repaired · 2016 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. 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.
2004 Cadillac CTSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 224 owner complaints about the 2004 Cadillac CTS, most often about the power train. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-542 the manufacturer reports only 51% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 25, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Cadillac CTS has problems
224 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
52Power train3 crash/fire/injury
34Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
26Air bags15 crash/fire/injury
21Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
17Structure
16Suspension
16Service brakes, hydraulic
14Steering
12Engine and engine cooling
7721 other systems13 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 52 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 34 | 1 |
| Air bags | 26 | 15 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 1 |
| Structure | 17 | 4 |
| Suspension | 16 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 16 | 3 |
| Steering | 14 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 1 |
| 21 other systems | 77 | 13 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2004 Cadillac CTS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. A PERSON POSITIONED FOR DRIVING MAY RECEIVE MINOR INJURIES, SUCH AS ABRASIONS, FROM CONTACT WITH A DEPLOYING AIR BAG.
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Steering: linkages
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Seats
Risk. IN SOME CRASH CONDITIONS, THE SEAT COULD PIVOT REARWARD AND ITS OCCUPANT OR A REAR SEAT OCCUPANT COULD BE INJURED MORE SEVERELY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
22kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 45 power train complaints. 87% were reported before 100,000 miles.
27under 30k miles39under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other CTS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CTS median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Cadillac CTS safety ratings
2004 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Cadillac CTS, and the recalls they led to.
- REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURENo recall
- FAILURE OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIALLed to recall 07V-589
In owners' words
What CTS owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The output shaft flange for the transmission that mounts to the driveshaft coupler the flange starts to break away and then breaks. I can provide photos but the metal on the part is close the the end and if I did not find this problem by mistake the drive shaft would have came free
AT ABOUT 100K I NOTICED THE AXLE SEALS ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LEAKING. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS BUT NOT BASED ON MY VIN NUMBER. WHEN I NOTICED THIS THE CAR WAS ON A LIFT IN THE AIR BEING INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.
REAR PINION SEAL FAILED AND REAR AXLE LOCKED UP. LOST CONTROL AND WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2005 AND NEWER CTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V589000, GM RECALL NO. 07204) BUT NOT MY 2004 WHICH HAS AN IDENTICAL REAR MAIN SEAL. THE PART NUMBER USED IN THE RECALL…
Own a 2004 CTS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.