Cadillac CTS harsh shifting problems

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Transmission · TX

I am filing a complaint against Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas, regarding mishandled recall service that resulted in severe damage to my 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport (3.6 Twin-Turbo). Timeline of Events: Wagner Cadillac performed Recall #N192279370 (rear differential). At the time, only the differential code was present. Their own multipoint inspection showed no issues with the cooling or transmission systems. Immediately after recall service, my rear axle warning light came on for the first time. Shortly after, the transmission cooler line at the radiator burst, causing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This led to overheating, hard shifting, and slipping. To limp the car home safely, I used a stop-leak additive only after the breakdown. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act clearly states warranty coverage cannot be denied unless the additive directly caused the failure, which it did not. The damage had already occurred from the ruptured line. When I returned the vehicle, Wagner Cadillac falsely accused me of voiding coverage due to the additive. They then refused to repair my transmission or cooling system, leaving me with a $30,000+ estimate. Why They Are Responsible: The problems began only after recall work. During service, Wagner Cadillac could have: Over-pressurized the system during testing. Improperly disturbed or reinstalled transmission cooler lines. Failed to secure or bleed the cooling system. Any of these actions could have caused the rupture. Their refusal to acknowledge this shifts unlawful blame onto me. Additional Concerns: Instead of helping me, Wagner Cadillac attempted to solicit me to sell them my broken car and buy another vehicle from them — both before and after they denied repairs. This is unethical and exploitative. Impact: I paid cash for this car not long ago. I have now lost reliable transportation, lost my job due to lack of mobility, and face financial INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 4, 2024 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that there was an abnormal loud clunking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle while the vehicle was shifting into gears. The vehicle was taken to AMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care, where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V038000(Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2024 · Acceleration, Steering · AR

The primary issue with the vehicle is the failure of the front transmission pump seal (part #24225543) and the torque converter seal ( part #242337534 ) which caused a significant transmission fluid leak. THe original repair of the torque converter seal was done in Jan 2024 by Andrews Cadillac In Mt Juliet Tn. Failure to properly repair the torque converter seal led to internal damage within the transmission, resulting in the need for a full transmission replacement. THe front pump seal was not replaced as recommended by the service repair manual at the time of the torque converter seal replacement. The faulty component is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the vehicle's hesitation to accelerate after stopping, a direct consequence of the low transmission fluid. This hesitation causes a sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the likelihood of an accident. THere is a delay and then a hard shift when off , a significant bump when shifting from first to second gear and when I stop it feels like I've been rear ended by another car. The issue has been confirmed by multiple service centers, including Parker Cadillac, ORR Cadillac, and Christian Brothers Automotive, all of which identified the transmission pump seal as the source of the leak and the resulting damage to the transmission. Additionally, Christian Brothers Automotive found that the torque converter seal was also leaking, further contributing to the vehicle's transmission problems. Despite efforts to have GM engineers inspect the vehicle at ORR Cadillac, they declined. However, Christian Brothers Automotive has provided a thorough inspection and diagnostic of the .There were no warning lamps or error codes indicating the issue, as it was a mechanical failure rather than an electronic one. The symptoms became apparent when the vehicle began hesitating after coming to a stop, and a transmission fluid leak was discovered during the inspection​

Filed Jul 5, 2022 · Transmission · IL

The vehicle hard shifts in low gear and at low speeds. The hard shifting makes the car hard to handle in slow speed situations such as parking lots. Because the car lurches forward unexpectedly, it poses a safety concern toward nearby pedestrians.

Filed Sep 25, 2019 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · IL

On august 5, 2019, I was travelling down a two lane road @ 35-40 MPH and with a loud clunk from the rear of the car, the rear wheels locked up. I went into a skid and the front of the car swerved back and forth across both lanes. I was able to keep the car under on the road as I applied the brakes and steered into the skid as the front of the car swerved back and forth. Fortunately, an oncoming driver was able to stop his car in time to avoid a head-on when he saw me swerve into his lane. I called the dealer, who sent a tow truck. The service manager looked at the car the next day and confirmed the differential was bad--all kinds of metal chunks came out with the oil when they drained it. He told me that the interior of the differential had pretty much self-destructed. The car was within its powertrain warranty, so the service manager said the dealer would replace the differential. Almost two months later, the dealer hasn't located a replacement differential. This car is a cadillac v-sport, a performance-oriented model with an electronic limited slip differential. During the years this model was in production, general motors made less than 1,000 per year, and I believe that perhaps the differential was a special type for the v-sport, although I am not sure. I do know of others having this exact same problem--they have reported the problem on a cadillac v-sport user's group found at cadillacforums.com. The attached pictures show the skid marks made by the rear wheels and where the front of the car ended up. The car on the side of the road is mine, where some passersby pushed the car.

Filed Jun 19, 2018 · Transmission · 36,605 miles · CA

The rear differential routinely makes loud grinding and clunking noises when making slow turns at parking lot speeds when cool and just starting to be operated. This problems was been in for service 3 times and the dealer states it is normal and an expected thing that may occur. I disagree, grinding gears and/or clutches are not normal or safe. My car was purchased new on 10/30/09 1st service came on 10/25/13 at 36,605 miles the problem was described at the service appt to "diagnose rubbing noise when making slow sharp turns, goes away after warmed up. Noise comes from rear of vehicle." the resolution at the time was to do "as per document #3402587 flushed gear oil from rear diff and replaced with an updated fluid. 2nd service came on 3/21/17 at 64,269 miles the problem was described at the service appt to "diagnose gravely grinding sound from rear of vehicle when making tight turns at parking speeds. Also noticeable 25-30 MPH." the diagnosis and resolution this time was again "test drove for grinding noise while making tight turns. Was able to duplicate concern found coming from rear diff. Per doc id 4013532 recommend servicing rear diff with new fluid. New fluid has additive that will last longer and does not break down over time. Serviced rear diff and test drove found noise went away, no other repair needed." 3rd service came at 6/18/18, at 71,678 miles. The car is presently in the shop for diagnosis and service. This is only 7,396 miles since the prior service. The problem was described as "inspect for gravely sound when making turns **rear diff service done for this ro#394816 3/22/17 #881." the problem I have with this is that this is not a normal and expected problem and could be very dangerous if the rear transaxle fails while driving at speed due to a gear or clutch failure. Gm knows of this problem based on the fact they have 2+ bull

Filed Jan 20, 2017 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · NY

I brought my vehicle in for service due to an audible "clunking" coming from the driveline. When the service manager shifted the car into gear in the service bay there was an audible "clunk" to which he stated that it sounded like my driveshaft was "coming off." I left the car and went to lunch. 30 minutes later I was told that my vehicle needed a new transmission and transfer case because the transmission output shaft was "stripped" and the car would not move on it's own. The service manager told me that they had taken the vehicle out for a test drive and that pulling back into their parking lot there was a bang and then the car would not move anymore and that they had to push the vehicle back into the garage. In researching this issue I found a technical service bulletin put out by general motors for this exact issue in other 2008-2013 cadillac cts models equipped with all wheel drive. I also found that the root of the problem is that there is no gasket or barrier between the transmission output shaft and the transfer case input shaft. This allows water and/or moisture to get into these components causing corrosion which leads to the "stripping" of the transmission output shaft. Gm has created revised components to allow for a gasket between these components, but this requires a complete tear-down of the transmission and transfer case. I am now forced to pay for a new transmission and transfer case on the vehicle (because I still have a lien on it) and cadillac and/or gm are refusing to recognize this problem or help in covering any of the repairs. There are multiple complaints regarding this problem from other cadillac owners.

Filed Apr 12, 2016 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · MI

2007 cadillac cts began making a loud humming noise. Had the rear driver side wheel bearing changed but the noise continued. On way home from work the following day on i75 driving 70mph which is the speed limit, the car started making a loud clunking sound and was nearly impossible to steer. Nearly had accident while trying to get to shoulder of road. Was informed by mechanic that "the rear end went out of your car because you didn't have any differential fluid left in it" when I asked how that could happen the mechanic said there must have been a leak of some kind. Started researching and found there was a recall on the car 4 years before I purchased it. When I called gm at 800‑458‑8006 I was told by automated phone system there is an open recall on my vehicle #07204e and 10355c so asked to speak with a representative and the lady from manilla in the philippines (because that's where their customer care center is???) informed me that there is "no open recall on your car" even after I tried to explain the automated service had just given me 2 open recall numbers for my VIN # ...she said she couldn't help me find service for my car.

Filed Jan 15, 2015 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · OH

I was driving down the road and heard a terrible clunk followed by grinding. I stopped to look under the car because I thought something fell out or of the car. I got it to a repair shop and the rear differential went out because it had been leaking. I had contacted cadillac earlier in the 2014 to check on recalls and was told that my car was not under recall. I think it should've been under recall. I read that this is a big problem with the cts, but cadillac refuses to make it right on older models. I am just glad I wasn't driving at 70 MPH or somebody could've been killed. I am $2,200 in the hole now...

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 25,000 miles · VT

My 2013 cts has had a number of prior issues but at this time, I started the car, got into traffic and the vehicle just stopped running. It everything quit. I had no power to steering, brakes, lights. I coasted partway into a parking space I=on the side of the road but did not have enough momentum to fully pull into the space as I was headed up a slight incline. I was stuck with my rear end in traffic and no ability to move. I turned off the car and restarted and it started up. This is not the first issue as about half dozen times the car has refused to engage when I have turned the key. Nothing happens. No battery sound, nothing. I have called onstar several times to get confirmation of issues and they have not been able to detect an issue. I feel my life is at risk as well as others of the public and cadillac customer service has just told me since there is no proof this happens and they cannot reconstruct it happening they cannot buy back the car. Already the motor fan had to be replaced, it has rolled back 4-5 feet while in drive it has refused to move when in drive, I put it back in neutral, back to drive and the transmission gave a huge clunk and it drove forward. The vehicle locked me in. I could not pull up the locks, could not open with the clicker, would not open with the window down and pulling on the exterior handle. I had to climb out the passenger side door. The car was giving off a raw gas smell when idling in the am. This may have been fixed as it has not done it lately. They must think I have nothing better to do than make up complaints about their product.