Cadillac CTS Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Cadillac CTS across 14 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (40). The words owners use most often: “traction control” (9% of reports).
- 194service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 27mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 14%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Traction control: mentioned in 18 of 194 complaints (9%)
- Parking spot: mentioned in 16 of 194 complaints (8%)
- Pedal depressed: mentioned in 16 of 194 complaints (8%)
- Service brake assist: mentioned in 13 of 194 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 155 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 194 complaints, 27 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 14 an injury.
Cadillac CTS service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 CTS | 1 | 3% | 43,000 |
| 2015 CTS | 7 | 15% | 42,200 |
| 2014 CTS | 3 | 2% | 13,500 |
| 2013 CTS | 6 | 8% | 20,000 |
| 2012 CTS | 7 | 11% | 20,000 |
| 2011 CTS | 6 | 6% | 28,980 |
| 2010 CTS | 5 | 7% | 34,883 |
| 2009 CTS | 8 | 5% | 80,000 |
| 2008 CTS | 11 | 6% | 59,280 |
| 2007 CTS | 36 | 17% | 80,000 |
| 2006 CTS | 40 | 15% | 92,000 |
| 2005 CTS | 22 | 8% | 92,569 |
| 2004 CTS | 21 | 9% | 95,500 |
| 2003 CTS | 21 | 7% | 108,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2015
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
Risk: If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Model years: 2012
Problem: Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from october 21, 2011, through october 26, 2011. These vehicles may have a condition in which the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut may not be torqued to the proper specification. If the nut is not torqued to the proper specification, the nut could loosen and allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ABILITY TO BRAKE AND a vehicle CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: Cadillac dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specification. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 1, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Engine burns 1quart of oil, 100 miles. Brakes went to floor, brake lines had holes at 69,000 miles. Driver rear axel leaks. 2006 Cadillac CTS is a lemon!! Money Pit !!!
Brakes failed. This happened at low speed and control was kept of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was seen the flexible brake line connecting the driver's side brake caliper had separated at the point it transitions from rubber to metal. It happened immediately after turning right at a stop light…
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was…
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…
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Cadillac CTSs have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 194 owner complaints about service brakes for the Cadillac CTS. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Cadillac CTS service brakes?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Cadillac CTS?
The most frequent phrase is “traction control”, in 18 of 194 complaints, followed by “parking spot” (16).
Other Cadillac CTS problems
- Power Train problems (462)
- Electrical System problems (383)
- Air Bags problems (378)
- Engine problems (236)
- Steering problems (162)
- Suspension problems (119)
- Structure problems (113)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (111)
See all Cadillac CTS problems.