2015 Cadillac CTS: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 72,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed May 28, 2024 · Transmission · 157,000 miles · KS

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Transmission · TN

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.

Filed Dec 20, 2021 · NY

In about mid November 2021 a grinding noise became noticeable from the rear of my car and quickly became louder. From experience, I thought it was probably bearing failure. The car was parked at that time and has not been driven since. Today is 12/20/21, so the car has been out of service for one and a half months at this point. An ASE certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and found the rear differential to be defective, it was identified as the obvious source of the noise and had metal particles in the fluid. Doing research I found that rear differential failure was common in Cadillac CTS's and a GM safety recall N192279370 had been issued with the bad units being replaced at "no charge". The Cadillac designated model in question is the CTS-V with the 3.6l twin turbo V6 engine. My car is a 2015 CTS with a 4L turbo engine. I haven't found a recall issued on this model and I don't understand why it hasn't been done. I feel that a differential failure in my vehicle would be just as dangerous as that in the designated recall vehicle, it's basically the same car with a different engine. The vehicle was inspected by one mechanic only, but his findings reveal an obvious fault. A review of the incidents with the designated vehicle involved show that very serious safety problem exists which would threaten the driver and passengers if this vehicle was put back in service. I expect that GM must recognize that this safety fault affects a wider range of their vehicles and it has to be included in their recall. I ask NTSHA to intercede.

Filed Sep 1, 2021 · Transmission · TX

The rear differential started making a loud whining noise around 53,000 miles. It then turned into a grinding noise. I had it checked by a mechanic and he confirmed it was rear differential that needed replacing. He recommended not driving the vehicle since the differential could completely fail and cause an accident. Not having any mechanical experience, the noise was the only indication of a problem. No warning lights or sensor faults.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 cadillac cts. The contact stated that the brake differential experienced a grinding and rubbing sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called capital cadillac (2210 cobb pkwy se, smyrna, ga 30080, (770) 884-7397) and informed the dealer of the failure. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer which was still pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.