10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,464 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #12

Jul 252014

CTS 6-cyl

  • 13,677 miles
2006 Cadillac Cts. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake pedal issues. The consumer stated when she applied the brake to slow down, to make a turn, a noise was immediately heard. Once she stopped, a burning smell was present and the brakes did not have the same feel as the pedal felt loose and very close to the floor. She managed to make it to her destination. Once she parked, the burning smell was very noticeable and the rim on the left front tire was very hot. The next day, she had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. A few days later, they informed the consumer, the caliper had locked up on the drier's front wheel and the brake hoses needed to be replaced, all at a cost of $ $1500. The dealer stated there were no recalls on the vehicle. However, when the consumer returned home she discovered her vehicle was recall in 2010.

- Saint Augustine, FL, USA

problem #11

Jun 152010

CTS

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Cts. While driving approximately 5 mph and attempting a left turn into a parking space, the contact depressed the brake pedal and experienced sudden abnormal acceleration. The contact continued to apply pressure to the brake pedal until the brake engaged. The failure recurred three different times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #10

Apr 242011

CTS 6-cyl

  • 49,850 miles
My wife and I purchased a 2006 Cadillac Cts with an extended warranty in 2008. Ever since we've had it, we've experienced intermittent braking failure at low speeds while turning. Yesterday this issue caused my wife to bump another vehicle while parking. This problem is especially dangerous as it only happens occasionally so it catches the driver off guard. We have sent Cadillac a description of the issue in fall of 2010 but they never even responded. We took the car to the dealer and they said that it would be covered under warranty but they cannot replicate the issue. There are forums of people who've had the same issue. We just want the issue fixed as other than that, we like the car. This has even happened at intersections and fortunately there was no one coming. This issue may have already resulted in death or serious injury elsewhere and we would like the manufacturer to acknowledge the issue and correct it before someone else is injured or killed.

- Ventura, CA, USA

problem #9

Oct 142010

CTS 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
ABS light comes on and vehicle will not brake at slow speeds while turning. Very dangerous!

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #8

Nov 172007

CTS

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Cts. While backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph, there was an unusual noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on five different occasions in which there were no resolutions. The technician replaced the front and rear brakes. Also, four tires were replaced at a different time. The failure continued after the repairs were performed. The failure mileage was 20,000.

- Ashland, KY, USA

problem #7

May 162010

CTS

  • 12,000 miles
2006 Cts. While in bumper to bumper traffic I felt the car "hydroplane" for a second. It wasn't raining and I saw nothing in the rear view mirror to cause it. I continued on at about 30mph and began to depress the brake slowly as a red light was ahead. The brakes did not engage and I plowed into the car in front of me. Cadillac repair can find nothing wrong. Now I'm frightened to drive the car again. Something has to be wrong yet I can get no assistance.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #6

Nov 112008

CTS 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Cts. While parking the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and struck a building. Both air bags deployed. There were no injuries. The dealer was notified and a compliant was filed. The vehicle is currently in the collision shop, waiting to be seen by an adjuster.. the failure and current mileages were 42,000. Updated 12/16/08 updated 12/19/08.

- Clarance, NY, USA

problem #5

Oct 092007

CTS 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,548 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Cts. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle began driving roughly. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle would rev as if it were attempting to accelerate. On October 9, 2007, while backing out of a parking space with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged forward and made a loud noise. The vehicle crashed into a tree. The brakes did not work and the steering wheel would not turn. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle sustained front end damage, including the two front tires. The contact has pictures. The contact sustained a concussion, has headaches and dizzy spells, 50% hearing loss, and cracked two front teeth. A police report was filed. The vehicle was repaired, but still rides roughly. NHTSA campaign id number 07V589000 (suspension: Rear axle: Spindle) was referenced. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 5,623 and failure mileage was 5,548.

- Merced, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 092008

(reported on)

CTS 6-cyl

  • miles
2006 Cadillac Cts with faulty brakes. Consumer states that all the servicemen at the dealer completely ignored her when she got there for the repair on her vehicle. She believes the workers at the dealer are practicing racism/discrimination. The rear view mirror was broken, the fuel gauge was fluctuating, the brake system, ABS and traction control lights illuminated. The consumer stated when she turned into a parking space, a loud dragging noise was heard and felt. Even though her foot was on the brake, the vehicle continued to roll, and growl. Updated 06/09/08

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #3

Sep 022007

CTS 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,030 miles
2006 Cadillac Cts rear differential froze up- locking rear brakes while driving. *updated 12/12/07 the consumer stated heard some squealing noise in which he stated might be the emergency brake. The consumer stated towed to dealer and rear differential assembly replaced. The consumer stated GM tried to rectify the situation by offering 12 months free oil change and tire rotation and inspection, however the consumer declined. Updated 12/12/07

- Bridgeville, PA, USA

problem #2

Jul 092007

CTS

  • 29,462 miles
My 2006 Cadillac my brake alert system came on. On 07/09, I took the Cadillac Cts (29,462 miles) to tracy Cadillac explained to todd in maintenance/serv my alert came on & to please look into it. On July 10th todd called me and stated that it needs new brakes & possible new rotors. At such low miles on a 18 month old car I could not believe he was telling me this, he said this this is "normal". as a consumer I can't believe that new brakes/rotors are required so soon & don't consider this "normal wear & tear". we paid for a sturdy vehicle with a good reputation I E-mailed Cadillac Corp and here is a partial response -let me know if you want the full E-mail) (their response dated July 24 from customer relationship specialist: Meghan maclennan) the front brake pad lining used in today's Cadillac is far different than what was used in the past. Brake pads manufactured today contain no asbestos. Most vehicles manufactured in past years used a lining containing asbestos. There are many factors behind the change in the design of today's braking systems; federal government guidelines, service life, noise level, stopping ability, fade resistance and environmental effects. Therefore, automobile manufacturers have moved into a new era in brake pad composition, balancing long lasting metallic materials with softer materials, which offset brake "squeal" inherent in a more metallic pad. This new material is much safer to the environment because of the elimination of asbestos, but a trade off might be shorter pad life, depending on braking usage and conditions. Brake pad and lining replacement is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and is considered a maintenance item. Rotor and drum resurfacing or replacement is also not covered under warranty, unless it is a direct result of a defect in materials or workmanship. At this time the dealership does not feel there is any defect in the materials or workmanship and is considered normal wear and tear.

- Tracy, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 122006

CTS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,000 miles
: the contact stated while applying slight brake pressure at 55 mph in stop and go traffic on the highway, all four wheels locked, and the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard without warning. The contact attempted to disengage the brakes by pumping the pedal up and down. Afterwards, the vehicle operated at a reduced speed, and hesitated to accelerate as though brake pressure was being applied. The dealer was alerted.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA