2009 Cadillac CTS Owner Complaints

To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I am writing this correspondence with regard to a purchase of a 2009 Cadillac CTS . I purchased the vehicle for my mother in Missouri December 2022. I reside in California and had the vehicle shipped to California when my mother relocated to California. The vehicle had not been driven frequently. In September of 2024, my mother was driving on the freeway when she heard what sounded like metal hitting the underside of the car. My mother stopped twice on the freeway and contacted me to inform of the sound. I asked my mom if she was close to our residence, and she stated that she was close. I advised that she attempt to drive slowly home. My mom made her way to the residence, pulled into the driveway, and the vehicle accelerated with no prompting on the gas through my residence. I contacted General Motors to inform of the concern. GM sent out a representative who has determined the accident was intentional citing my mother hit the gas pedal. This incident has caused medical concerns with my mother. She has had to seek medical care on an ongoing basis (with her legs swelling, constant headaches, back concerns, and etc.). I am writing because I was not made aware by GM there had been a recall, and other individuals were experiencing the same concerns with this particular vehicle. GM claimed the issue with the recall of this vehicle had been rectified, but failed to give a date of the repair. I am writing this with concerns to prevent other individuals experiencing the same mishap with this vehicle, to prevent others from harm or worse. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11648137

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying to the left or the far right without the contact moving the steering wheel. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was easier to control. The contact stated the traction control, TPMS, service brake assist, air bags, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V089000 (Suspension) and called the NHTSA Hotline to see if the VIN was included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11641895

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

Gas leaking from above gas tank took car in for service 5/6/24. they could not duplicate issue on 5/24 engine light comes on. On 5/26/24 code indicated fuel pump issue. Several months before all of this, I would notice a strong gas smell after driving

NHTSA ID

11590940

Incident

Apr 29, 2024

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 veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.

NHTSA ID

11581265

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11573764

Incident

Feb 23, 2024

The fuel pump is leaking gas on top of the fuel tank. I just bought the car and didn’t know about the consistent problem with second generation CTS. The problem is stated to ba a plastic elbow attached to the fuel pump that ruptures.There is a fuel smell inside while I’m driving and around the car when the car is motionless. This a fire and explosion hazmats that is common to this model year. I can see some fuel on the side of the fuel tank. From reading , I can see that GM has recalled other vehicles for the same problem. I believe that the first generation CTS was recalled and the second generation was not included. Replacing the fuel pump is a very expensive a labor intensive process and I would like to have 2009 CTS included in the recall.

NHTSA ID

11544862

Incident

Sep 13, 2023

The car constantly makes a noise. Even when it's parked you can still smell gas. It jerks all the time. Been having problem with it since day one I got it.

NHTSA ID

11525016

Incident

Apr 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about Technical Service Bulletin:10-07-30-005a (Transmission output shaft and transfer case input shearing). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11523409

Incident

Dec 23, 2022

May car just stopped working come to find out water was leaking from my sunroof which I always keep my closed. Found out water in leaking from sunroof to my mom board now mechanic is saying to take to dealership I no its gonna be a lot of money to fix electric issue smh.

NHTSA ID

11521986

Incident

May 15, 2023

My airbag sensor on my passenger seat does not work. It cannot detect the passenger and therefore would not go off if there was an accident. I tried purchasing the item from GM by going to my local service location and was told the part is not made anymore and I cannot buy it. There is none made for my car online. I need a module to detect if a passenger is present not only for safety but to pass inspection in NJ. They offered no solution and simply told me after ten years they don’t have to make parts for a car. My problem with that is this car body style and parts is for years 2009-2014 so they should still make it for the 2014 and I could use that. During my research I have come across approximately 30 other ctsv owners that have the same issue and it’s not just a part that can be replaced with an aftermarket one because there is none being made that fit these seats. GM has an issue with lots of their cars including the ctsv generation before mine and there is recalls for that one too. How can a company sell a 500hp car to someone and not make the parts for the car anymore which could result in a serious injury or death? I cannot inspect my car and could be ticketed in my state for not having an inspection. An airbag sensor not working or not detecting a passenger is a major concern and they will not address this issue. There’s forums dedicated to this issue. I even said it’s fine I would buy it if it’s not recalled and they simply said we don’t or won’t make them anymore. I don’t know what I’m suppose to do? Not drive my car? I have tried everything and even purchasing a whole new seat and have not gotten anywhere. Part number#20903436

NHTSA ID

11502528

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

My 2009 has 112,000 miles on it. Over a period of time we started to smell gasoline . Thought it may be simply from putting gas in the car. The smell got stronger. Fortunately we had to have a tire replaced. The tire service owner advised we had a major gas leak and advised us not to drive it far. End result was we had a fuel feed pipe that was leaking. Please know we had been driving our 4 year old nephew and 1 year old niece in the car. Final bill was over $2300. Leaking gas !! How can that not warrant a safety recall? Searching the web for information about others having the same problem I discovered others did. Please go to Cadillac Forums for starters. Please review and advise. More safety issues for the CTS involved a seat belt that was worn down and a passenger front door that would not open from either the inside or outside. Cell [XXX] Email [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11490542

Incident

Sep 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle was not able to start immediately. The accelerator pedal was pumped to start the vehicle. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty purge solenoid; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested filing a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11464343

Incident

May 12, 2022

Mileage

95,000 mi

My 2009 CTS has 67k miles; however, on 02/24/2022 it was serviced at Les Stanford Cadillac for "Timing Chain Failure" which cost me $3,371,27. GM published service bulletin #11340C: Special Coverage Adjustment-Timing Chain Wear on 11/5/2012 that was sent to the dealerships explaining that the timing chain could wear prematurely but the document was not shared with the car owners. The make and models listed on the document includes: 2007 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, 2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, and STS, 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn. The special coverage adjustment covers the condition described for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. I sent a letter to the Cadillac Customer Service Complaint Department asking GM to pay for half of the repair bill ($1,685) but was denied stating that the special coverage had expired and that my vin number was not included in the special coverage adjustment document. At that time, I told the reviewing agent that according to my written document all service maintenance has been completed timely by the same dealership, my average car mileage is 5,600 per year so retirees will surpass the 10 years before the 120,000 miles, and GM did not capture all VIN#'s since my car has such low mileage. Therefore, the time period should be waived, and all vehicles indicated on the 11340C document should be considered for reimbursement due to GM's knowledge of the premature timing chain failure even if the vin numbers are not listed on the bulletin.

NHTSA ID

11461072

Incident

Feb 21, 2022

JUST LIKE MANY OTHER GM'S THE STEERING WHEEL WILL STICK WHILE DRIVING AND RELEASE IN ONE DIRECTION OF THE OTHER. IT HAS CAUSED US ALMOST TO HAVE A HEAD ON COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 2 AND THEY HAVE NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THEY COULD CHANGE THE STEERING COLUMN BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE IT WILL FIX THE ISSUE. THEY HAVE TEST DRIVE AND HAVE DUPLICATED THE SAME LOCKING AND STICKING WHILE DRIVING. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE GM DEALER HAS NO DIAGNOSIS TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND VIOLENTLY TAKE A SHARP TURN WHEN IT UNLOCKS.

NHTSA ID

11374741

Incident

Sep 30, 2020

REPLACED TIMING CHAINS AT CERTIFIED DEALER, INCLUDING WATER PUMP. PARTS AND LABOR ABOUT $4,400.00. VEHICLE IS FINE IS THERE ANY REIMBURSABLE COST ON THIS FROM CADILLAC, VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 140,104??

NHTSA ID

11364350

Incident

Oct 14, 2020

Mileage

140,104 mi

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN ON A STREET ROAD IN BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AT 59,000 MILES. *JS

NHTSA ID

11339529

Incident

Feb 26, 2020

Mileage

59,000 mi

SECOND TIME TIMING CHAIN FAILED CADILLAC SAYS 2007-2009 CADILLAC TIMING CHAINS HAVE A RECALL 11340C EXCEPT MY VIN # CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS I HAD TO PAY FOR BOTH REPAIR $1600 AND $2900 CADILLAC SHOULD REIMBURSE ME. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330149

Incident

Jun 18, 2020

Mileage

37,000 mi

I JUST GOT A OIL CHANGE, A WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I THOUGHT IT NEEDS A TUNE UP SO I TOOK IT TO GET ONE AND THEY SAID IT DOES NOT NEED A TUNE UP, THEY HAVE A CODE( P0008) THEY SAID IS THE ENGINE POSITION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, SOMETHING ABOUT A BELT THAT'S LOSE N IT NEEDS TO BE FIX SOON OR IT CAN BE DANGEROUS IF I DON'T FIX IT SO I LOOK AROUND AND SAW A RECALL ON THAT CODE, SO I WAS READING ABOUT IT, PEOPLE BEING HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT THEY ALL SAID THAT THE DEALER REFUSE TO FIX. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE IF IS A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329290

Incident

Jun 15, 2020

Mileage

1,156 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE CADILLAC (303 ROOSEVELT RD, LOMBARD, IL 60148,) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5682593376. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11290370

Incident

Dec 18, 2019

Mileage

66,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CMA'S COLONIAL AUTO CENTER (LOCATED AT 100 MYERS DR, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22901, (434) 951-1000), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11286652

Incident

May 15, 2019

Mileage

35,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PINE BELT CADILLAC (732-797-3000, LOCATED AT 71 NEW JERSEY AVE 37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11282909

Incident

Nov 16, 2019

Mileage

116,000 mi

CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR JUST WHEN KEY IS ON.WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS FIRST CAR SHUTS OFF JUST LIKE IF SOMEONE TURNED KEY OFF.2ND STABITRAC LIGHT COMES ON FOR A FEW SECONDS 3RD SHUTS OFF CRUISE AND WILL NOT LET YOU USE IT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES 4TH LOCKES DOORS....IF YOU ARE STOPPED AND THIS HAPPENS YOU HAVE TO START IT MANUALLY....IF YOU ARE DRIVING IT WILL SHUT OFF AND START UP BY ITS SELF.

NHTSA ID

11277278

Incident

Sep 26, 2019

Mileage

18,500 mi

NOTICED GAS SMELL COMING FROM CAR. I GOT WORRIED ONCE THE GAS SMELL BECAME A EVERYDAY THING. MECHANIC STATES A GAS LEAK IS COMING FROM THE GAS TANK AREA. DID A SEARCH ONLINE AND A LOT OF PETIOLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL.

NHTSA ID

11252307

Incident

Jun 20, 2019

Mileage

80,000 mi

"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLINKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE SOUND USUALLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND THE "TIMING CHAIN" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,053. " TIMING CHAIN FAILURE AT 102,000 MILES MANUFACTURER DID NOT HELP, ESIS CLAIM PENDING FOR INJURY

NHTSA ID

11241213

Incident

Jan 21, 2019

Mileage

102,000 mi

TIMING CHAIN BROKE, CAR IS IMMOBILIZED. TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN FAULTY SINCE 34,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11233257

Incident

Jan 21, 2019

Mileage

102,000 mi