NHTSA — Power Train Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,335 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Cadillac CTS drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2007 Cadillac CTS Owner Comments

problem #18

Jun 172020

CTS

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rear differential seal leaking Midas told me when I had the oil changed right after I got the car exactly one year and one day ago today and there is like a weird noise when I drive but if I turn the heat or air in it stops

- Middletown, OH, USA

problem #17

Nov 062020

CTS

  • 140,000 miles
The seller lied about everything! the first question I asked was if the car was in an accident. He bragged about being a mechanic, and doing all the work on the car, so everything in the car is in, "tip top shape." He replied, "no, never!" he did not allow us to ride the car on the interstate before the purchase, claiming it was illegal. 10 mins after leaving the car lot, the car cuts off and is unable to crank back up. The seller meets us and claims it the battery. A "new" battery was placed in the vehicle, but the problem persists. My fianc, who is not a mechanic, told him more than once, that the problem was not the battery, but the alternator. He got the car to crank. As we are riding down the interstate, the car cuts off, and we are left aimlessly rolling and are unable to control the wheel. Plus, the electricity in the car is off so we can't even turn on our hazard lights to caution the other cars on the road. After speaking to the seller, once again, he tells us there is nothing he can do about it and will not cancel the deal. We've only had the car for 4-5 hours. After speaking to several mechanics, they quickly confirm that the alternator is the problem and anybody that claims to be a mechanic can see the problem immediately. They also inform us the car has been wrecked and should have not been resold for safety measures. Driving this vehicle almost cost us our lives.

- St Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #16

Sep 202018

CTS

  • 150,000 miles
The car is running like it is stuck in some kind of safety mode. It does not want to accelerate unless it starts accelerating in third gear. It does not come out of 3rd gear at all. The engine light and airbag lights are lit up on the dash. There is a couple of recalls listed for the same exact year make and model but it says that this VIN number is not under recall. I think that this vehicle needs to be inspected to see if it actually does need to be listed under those recalls. It is not just this one specific VIN number having these issues either. I have talked to quite a few Cadillac owners that are having the same problems and their vehicles are not listed under those recalls either. If you turn on the car you put it into drive the car remains stuck in 3rd gear and will not shift through the gears properly.

- Brunswick, GA, USA

problem #15

Feb 012013

CTS

  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Yes I been having problem with transmission at first brought car couple months later the car would not back up so got that granny rebuilt and then four and half years later have problem with tyranny again but now as you put foot on pedal the car go for only bout 5 or 10 minute then it would slow down then would just stop when put foot on pedal. Wiper would not turn off on it own only when you take fuse out the radio stop working N the bright light would turn on by its self every time you put on turn sign on at night.

- Kingsland, GA, USA

problem #14

Oct 122016

CTS

  • miles
Vehicle jerks when putting in gear.

- Clayton, NC, USA

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problem #13

Jan 092015

CTS

  • miles
I am the owner of this 2007 GM product. I took my car to frankel Cadillac 1/09/15, invoice number 60596 and I was never notified that there were recommended recalls on my vehicle. On that date there were some problems related to the wiring on the ABS and ebtm and I denied the service to be done there because I was quoted a cost of over 2,500 dollars and I was informed that it might escalate to 3500 if an ABS pump needed to be replaced also. I later had the work done at young's located in woodlawn for a lot less. I now problems with the power train and the anti theft system and have the auto in gregg's repair, 5050 wabash ave. I also saw on line that the on star operation is able to release the anti theft mode. I have been quoted a price of 886 dollars plus change by gregg's Cadillac. I am able to drive the vehicle, but in order to get the key out, the battery has to be disconnected. I am perplexed that I was never notified about the recalls on this vehicle. With all of the noted problems I was in motion. I was stopped by the police for the brake light in the city and I was driving on the highway when the anti theft mode went into operation.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #12

Apr 102016

CTS

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2007 Cadillac Cts began making a loud humming noise. Had the rear driver side wheel bearing changed but the noise continued. On way home from work the following day on I75 driving 70mph which is the speed limit, the car started making a loud clunking sound and was nearly impossible to steer. Nearly had accident while trying to get to shoulder of road. Was informed by mechanic that "the rear end went out of your car because you didn't have any differential fluid left in it" when I asked how that could happen the mechanic said there must have been a leak of some kind. Started researching and found there was a recall on the car 4 years before I purchased it. When I called GM at 800-458-8006 I was told by automated phone system there is an open recall on my vehicle #07204E and 10355C so asked to speak with a representative and the lady from manilla in the philippines (because that's where their customer care center is"?") informed me that there is "no open recall on your car" even after I tried to explain the automated service had just given me 2 open recall numbers for my VIN #...she said she couldn't help me find service for my car.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #11

Oct 272015

CTS

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that the vehicle would start, but failed to shift into the accurate gear and the brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #10

Sep 292015

CTS

  • 150,000 miles
For the last year my car has ran badly. Very rough idle, engine light throwing multiple codes, bad gas mileage, heavy oil consumption, and pulsating throttle while parked and driving. I've taken it to the dealership and for an entire year they've given me the runaround. On Monday I took it back in to rancho motor company in victorville, California and they finally say it's the timing chain. The recall warranty voided at 120000 miles. Now they refuse to honor the recall. My car is dangerous to drive.

- Apple Valley, CA, USA

problem #9

Apr 022015

CTS 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
On 4/02/2015 I was driving my vehicle when suddenly I heard a explosion type sound and it would not move. I was doing approximately 30 to 35 mph. I pulled to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle when I saw oil coming out from the back of the car I called aaa and they towed me to my home were I did research and found that Cadillac Cts from 2005-2007 were having problems with the rear differential. So I contacted Cadillac div. Directly and was given a case # 71-1463000661 they contacted coral Cadillac dealer and they came picked up my car and had it inspected they confirmed that the car has powertrain problems but the mechanic says that there is a possibility they will not cover the fees to repair it due to the VIN # of my vehicle does not have a recall for that issue> at this point I do not understand my car has experienced everything in the original recall for that make, model and year. Please help.....

- Margate, FL, USA

problem #8

Jan 132015

CTS

  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving down the road and heard a terrible clunk followed by grinding. I stopped to look under the car because I thought something fell out or of the car. I got it to a repair shop and the rear differential went out because it had been leaking. I had contacted Cadillac earlier in the 2014 to check on recalls and was told that my car was not under recall. I think it should've been under recall. I read that this is a big problem with the Cts, but Cadillac refuses to make it right on older models. I am just glad I wasn't driving at 70 mph or somebody could've been killed. I am $2,200 in the hole now...

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #7

Sep 012014

CTS

  • 80,000 miles
Car consumed so much oil that timing chain tensioners caused timing chains issues that caused car to stop running.

- Freehold J, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jun 262014

CTS 6-cyl

  • miles
2007 Cadillac Cts. Consumer had a rebuilt transmission with rebuilt torque installed and would like to be reimbursed. The consumer stated the vehicle had been jerking and hesitating, while driving.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #5

Feb 142014

CTS 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
I am concerned about a know differential issue with the Cadillac Cts. In forums every where I am reading that the differential first leaks and then grenades. I know you are only requesting information when it grenades, but I think issues should be stated immediately! I don't want to be driving down the road with children in the car and have problems then. I contacted Cadillac first and received the heisman stiff arm. I think this is a significant flaw in the Cts dating back to 2004 and should have a recall!

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #4

Jul 092012

CTS 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
My husband and I have been working with hill Cadillac, fc kerbeck and GM protection plan to resolve our repair issues. The information we have received is that the timing chain needs to be replaced. We paid for additional warranties when we purchased our Cadillac in 2010. Our timing chain was replaced in August 2011 and now are being told that there is no oil in our car and we need repairs that cost over $2000. My husband and I do not have that kind of money instantly. We have provided documentation of timely oil changes and up to date repairs on the vehicle. We love our car and now need the dealership and others to stand behind their "certified" car and repair our car. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Contacts spoken to are: Rubin/Cadillac corporation: 866-790-5600 X 11197 - case number:[xxx]hill Cadillac - 610-356-4900 fc kerbeck - [xxx]- 856-786-8200 (place of purchase) thank you for any help you can provide. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Claymont, DE, USA

problem #3

Aug 122008

CTS

  • 33,200 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac Cts. While driving 50 mph in the rain, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle spun out. The vehicle crashed into the barrier in the middle of the road. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and had to be towed from the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was purchased from the dealer in June of 2008 and they were aware of NHTSA campaign id number 07V589000 (power train:axle assembly:axle shaft:seal), but never informed the contact. She received a recall notice after the crash occurred. The failure mileage was 33,200.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #2

Jun 112008

CTS

  • 4,833 miles
Mileage: 4,833 I had been waiting in line at a carwash, and when it was my turn to enter, I began to slowly move forward. As I was inching forward, my car began to move faster than it should. I applied the brake, but I did not have any and my steering was locked. It felt like my car stalled, but at the same time, it kept moving forward. Fortunately, I was able to engage my emergency brake to prevent me from crashing. This is the 2nd time this has happened. The first time was in August of '07. That time, I was parked at the top of my sloped driveway. The car lurched forward and I had no brakes or steering and my car rolled down the hill and into a brick wall. I ended up in the er with a neck injury. The dealership found nothing. My car has been in and out of the dealership for various problems tied to the electrical system of the car. (ex. The traction control would engage inappropriately or would stop me dead in the middle of the road, the trunk came open while I was driving, it would have pickup hesitation, it would also feel as if it were accelerating itself while I was driving, my oil life reading was off by 38%, car had to be reprogrammed because the power train system detected a malfunction in the engine control system, the gas gauge and low fuel warning lights are not performing accurately.) as of today, my car has been in the shop for 17 days as they continue to attempt to fix my problems. If you factor in the time it was in their after my accident due to the malfunction of the car, it has been over 77 days in the past 10 months.

- Bellaire, OH, USA

problem #1

May 272008

CTS

  • 0 miles
This letter is pleading to be released from lease agreement and refunded the money invested in my car. I"M no longer happy with the quality of the Cadillac Cts and the number of recalls associated with these vehicles. In essence, I have been leased two new vehicles that were lemons according to lemon laws in the state of Virginia. I have had the same safety problem repaired more than three times with both cars. At this point, I am truly nervous to drive my car, more so after reading the many reports of people experiencing car fires, suddenly losing control of their car on the highway, and gears locking up. Most importantly, the car is not safe and I?M scared to continue to subject myself and young children to possible injuries because of the power drain safety problems I?ve experienced before and after the recall. To date, my 2007 Cts has been repaired 4 times for the axle/differential. I?M not an expert but in my findings, the power train deals with differential unit, axle assembly, shaft seal leak, and the automatic transmission. Luckily, these repairs were covered under the warranty. However, the service department is just applying a band aid to the situation. I"M concerned about what might happen next time and who will be responsible for future expenses when the warranty expires. As a result of all this, I would like to be released from the remainder of my lease agreement and refunded the payments made to gmac due to the lemon law. I have never been late on making payments on my cars. As of June 2008, I have paid $14,187.80 towards my 2007 Cts and look forward to being compensated for a car not mechanically suitable to drive. Your response will be greatly appreciated. Should you need additional information, I can be reached at 301-332-4329. Thanks in advance for time and attention on this matter. Respectfully, lajuan howard

- Capitol Heights, MD, USA

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