My rear differential gear is failing on my 2015 Cadillac CTS luxury 2.0T. I just reached approx 69,000 miles upon returning from an approx 2,200 mile trip to the east coast from Texas. I noticed a whine like noise after my drive back to Texas that seemed to get louder and louder coming from the rear of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to Firestone for inspection and it was confirmed the rear differential was failing. i was also advised the the seal were leaking as noted in the attached report. I was shown the drain plug which had an abundance of metal shavings present to confirm. The fluid was replaced and I was advised to follow up ASAP. Upon researching the issue I discovered this is a common issue confirmed on the Cadillac forums. This issue could’ve left me stranded or worse, caused an accident as I was traveling around the Christmas and the New Year to visit family during peak travel times. There were no warning signs or indications via my vehicle warning systems nor was there any contact from my Cadillac dealer or GM representatives. My vehicle is currently available for inspection as the issue has not been resolved.
Cadillac CTS whining noise problems
53 of the 2,220 owner complaints about the Cadillac CTS describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 2005 model year.
- owner complaints
- 53
- worst model year
- 2005
- typical mileage
- 18,500
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 8Harsh shifting 4Transmission failure 1Won't shift 1Stalling 1Shudder 1Overheating 1Hesitation 1
What owners say
The rear differential is making a howling noise. The CTS V sport was recalled but not the regular CTS. Many other customers have made compliant on different websites. I am hoping to have the recall done so I don’t have to spend money on the car. It will be an expensive fix.
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.
2014 CTS with 53,000 miles. Loud whining noise started in rear of vehicle. Went to the shop and was told that the rear differential is bad. Technician stated that this is a known widespread problem with this model Cadillac. He also stated that there are no parts available and has 9 other customers waiting for the manufacturer to supply the part. He is being told by GM that it could be up to 6 months wait for the parts. Why is there not a recall. I hope that nobody gets seriously injured due to the faulty parts!
General Motor's design oversights irreversibly damaged the rear differential carrier of my 2014 Cadillac CTS4 around 75,000 to 80,000 miles. Unfortunately, there is no prior indication of the rear differential carrier assembly leaking fluid or damaging the bearing. Only after the problem occurs, the rear differential assembly starts to make a whining sound that can be heard in the cabin of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the whining sound is a clear indicator that the rear differential assembly is damaged irreversibly. The lack of differential fluid in rear differential carrier assembly can lead to a catastrophic failures. The complete failure of the rear differential assembly would result in internal gears seizing up and locking of the rear wheels. Likewise, there is no prior indicators of when the rear wheels will seize up. On highways speeds, this problem can create dangerous and even life threating conditions to the occupants of the vehicle as well as the other motorists sharing the road.
The component that failed was the rear differential. I had to pull over on a grassy area on the merrit parkway which put my safety at risk. The component has been inspected by the dealer. No warning lamps appeared. I heard a whining sound and a grinding noise.
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 10-15 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound detected coming from the rear axle. The contact called the local dealer and inquired about an estimate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
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.
Heard a whining noise coming from the back of my vehicle when stepping on the accelorator, took my vehicle in to get a inspection and turns out the roll pins in the rear-axle differential are close to fracturing, increasing the risk of a crash. There is already a recall in this reguard to 2014-15 cadillac cts (v-sport) models but no other cts models get the recall. I have a 2014 cadillac cts (luxury) sedan, hoping there will be a recall for all cts models in regards to the huge safety issue.
2014 cadillac cts awd. Vehicle started hesitating while turning. Which turned into a whine and then grinding from the rear differential. Noise starts at 30 MPH and increases as speed increases. Have seen many cases of cadillac rear differential failing. Issue verified by the dealership february 2021. Now gm has no replacement units or repair parts for this differential. Gm part 84110751
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.
- Risk
- If the transmission shift cable detaches while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure the cable is properly seated at the transmission and shifter brackets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early August 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 14179.
Recall number 14V338000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
- Risk
- A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on february 1, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or http://www.cadillac.com; pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com; and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or http://www.saturn.com.
Recall number 07V589000 · Recall details
Questions about the Cadillac CTS whining noise
Which Cadillac CTS years have whining or grinding noise problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2005 (18 complaints), 2004 (13 complaints) and 2014 (8 complaints).
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