Cadillac CTS overheating 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 Sep 20, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OK

I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to the dealer and as per a service bulletin, they flushed the transmission fluid and replaced the transmission fluid. This was only a temporary fix because 30,000 miles later the same issues started occurring again and have gotten worse to the point that you can smell the transmission clutches burning and the transmission overheating, possibly causing the number four piston rings to come apart, resulting in an engine replacement as well. I’ve had to replace engine as possible result, but the transmission problem is still there and it has also caused the check engine light to come on intermediately. This could result in a complete transmission failure, causing a vehicle to lose propulsion leading to a possible accident and injuries. This issue needs to be investigated and repairs or replacement made at the manufacturers expense.. This is a four-cylinder turbo engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. In my opinion, the transmission issue caused my engine failure. There should be investigated and an immediate recall issued.

Filed Jul 26, 2022 · Brakes, Engine · RI

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes , emergency brake , engine overheating , How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car shut off in the highway while i was with my kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes it went in the shop 05/12/22 but problem with car still continued Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes i dont know how it passed due to emergency brake and engine & brakes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes first engie light came on then car shut off

Filed Sep 18, 2019 · Engine, Seat belts · 39,800 miles · MI

Vehicle displays 'service rear axle' 'service stabilitrak' 'park assist temporarily unavailable' 'automatic seatbelt tightening unavailable'. 4 separate and unique occurrences. Some have also included 'reduced engine power'. Typically the messages come on and reduced power occurs after expressway driving, followed by stop and go city driving or traffic. Also ambient temps are over 80 degrees with each occurrence. Lastly engine bay is extremely hot after the service messages are displayed. Engine temperature gauge does not indicate overheating (displays under the halfway point of the gauge). I have 2 separate video documentations that can be uploaded to youtube. 1st occurrence resulted in cylinder head replacement under warranty. The next 3 occurrences have all happened after the warranty service. Dealership has been unable to replicate the issue after the car cools down. Cadillac customer service said a second dealership review was required even though the car was brought to the dealer with the above service messages present. Attached documents display first warranty service, and second record service messages being present. Similar tsb issued for the ats-v lf4 engine for 'service rear axle' or 'rear axle off', also the lt4 engine has a tsb for engine overheating and going into reduced power mode when the charge air cooling system is not refilled properly via vac-n-fill method. This vehicle has a similar liquid to air, charge air cooling system, requiring the same type of fill method. Full disclosure I am a general motors employee.

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Engine · 25 miles · CA

I bought this car for my son that go to college at san jose state university, his been using this car since 2015 till 2019. Recenty about a month ago his complaining the car has been overheating for no reasons, he says that the gauge goes all the way up everytime he drive it but its ok if the car engine is running but in park mode. We ended up got the car towed to merced. Since july of 2019, the car is the garage and never drive. We only start the car mostly to warp up the engine but not drive. We have a friend mechanic look at it and can't point out the right problem, a lot of assumption possible the thermostat, or radiator, water pump, or the fan, etc.

Filed May 9, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · 86,478 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 cadillac cts. While driving at an unknown speed, the rear driveshaft and the support bearing caused the vehicle to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to cadillac norwood (700 boston providence hwy, norwood, ma 02062) where it was diagnosed that the support bearing needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. A few days later, while driving, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 86,478.

Filed Dec 20, 2017 · Engine · 15,026 miles · FL

Cadillac sent me a letter dated june 2014 with my vehicle's VIN on it indicating that "the supercharger may develop a noticeable rattle noise at idle. The noise will typically go away when the engine RPM is raised slightly above idle. However, if left uncorrected, the problem, over time, may lead to contamination of the lubricating grease and cause the bearing to squeal. If left unaddressed, the bearing may overheat and can cause the engine seizure or no-start condition." cadillac then goes on to say that they will extend the warranty for this issue for 10 years from the service date. I brought my car in to ed morse cadillac in sunrise fl in jan 2015 with this letter because the car had the noise as described in the cadillac letter. The service adviser advised that this car was not one of the vins covered. ??? I just brought my car in for an oil change and the three mechanics all heard the noise and indicated it sounded like something was wrong. I called up the cadillac number 1‑800‑204‑0261 and basically "min" told me that this isn't a recall but an extension of the warranty, so despite cadillac sending me a letter indicating my car may have this specific problem that they will fix and that my car has the indicated symptoms in their letter, min at cadillac says that I would have to pay for the diagnostic costs for cadillac to determine if the problem as indicated in their letter is indeed what they sent me the letter for. I find this unbelievable that cadillac is putting the onus on the customers to risk the cost of teardown or a major engine malfunction and accident, instead of recalling these cars and taking care of the problem that they notified me of. Why should I be fronting money to diagnose the problem cadillac says I have??? Clearly cadillac would prefer the warranty to run out and not have to pay for $3k repairs on all of these cars.

Filed Jun 1, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · ME

Strong smell of gasoline leaking from fuel tank when filled over 3/4 tank and sending unit not operating properly with some noticeable hesitation , fuel gauge no longer reports correct amount of fuel in tank same issue as cadillac cts-v the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v542000,with the fuel pump sending unit overheating and burning a hole in the unit.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Engine · 121,000 miles · AZ

Engine oil leaks into the coolant system through the oil cooler located in under the intake manifold. The coolant will then turn into a thick substance which does not easily flow through the coolant system and the car engine will overheat. To correct the failure the oil cooler needs to be replaced as well as all rubber coolant lines and then the coolant system needs to be flushed to remove all contaminated coolant. Typical cost is around 4500 dollars for parts and labor. The mileage on my car was 121,000 when this happened but from reading on line many other people have had this same problem with mileage from 50,000 on up.

Filed Oct 31, 2008 · Engine · 49,000 miles · OH

V6 engine with coolant leaks. 3rd time something dealing with a leak reason for service. This time a water pump that lead to broken,crack pulley. I can find no one ever having this problem. I have been without a car almost 30 days.