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.
Cadillac CTS grinding brakes problems
67 of the 2,220 owner complaints about the Cadillac CTS describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 67
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,200
- typical mileage
- 33,000
By model year
Often reported together
Whining noise 8Harsh shifting 6Transmission failure 3Won't shift 2Pulling 2Check engine light 2Ball joint 2Won't start 1
What owners say
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who discovered metal shavings inside in the rear differential fluid and informed the contact that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 84,000.
The gears inside the rear-differential of a 2014 CTS Luxury 3.6 liter Cadillac, with 48,000 miles, failed to the point where the whole differential had to be replaced. This defect is extremely dangerous to the owner of the vehicle, as well as others on the road. If the differential fails to the point where the tires lock up, the driver can lose control of the car. There were no warning messages relating to the problem and the problem did not come on gradually. There was a sudden loud grinding noise that came from the rear of the car, while driving, and the car was immediately taken to a Cadillac dealership for inspection. The dealership mechanic/technician determined that the rear differential completely failed and needed to be replaced. (The oil was drained from the differential and there were metal shavings inside the oil.) Upon research on the internet, it was determined that this rear-differential defect is an extensive problem, as other 2014 Cadillac CTS owners are experiencing a similar problem. Cadillac has recalled the 2014 CTS-V for this rear differential defect but has not acknowledged the same problem with the 2014 CTS 3.6 liter (it appears to be the same product/part design.)
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormally loud grinding sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a fault with the rear differential. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. Once at the dealer, it was confirmed that the rear differential had experienced internal grinding and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Oil leaks from unknown location. Also make a grinding noise when accelerating.
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, a loud grinding sound came from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear tires needed to be replaced. The contact had both rear tires replaced; however, the loud grinding noise recurred and was also heard a sound when starting the vehicle, shifting into drive(D) and slowly accelerating. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer who determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Rear Differential is failing, making a loud grinding, howling, screeching sound. Cadillac has already recalled rear diff on same year CTS-V (some models), but not for this or other CTS models, but finding replacement parts is almost impossible because a LOT of people are having the exact same failure.
Rear Carrier Assembly is making grinding noise. Mechanic says that driving car could be life threatening. GM and Cadillac dealership has no parts. So car is useless. The car has 56,000 miles. There should be a recall and remedy for this Model, 2014 Cadillac 3.6L CTS. Especially when the V version of this car already has a recall. GM should be held accountable for this design flaw.
• Rear Differential is malfunctioning and is making a loud roaring,grinding noise. Is available for inspection. • Safety concern is no warning lamps notify you of malfunction and if differential goes out while driving wheels can lock up and increase the chance of a crash, And is a danger to passengers as well. • Called Dealer and was told part was discontinued probably because they know it is a bad part. Was told to rebuild or find a used part from junkyard. 2 independent service centers confirmed differential is malfunctioning. • No warning lamps to notify you , loud roaring,grinding noise can be heard .
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
- Risk
- If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.
Recall number 15V358000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from october 21, 2011, through october 26, 2011. These vehicles may have a condition in which the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut may not be torqued to the proper specification. If the nut is not torqued to the proper specification, the nut could loosen and allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Cadillac dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specification. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 1, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006.
Recall number 11V536000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- General motors has notified the federal safety agency of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 cadillac cts vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington d.c., west virginia and wisconsin. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the front brake hose fitting at the caliper may corrode due to snow or water, containing road salt or other contaminants, entering and being retained in the routing sleeve. If the fitting corrodes significantly, the brake hose-tube interface may develop a leak.
- Risk
- The brake hose-tube interface may rupture suddenly without prior warning and increase vehicle stopping distance may occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2010. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 10V105000 · Recall details
Questions about the Cadillac CTS grinding brakes
Which Cadillac CTS years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (11 complaints), 2005 (8 complaints) and 2006 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Cadillac CTS?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,200 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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