2009 Cadillac CTS engine problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · MI

On October 30, 2026, at approximately 3:10 PM, my 2009 Cadillac CTS experienced an apparent engine and brake system failure while I was operating the vehicle. The vehicle lost power, and I was unable to stop despite applying the brakes. The exact component or components that failed have not yet been identified. The vehicle is currently available for inspection by insurance representatives, mechanics, manufacturer representatives, or other authorized investigators upon request. The apparent engine and brake failure created an immediate safety hazard because I was unable to maintain control of the vehicle's speed or bring it to a safe stop. As a result, the vehicle struck utility power equipment near my residence. The incident placed me, nearby residents, pedestrians, and motorists at risk of injury. The collision also caused a power outage affecting homes in the surrounding neighborhood. At this time, the cause of the engine and brake failure has not been reproduced or confirmed by a Cadillac dealer or independent repair facility. The matter remains under investigation pending inspection of the vehicle and its components. The incident was reported to 911, and a police report was generated. The vehicle has been reported to my insurance carrier, USAA. As of the date of this statement, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors or a Cadillac dealer for purposes of determining the cause of the failure. Additional inspections may be conducted by insurance representatives, repair specialists, or other qualified parties. Prior to the incident, I did not observe any warning lamps, brake system alerts, engine warnings, or other messages that would have indicated an imminent loss of braking capability or engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly on October 30, 2026, at approximately 3:10 PM. The vehicle had recently undergone a 120,000-mile service inspection, and no issues were identified that would have suggested an imminent catastrophic failure.

Filed Jun 2, 2023 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

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).

Filed Apr 17, 2022 · Engine · 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.

Filed Oct 14, 2020 · Engine · 140,104 miles · CA

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??

Filed Jun 22, 2020 · Engine · 37,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2020 · Engine · 1,156 miles · WA

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.

Filed Dec 20, 2019 · Engine · 66,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Nov 29, 2019 · Engine · 116,000 miles · NJ

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 the federal safety agency. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · Engine · 102,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

"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