2009 Cadillac CTS: sudden loss of power

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 Apr 5, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · CT

Severe and sudden malfunction of the ABS/Stabilitrak system at 45MPH causing loss of directional control of the vehicle. Failure caused by disintegration/cracking of ABS/HUB RELUCTOR RINGS, feeding incorrect wheel speeds to stability system. This failure caused a total loss of power, vehicle veering right despite full left steering input, ABS activation continuously (increasing stopping distance). Vehicle exited road due to loss of control.

Filed Mar 20, 2017 · Engine · 74,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 cadillac cts. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The contact would have to restart the vehicle in order to continue driving. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle's timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Sep 20, 2016 · Engine · 90,000 miles · WA

Over the past two years, 4 of the 6 cylinders on this automobile have needed coil replacements on the cylinders. I have owned several gm vehicles and have not needed any repairs of this nature, and believe this may be a hardware defect. The effect has been intermittent loss of power, particularly when accelerating uphill at traffic speeds (50-55 MPH). This forces the driver either to slow or to accelerate through this narrow speed band.

Filed May 28, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 46,500 miles · IL

While driving suddenly I lost power steering, ABS,power brakes, stability control, traction control. Parking assist and all wheel drive. Car was in motion on a city street. I was able to safely stop the car.all the proper warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. I was close to home so I returned home with no power steering or power brakes.

Filed Jan 4, 2016 · Acceleration · 77,000 miles · IN

Service traction control and reduced engine power came on the display. Vehicle runs and idles roughly even when in park. Took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told to call cadillac dealer about a special coverage adjustment: throttle body-reduced power mode. Gm #14582. Looked up this special adjustment and it states it is on 2008-2011 cadillac cts models. Called local dealership and was told it had been determined that because my car was not manufactured in a specific plant, it was not included. My car is doing exactly what this special adjustment covers and I am not eligible to have my car repaired because of where it was built? I was told that I could have a gm certified dealership verify the issue and then call gm experience rep. If I was not satisfied with results then I could call gm customer service and ask for help paying for the repair. I should not have to pay for a repair that has already been documented and is currently being fixed on other cadillac cts vehicles. This needs to be repaired across the board as obviously this is not just a faulty part put on vehicles in specific plants or with specific parts.

Filed Apr 15, 2015 · Electrical, Fuel system · 85,000 miles · FL

While driving on the interstate, during a violent rain storm, my cars check engine light went on and the dic message "reduced engine power message came on" which immediately limited the to approx. 2500 RPM. This action created a totally unsafe driving situation. The reduced power slowed the car immediately, in heavy traffic, in a heavy rain storm , with low visibility. Lucky for myself and my wife, I was able to avoid creating a series of collisions and traversed across three lanes of traffic to the side of the road. By immediately reducing the engine power created a very dangerous scenario that should never, under any circumstance be created.

Filed Dec 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 62,000 miles · MI

While driving car jumps out of gear causing rapid deceleration, loss of traction control, stability control, power steering, and brakes. When this happens the instrument cluster looses any indication of gear selection, and car must be shut off and restarted several times to regain controls once parked. Gm/cadillac is aware of the issue since they have a tsb relating to the fault code, but no recall, even though this is a severe safety concern. It has happened several times at multiple speeds highest of which was about 45-50 so far. Have had into shop 4 times. They have replaced a detent, which did not fix the problem, and internal mode switch twice within approx. 2-3 weeks apart neither time has fixed the issue. Now they are wanting to replace the transmission control module, which I have not had done yet since I am not confident in their ability to correct the issue and the cost is well over a $1000. Currently looking into legal recourse, since I have a vehicle that is pretty much a lemon and not safe to drive my children in. Cadillac has refused to grant a goodwill repair even though the issue was addressed 3 times under the cpo warranty. I have been looking online and have seen several recalls for similar issues but different model years. Not sure how rapid deceleration, loss of power steering and braking does not qualify as a recall necessity.

Filed Mar 12, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · FL

2009 cadillac cts. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle vibration/unexpected loss of power and transmission shifting and acceleration problems. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle began shifting gears erratically, vibrating and lacked power. The condition appeared irregular and for some time, no trouble light appeared. Once a light finally appeared, the vehicle was taken to a cadillac dealer who determined that all the ignition coils on one side of the engine were defective. The service representative explained that when one or more ignition coils fail, the engine would have a greater vibration and lack of power. In addition, the coil failure would cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift to compensate for the loss of power and with multiple coil failures it may shift multiple times each time more power was needed to maintain the throttle speed. In july 2013, the consumer began experiencing the same performance issues. Again, no trouble light appeared. A trip to the dealer resulted in nothing being found, despite the service history of the vehicle. The condition continued and in august 2013. The trouble light appeared. The dealer found an ignition coil on the other side of the engine was defective.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Driver assistance · 70,000 miles · FL

Indicator light came and had a notification that a loss of power would happen. Just barely limped home.