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Cadillac CTS power steering loss problems

26 of the 2,220 owner complaints about the Cadillac CTS describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
26
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
61,998
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2011
    2
  • 2010
    3
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    5
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    3

What owners say

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Steering · 93,942 miles · CA

The contact owns 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V175000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 93,942.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Steering · MI

The power steering went out on the vehicle. I was not driving at the time. There was a recall on these vehicles pertaining to the EPS module.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Steering · FL

Steering wheel turns but no steering at wheels ,steering wheel just spins

Filed Mar 20, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · OH

All of a sudden when I started my car, the lights flickered constantly, the power steering failed, and it blew my starter and fairly new battery. I was so scared; I thought it was going to catch on fire because it smelled burnt. And I was on [XXX] in Hubbard Ohio, and I was trying to get to [XXX] and safety to which I did. THANK Goodness for AAA. I was told this happened because of a plug in wiring to heat or warm the washer fluid. It is available for inspection. My safety was impacted because, I had no power steering, flickering lights and smell of burnt stuff. My problem was fixed by an independent shop. My vehicle was not inspected by a GM dealer or my insurance. Was inspected by an independent shop that it was towed to. Warnings prior to incident: I would turn the ignition and nothing. But that would only happen several weeks apart. I thought maybe the starter was going, but it was odd because it was so many weeks far apart that it would happen. It might have been a total of 4 times since October of 2024. During the incident, power steering warning came on, charging system came on and the car sounded like it was barely running. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Steering · SC

Power steering went out and exhibited the same symptoms as GM recall N182182760, but my vin is not included in the recall.

Filed Feb 9, 2023 · Engine · 123,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, who diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who performed an unknown repair; however, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Additionally, the RPM and power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 98,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac cts. While the vehicle was stationary, the electrical system failed and the control panel became inoperative. In addition, the power steering failed and the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn left or right. Kuni chevrolet cadillac (2449 fulton avenue, sacramento, california 95825, (916) 538-7217) diagnosed that the power steering pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall for the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2018 · Steering · AL

Steering is hard had rack and penuin replaced along with power steering pump now will not start because of repairs been in shop 6 weeks at dealership last two weeks

Filed Jan 19, 2017 · Suspension, Visibility · 6,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 cadillac cts. While driving 60 MPH, the steering became difficult to maneuver and the passenger side of the vehicle dropped downward without warning. In addition the windshield fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side struts fractured and needed to be replaced along with the windshield. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 05/10/17*lj

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2007 cadillac cts. While attempting to make a turn at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle independently veered to the right and unintentionally accelerated without warning. In addition, the vehicle experienced a loss of steering and the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a neck injury and pain to the right knee and foot that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not provided.

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported March 20, 2025 · 934 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.

Recall number 25V175000 · Recall details

Steering: electric power assist systemReported February 7, 2019 · 26,772 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Risk
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.

Recall number 19V086000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported June 9, 2004 · 41,928 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load. Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible.
Risk
If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel;s hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the xlr and corvette. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. The recall will begin on august 25, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339 or chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.

Recall number 04V273000 · Recall details

SteeringReported March 24, 2003 · 47,835 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Some passenger vehicles have a condition in which the intermediate steering shaft bolt may be loose.
Risk
An improperly tightened bolt could loosen, resulting in separation of the upper and lower steering shafts causing a loss of vehicle control. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for the presence of the intermediate steering shaft bolt and ensure that it is tightened to the proper specification. Owner notification began march 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006.

Recall number 03V115000 · Recall details

Questions about the Cadillac CTS power steering loss

Which Cadillac CTS years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (5 complaints), 2003 (3 complaints) and 2008 (3 complaints).

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