2004 Cadillac CTS Problems: 3 Known Issues

2004 Cadillac CTS Problems: 3 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.

Campaign #18V59500007/09/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

Campaign #14V39400002/07/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.

Campaign #14V61400001/10/2014

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.

Campaign #14V25300015/05/2014

SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

Campaign #14V44600023/07/2014

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac CTS problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Cadillac CTS has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394), 3.6L V6 Water Pump Seal Leaks Intermittently and Only Under Pressure, 3.6L V6 Oil Consumption Driven by a Restrictive PCV Orifice in the Valve Cover. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?

The 2004 Cadillac CTS has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac CTS problems?

Repair costs for known Cadillac CTS issues range from $250 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394)?

On certain 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles, key-ring weight, road conditions or another jarring event can move the ignition switch out of Run, turn off the engine and prevent airbag deployment in a crash. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6 Water Pump Seal Leaks Intermittently and Only Under Pressure?

The engine-driven water pump on the 3.6L V6 (LY7, LLT and LFX) develops a weep at the shaft seal. What makes this failure hard to catch is that many CTS pumps leak only when the system is hot and fully pressurized; the orange-pink DEX-COOL evaporates off the hot block and leaves… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6 Oil Consumption Driven by a Restrictive PCV Orifice in the Valve Cover?

The 3.6L V6 pulls crankcase vapor through a fixed-orifice PCV passage integrated into the valve cover rather than a serviceable PCV valve. The orifice sludges up and the baffle behind it does a poor job of separating oil from the vapor stream, so liquid oil is drawn into the inta… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.

2004 Cadillac CTS Problems: 3 Known Issues

All 3 Known Issues

2003-2014 Cadillac CTS: Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394)#

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2004-2014 Cadillac CTS: 3.6L V6 Water Pump Seal Leaks Intermittently and Only Under Pressure#

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2004-2012 Cadillac CTS: 3.6L V6 Oil Consumption Driven by a Restrictive PCV Orifice in the Valve Cover#

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac CTS problems?

Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac CTS problems?

What is the 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394)?

What is the 2004-2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6 Water Pump Seal Leaks Intermittently and Only Under Pressure?

What is the 2004-2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6 Oil Consumption Driven by a Restrictive PCV Orifice in the Valve Cover?