON. IMMEDIATELY AFTER, "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" MESSAGE, THEN ENTIRE DASHBOARD (INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER) GOES DEAD. CAR SHUTS OFF AND IMMEDIATELY DECELERATES. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE IN THE SLOW LANE ALREADY AND COULD GET OUT OF QUICKLY MOVING TRAFFIC (AND THE CARS BEHIND US COULD SWERVE INTO THE OTHER LANE TO AVOID HITTING US). ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ALL POWER WAS STILL LOST AND COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM IGNITION. ATTEMPTED TO "JUMP OFF", WHICH RESTORED POWER TO REMOVE THE KEY. BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND ULTIMATELY HAD IT TOWED. DEALER SAID MOTOR WAS LOCKED BUT DIDN'T KNOW (OR IMMEDIATELY CARE) WHY. AFTER I PRODDED THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE TECHNICIAN CALLED TO SAY IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR BELT THAT WAS LOCKED, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO BE LOCKED. WITH ALL OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ISSUES THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT THE LAST 2 DAYS, I AM CONCERNED THAT NEITHER OF THOSE ARE THE CAUSE, BUT A RESULT. MY KEY "FIX" LASTED ABOUT 2 DAYS. ALTHOUGH MENTIONED, THE KEY WAS NOT "FIXED" ON THE NEXT VISIT.
NHTSA ODI #10875821
114,720 miles · May 17, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SPEED DECREASED WITHOUT WARNING, AS IF THE BRAKES HAD BEEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. FURTHERMORE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SPEED DECREASED WITHOUT WARNING, AS IF THE BRAKES HAD BEEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. FURTHERMORE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND FLICKERED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,720.
NHTSA ODI #10865337
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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