2004 Cadillac CTS suspension problems

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · CA

I am writing regarding a recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the car was inspected, and the recalled piece replaced in 2006. The dealer at that time was named Martin Cadillac. The night of [XXX], my son was driving the CTS on the freeway at about 50 mph, when the front left tire and wheel suddenly twisted out of place and rendered the car undrivable. Fortunately, he was not injured or worse, but he was stranded in the middle of a busy freeway for more than 30 minutes until AAA arrived. The car was then towed to our home and towed to our mechanic the following day. The repair needed and done was to replace the left front control arm, precisely the area noted in the recall notice. Also, it was necessary to repair the undercarriage that was damaged by the dislocated wheel and tire. The left front fender was also damaged by the action of the detached tire and wheel. The total repair cost we paid was $793.13 for the control arm and undercarriage. We are not currently driving the car, as we are concerned that the car is still unsafe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · CA

Recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the car was inspected, and the recalled piece replaced in 2006. The dealer at that time was named Martin Cadillac. The night of [XXX], my son was driving the CTS on the freeway at about 50 mph, when the front left tire and wheel suddenly twisted out of place, impairing the steering and motion, rendering the car undrivable. He was stranded in the middle of a busy freeway for more than 30 minutes until AAA arrived. The car was then towed on a flatbed to our home and towed on a flatbed to our mechanic the following day. The repairs needed and done were to replace the left front control arm, precisely the area noted in the recall notice. Also, it was necessary to repair the undercarriage that was damaged by the dislocated wheel and tire. The left front fender was also damaged by the action of the detached tire and wheel. The total repair cost we paid was $793.13 for the control arm and undercarriage. We are not currently driving the car, as we are concerned that the car is still unsafe, and we are renting a car meanwhile. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 15, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 1 miles · AP

I got the car tooken but they dont want gave it back I dont now the reson can u guys get it bk thank u with my full respect going out to u n ur workers

Filed Dec 30, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 57,684 miles · FL · crash

1) leaving the parking lot of my employer, turning right onto major highway 2) one occurrence. The lower front ball joint separated from the control arm, hence dropping the front right corner onto of the wheel/tire. The nut "backed off" and slowly spun itself off. The nut had no visible "marring" of the metal or showed signs of distress. This is also truefor the lower ball joint. 3) vehicle was towed to repair shop, where the parts were replaced and a new nut was applied. Although there is a safety recall issued by gm for the 2004 cadillac cts regarding this problems, gm has failed to cure the problem as " it does not fall within the described lot of vehicles per your VIN # ". Given the major safety ramifications surrounding the improper function of this part it is irrational to believe that the nut would just "back itself off".

Filed Apr 6, 2010 · Suspension · 19,144 miles · CA

If you go here: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0f480a you will see that our car is not the first cts to have this problem!!! My in-laws purchased a cadillac cts in illinois in 2004. That car needed its front left wheel bearing/speed sensor/hub replaced multiple times. It was replaced on 2/906, 7/10/07, and 12/3/07 in il, and again in ca in 7/08. In 12/07 my in-laws purchased a new car and gave the '04 cts to my husband and I (california residents). Since receiving this car, it intermittently displayed a 'service brake assist' warning. Because of this, the front left wheel bearing/speed sensor/hub was replaced again at a local ca dealership on 7/30/08. The 'service brake assist' warning has continued to be displayed rarely but intermittently during this time. Earlier this spring, I was turning into a parking lot at a slow speed when the brakes did not engage. We took the car directly to the dealership. They recommended that we replace the tires (which we did) and then recommended that we replace the left front wheel bearing/speed sensor/hub again for the 5th time. We were not comfortable with that (obviously it was not fixing the problem) so took it home to investigate. We were not comfortable with the way the car was braking and took it back in last week to the dealership. We were told again that we should replace the left front wheel bearing/speed sensor/hub assembly. We refused asking them to please further investigate why the same part was failing. We called gm directly and they became involved. The dealership called yesterday to tell us that in fact the left front wheel part does not need to be replaced, and that actually the computer that needs replacing. Likely this has been the problem all along (ie, that part was replaced 4 times when it has really been a computer issue). The car showed these problems within the first 20k miles. Gm refuses to reimburse for 4 unneeded repairs or repair the original lemon computer.

Filed Apr 6, 2010 · Brakes, Suspension · 20,000 miles · CA

Sporadic brake failures on a 2004 cadillac cts. Car has had front left hub/speed sensor assembly replaced 4 times per authorized dealership recommendation starting at <20k miles. Brake failure occurring every few days, typically at low speed but now starting at higher speeds. Nearly ran over pedestrian in parking lot. Accidents have been avoided thus far. Car is with dealership; they say electronic brake control module is to blame. Called gm; they refuse to cover cost of repairs even though problem started when car was 19 months old with <20k miles. *tr the consumer also stated the ABS activated at low speeds, the ABS and traction control lights illuminated. Updated ivoq 09/29/10 the dealer replaced the wheel bearing assembly. Updated 10/29/10

Filed Jun 25, 2008 · Suspension · 20,600 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 cadillac cts. While backing out of the driveway at an unknown speed, the front driver's side tire detached from the vehicle. When the contact examined the vehicle, he noticed that the front end on the driver's side was resting on the wheel, which was only attached by the brake line. The contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently being diagnosed by the dealer. The contact had the vehicle repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v273000 (steering:linkages) four years prior to the recent failure. The current and failure mileages were 20,600.

Filed Jun 17, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 65,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 cadillac cts. The contact heard a tapping and grinding sound under her feet while driving, and also felt something in the steering wheel. She took the vehicle to her local mechanic and had it diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the driver's side control arm was the cause of the failure, and is currently making repairs. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 80,000. Updated 07/29/08 *bf the consumer stated a recall had been issued, however her vehicle identifcation number was not included. Updated 07/29/08.

Filed Jun 11, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 34,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 cadillac cts. The contact purchased her vehicle with numerous failures. She stated that the recall repair should have been performed prior to the sale of the vehicle. The contact experienced several issues with the front end suspension, steering wheel shaft, and rear differential. She was informed to take the vehicle to another location because it was under warranty; however, due to the number of failures, the vehicle was not repaired at all. The dealer does not want the contact to trade the vehicle in or take it back. The contact believes that the vehicle is a lemon. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2006 · Suspension · 8,059 miles · KY

Upon completion of an interstate highway trip at highway speeds, I pulled into my driveway and came to an involuntary dead stop with a loud noise with the rh front end resting on the wheel. The suspension on the ground. The nut retaining the lower ball joint was missing. The rh sides of front end collapsed on r front wheel.. 2004 cadillac cts. Earlier models had factory recall for same loose nut not this model. Front end collapsing on front wheel at high speed is guaranteed catastrophe. If a nut is relied on to retain ball joint, that nut must be positively prevented from loosening by hole thru both nut and bolt, with cotter pin through holes. No such basic safety in evidence. Design flaw catalytic cts 2004 and earlier modelsa also suspected. Used to be loose lips sink ships - now - loose nuts kill people. Bad bad bad.