2004 Cadillac CTS: ball joint or control arm failure

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 Mar 2, 2016 · Steering, Wheels · 185,000 miles · MO

Takata recall ws driving the car - I was at a complete stop while attempting to turn in parking lot - then sounded like a pop - the bottom ball joint fell completely out due to screw falling off bottom called several places for part and several wouldn't even give me a quote due to a recall then I call gm dealership in columbia mo and they state VIN # are off buy 270 I feel like it should be covered due to the fact that it done exactly the same thing other cts

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

Dt*: the contact stated while pulling into the driveway under normal road conditions at 10 MPH, the front end of the vehicle collapsed. There was no prior warning before the incident occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the cause of the problem was due to the nut holding the bolt of the lower front ball joints was missing. The vehicle was repaired and no further problems occurred. The contact wrote the manufacturer a letter pertaining to the problem that occurred, and had not received a reply as of yet. *nm updated 10/30/06.

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.