2015 Cadillac CTS Complaints

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS — Filed 11/13/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Vehicle Soon" was displayed. Additionally, the rear end of the vehicle made an abnormal roaring sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a multi-point inspection was performed. The dealer replaced the purge valve due to a leak, an oil change was performed, and the check engine warning light was reset. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnose regarding the roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the rear differential was leaking due to a pinion bearing failure and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V038000 (Power Train) and 26V329000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 143,145.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/15/2026

Dash board message power steering service message hard to steer traction assist light is on.

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 06/01/2023

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 inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced, and the rear differential was leaking. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The water pump was replaced under the warranty. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced every two months. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/14/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormally loud sound. The contact exited the highway and drove to the nearest mechanic shop at a gas station. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear differential was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

STEERING — Filed 12/31/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various slow speeds, the message "Driver Assist Unavailable" and the steering wheel was abnormally firm, requiring excess effort to drive the vehicle until the power steering functionality returned. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that there was no failure found with the vehicle, and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V175000 (STEERING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

EQUIPMENT — Filed 11/16/2021

The car was taken to Hutchinson dealership in Macon Georgia, to have the oil changed and when I went to pick up the car the Cue Screen was cracked. I asked being the car was in their possession they should be liable for the repairs. They told me that there was nothing they can do because there was no Warranty. I asked why would the car need a Warranty in there possession. It's been two year and i can't pay to have it repaired. I'm [XXX] and can't afford to have it repaired. Very sad.....

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/04/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that there was an abnormal loud clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle while the vehicle was shifting into gears. The vehicle was taken to AMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care, where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000(Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 04/03/2024

The primary issue with the vehicle is the failure of the front transmission pump seal (part #24225543) and the torque converter seal ( part #242337534 ) which caused a significant transmission fluid leak. THe original repair of the torque converter seal was done in Jan 2024 by Andrews Cadillac In Mt Juliet Tn. Failure to properly repair the torque converter seal led to internal damage within the transmission, resulting in the need for a full transmission replacement. THe front pump seal was not replaced as recommended by the service repair manual at the time of the torque converter seal replacement. The faulty component is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the vehicle's hesitation to accelerate after stopping, a direct consequence of the low transmission fluid. This hesitation causes a sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the likelihood of an accident. THere is a delay and then a hard shift when off , a significant bump when shifting from first to second gear and when I stop it feels like I've been rear ended by another car. The issue has been confirmed by multiple service centers, including Parker Cadillac, ORR Cadillac, and Christian Brothers Automotive, all of which identified the transmission pump seal as the source of the leak and the resulting damage to the transmission. Additionally, Christian Brothers Automotive found that the torque converter seal was also leaking, further contributing to the vehicle's transmission problems. Despite efforts to have GM engineers inspect the vehicle at ORR Cadillac, they declined. However, Christian Brothers Automotive has provided a thorough inspection and diagnostic of the .There were no warning lamps or error codes indicating the issue, as it was a mechanical failure rather than an electronic one. The symptoms became apparent when the vehicle began hesitating after coming to a stop, and a transmission fluid leak was discovered during the inspection​

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/30/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact also became aware of an abnormal sound near the brake pads; however, the contact stated that the sound was not coming from the brake pads. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/02/2023

My rear differential gear is failing on my 2015 Cadillac CTS luxury 2.0T. I just reached approx 69,000 miles upon returning from an approx 2,200 mile trip to the east coast from Texas. I noticed a whine like noise after my drive back to Texas that seemed to get louder and louder coming from the rear of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to Firestone for inspection and it was confirmed the rear differential was failing. i was also advised the the seal were leaking as noted in the attached report. I was shown the drain plug which had an abundance of metal shavings present to confirm. The fluid was replaced and I was advised to follow up ASAP. Upon researching the issue I discovered this is a common issue confirmed on the Cadillac forums. This issue could’ve left me stranded or worse, caused an accident as I was traveling around the Christmas and the New Year to visit family during peak travel times. There were no warning signs or indications via my vehicle warning systems nor was there any contact from my Cadillac dealer or GM representatives. My vehicle is currently available for inspection as the issue has not been resolved.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 12/04/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to stop, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal became very difficult to depress. The failure almost caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the “Brake Assist" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/07/2022

Was simply driving my normally and out of no where there was a loud pop and driving the car all I heard was a loud grinding noise as I stepped on the gas, and the car would not shift into reverse. No lights or warnings had ever popped up into the dash. Also very strong burning and metal smell came from the car. I have taken the car to an independent repair shop and was determined the rear differential has gone bad. Apparently many other people with similar year vehicles have had the same issues with this make and model of car, to add on another car like mines came into the same shop with the same problem.

EQUIPMENT — Filed 07/31/2022

The CUE system is variably unresponsive/frozen. Cannot turn on heat, cannot turn on navigation. Situation is distracting as driving and trying to touch the screen to turn on heat in winter, or to receive navigation information when highway shut down and detour was not yet posted. Nearly caused an accident. Dealer confirmed that system is broken. No one else has inspected the system. System never worked properly and had many glitches when vehicle purchased new.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 05/12/2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with car still continued Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes i dont know how it passed due to emergency brake and engine & brakes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes first engie light came on then car shut off

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 07/02/2022

The vacuum pump failed and caused catastrophic engine failure. The vacuum pump was constructed with substandard design and the composition of the parts within the vacuum pumps internal components. The vacuum pump is an integral part of the emissions system, the braking system and the engine. This is not an isolated incident as the replacement vacuum pump, even if replaced, will fail again. The pump should have been designed with a shear pin so the engine camshaft would not have been destroyed.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/24/2022

The recall that was done on the 2014-2015 CTS-V should have been a recall on ALL models of CTS because all of the models in the timeframe received the dsame flawed rear differential. My 2015 CTS Luxury has only 80k miles on it and the differential has chunks of metal in its oil. It is the exactaame differential as is in the CTS-V. At any time my rear end will lock up once the dofferential fully eats itself. It is an extreme saftey hazard for anyone driving any type of CTS from 2014-2015.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/24/2022

2015 Cadillac CTS Luxury, 81k miles, rear differential has metal chunks in its fluid and makes load roaring sound. Dealership mecahnics said that the differential dailing that early is a known issue, and if it had progressed rhe differential would have seized up and the rear tires would have locked up. No parts available anywhere for differential replacement or overhaul.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 05/20/2022

2015 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS DAMAGED WHILE HAVING A SAFETY RECALL N192279370 REPAIRED.

TIRES — Filed 12/31/2021

I purchased a Cadillac CTS 3.6, Performance Model, in late 2015 with Pirelli 245/40 R18 Pzero Run Flats as OEM tires. I replaced those tires with the exact same Pzero tires in February, 2019, after 35,250 miles on the OEM tires. I never had a problem with the OEM tires, and expected a similar driving experience and performance from the replacement Pzeros. To my surprise, the experience from the new replacement tires was completely different from the originals. I complained to the dealer on numerous occasions about the way the replacement tires rode and performed. I had the dealer re-check the front end alignment. I complained to the dealer that the tires lost air pressure to the extent of two psi per week. I complained to the dealer that the tires, as opposed to the driver, steered the car. I was at the Cadillac dealership on December 31, 2021, for a typical oil change and asked the dealer to check the front end alignment. At the time, the car had 48,458 miles on the odometer, and to my surprise, the dealer advised that there was no point in rotating and balancing the tires, or checking the alignment, because the wear on the tires was to the point of being dangerous to drive. Thus with 12,923 miles on these replacement tires, they needed replacement. I immediately complained to he tire dealer about the premature wear of the Pzero tires, They examined the tires, and agreed that there was obviously a defect resulting in the premature wear, and would file a claim with Pirelli on my behalf. I’ve heard nothing from them to date. As evidenced by the above information, please consider this a claim on my behalf, for tire defects in the Pzero tires, causing dangerous driving conditions, and premature wear shortening the life of the tires. The remaining life of the Pzero tires, the mileage shortened by the defects, amounts to $xxx, prorated, and herewith being claimed. THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM A LETTER TO PIRELLI N.A. FURTHER INFO CAN BE FURNISHED ON REQUEST.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/15/2021

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the failure as a leak in the rear differential. The contact was initially informed that the repair would be covered under warranty; however, a few days later, the contact was informed otherwise. He was then informed that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty and was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2021

Brake light system failed and had to be replaced. Infotainment screen failure.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/26/2018

I HAD ADAPTIVE CRUISE ON, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, SO ADAPTIVE STOPPED, THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME MOVED BECAUSE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, SO TO ENGAGE THE CRUISE I GENTLY GAVE IT GAS AND I FELT THE CRUISE KICK SO I MOVED MY FOOT AND THEN THE CAR LUNGED INTO THE TRAILER HITCH OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD NO TIME TO REACT, THE CRASH WARNING DID NOT FLASH NOR DID THE BRAKING ASSIST ENGAGE. LUCKILY THE GUY I HIT WAS NOT AFFECTED THE HITCH PREVENTED DAMAGE TO HIS TRUCK BUT MY CAR TOOK ALL THE DAMAGE. I WAS SO SHOOK THAT BEFORE I COULD APPLY BRAKES MY CAR STILL WAS TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN THOUGH IT HAD HIT THE HITCH. THIS WAS ON A HIGHWAY JUST AS IT WAS MERGING TO A STREET. I CONTACTED CADILLAC/GM AND SENT THEM PICTURES AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY CALLED AND SAID I HAD NO CASE, THEY DID NOT EVEN SEND ME TO A DEALER TO CHECK OUT THE SYSTEM BY A PROFESSIONAL.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE — Filed 03/25/2018

APRIL 4, 2018 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THIS IS MY RECOLLECTION AT DISCOVERING THAT MY CADILLAC CTS 2015 GOT ON FIRE AT MY FRIENDS HOME IN SHELBY MICHIGAN ON MARCH 25TH, 2018. ON MARCH 24TH MY WIFE (LOURDES ROBLES) AND I ARRIVED AT OUR FRIENDS HOME AT 48307 RED OAK IN SHELBY MICHIGAN TO CELEBRATE OUR FRIENDS BIRTHDAY. AT THE PARTY THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 10 COUPLES FROM WHOM 5 WHERE STILL THERE AND WITNESSED THE EVENT. THE MAJORITY OF THEM WORK FOR THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND SOME ARE GENERAL MOTORS EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ARTEMIO CORTEZ WHO IS A GLOBAL BUSINESS DIRECTOR FOR GM. AT 2:20 AM WE WHERE PREPARING TO LEAVE AND I USED THE ONSTAR APPLICATION TO REMOTELY TURN ON THE VEHICLE SO IT WOULD WARM UP BEFORE LEAVING. AFTER SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR FRIENDS AT 2:32 AM (ACCORDING TO THE MOTION CAMERA) WE ARE WALKING OUT OF THE HOME AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT MY CADILLAC WAS ON FLAMES. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I RAN TOWARDS THE CAR UNTIL I NOTICED THAT THE FLAMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE WERE OVERWHELMING. I ASKED MY WIFE TO INFORM OUR FRIENDS AND HAVE THEM MOVE THE 2 CARS NEAR OUR CAR: A FORD FIESTA IN THE FRONT AND A CADILLAC XT5 IN THE BACK. MY WIFE NOCKED ON THE DOOR AND TOLD OUR FRIEND TO TELL THE REST OF THE GROUP SO THEY COULD MOVE THE VEHICLES. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS MAKING MY FIRST CALL TO 911 (2:33 AM) FOLLOWED BY A SECOND CALL AT 2:38 AM. THE OWNER OF THE CADILLAC XT5 MOVED HIS CAR TO A SAFE PLACE IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE, THE OWNER OF THE FORD FIESTA DIDN'T MOVE THE CAR TO PREVENT ANY ONE FROM GETTING INJURED. THE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED AT 2:43 AM ACCORDING TO THE COPY OF THE REPORT. *TT *CN

SEATS — Filed 01/28/2018

MY CAR WAS PARKED ON A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD. I USED MY REMOTE START AND WHEN I WALKED OUT THE DOOR WITH MY 14 MONTH OLD SON ONLY 3-4 MINUTES LATER, MY CAR WAS ALREADY ON FIRE. I COULD SEE THE FLAMES THROUGH THE WINDOWS AND WITHIN MINUTES THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE. THE BACK DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD BUSTED AND THE INTERIOR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR DEEMED THE HEATED SEATS AS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND BELIEVE IT WAS DUE TO A SHORT IN THE WIRING. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/10/2018

WENT TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT, HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR SPED UP HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR. I HAD A PROBLEM YESTERDAY, PUT CAR IN CRUISE CONTROL(50 MPH) ON THE HIGHWAY, WENT TO BRAKE TO TURN, CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISCONNECT, HAD TO SHUT THE SYSTEM OFF MANUALLY. SIMILAR PERIODIC PROBLEMS IN THE PAST.