What 138 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Cadillac Cts-v

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.

NHTSA ODI 11492119

• 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 .

NHTSA ODI 11490081

POWER TRAIN | DIFFERENTIAL | REAR AXLE BLOWN | ROLL PINS FRACTURED YES = INSPECTION AVAILABLE YES = Safety of family and friends lives were at risk at any moment the differential decides to cease up. LOCAL CADILLAC DEALERSHIP INSPECTED + INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED NO WARNING LAMPS PRIOR TO DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTIONING + ROARING NOISE AFTER MALFUNCTION SERVICE ENGINE + SERVICE STABILTRAC + TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT EMITTED. CAUSE = GM CADILLAC SAFETY FRAUD + DEFECTIVE DIFFERENTIAL Thousands of complaints online. GM is only recalling the CTS-V series and no other CTS when its clear and evident that all CTS's 2014-2015 DIFFERENTIALS ARE DEFECTIVE. OWNERS ARE LEFT WITH NO OPTIONS AND VEHICLE OF NO VALUE = COMPLETE LOSS DUE TO GM STOPPING PRODUCTION OF DIFFERENTIAL & PROVIDING NO RECALL. THERE ARE NO DIFFERENTIALS IN THE USA TO REPAIR VEHICLE. EVEN CTS-V TIER THAT IS RECALLED ARE GETTING NO HELP & GM TURNS A BLIND EYE THIS IS CRIMINAL | NO RECALL | NO EQUIVALENT VEHICLE OFFERED FOR TRANSPORTATION COMPLETE LOSS OF INVESTMENT | UPSIDE DOWN ON FINANCES | HARDSHIPS CTS WAS RATED WITH A 5-STAR SAFETY RATING = COMPLETE FRAUD ITS A MAJOR SAFETY VIOLATION AND RISK TO CTS OWNER'S / FAMILIES AS WELL AS ANYONE ON THE ROAD THATS NEAR A CTS WHEN DIFFERENTIAL GOES BAD WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS. AT THIS POINT OWNERS HAVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR A SOLUTION THAT GM WILL NOT PROVIDE. WHICH IN MY EYES IS CRIMINAL AND KNOWING ABOUT HOW SEVERE THIS ISSUE IS AND DOING NOTHING TO SHOW THEY CARE FOR THEIR CONSUMERS. GM / CADILLAC SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED ON THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY WITH AN IMMEDIATE SOLUTION | LIVES ARE AT RISK. ALSO WHOMEVER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A 5-STAR SAFETY LABEL. PEOPLE HAVE DIED DUE TO THIS DIFFERENTIAL GOING BAD AT HIGH SPEEDS. AND THE PROBLEM IS LISTED EVERYWHERE ONLINE BY ALL TIER LEVEL 2014-15 CTS OWNERS. NOT ONLY ARE OWNERS ROBBED THEIR LIFE IS PUT AT RISK OF DEATH PLUS THE LOSS OF TRANSPORTATION = LOSS OF JOB = DOWNWARD SPIRAL.

NHTSA ODI 11489428

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while starting and also while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal loud roaring noise detected from the rear end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was due to the rear differential. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11480936

Differential are bad in these cars with only 60,000 miles and and if it goes out, car could lock up causing an accident. Recall has been issued but not for all vehicles. Which there are a lot more vehicles with the issue than that have an recall put in them. 2014 Cadillac CTS RWD 3.6L like mine should be recalled immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11476774

seats move , when break and move forward

NHTSA ODI 11475518

I notice the differential was leaking and had to repair it but I am not certain if this will happen again

NHTSA ODI 11475520

Rear differential has given out this is the second one so far there should be a recall on these models. 4 door base model sedan. 2.0

NHTSA ODI 11465592

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, he heard an abnormal loud roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not available. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464063

I started to notice pulsation upon braking and replaced my pads and rotors, at the same time switching from winter wheels to summer wheels. The pulsation continued, and then I noticed a rumbling sound from the rear end that has grown increasingly loud over the past three days, and now it is accompanied by wobbling upon braking at speed. An independent shop today diagnosed it as a rapidly failing rear differential. The car has 70,000 miles and no accidents. As I understand it, the CTS-V version of the same vehicle has a recall for failing differentials that are the very same part that's used in these non-V models. The web is full of complaints from other owners of my model who are experiencing this same issue. It is a catastrophic failure part that could cause the rear end of the car to lock up at speed. Please address ASAP, thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11462589

I have been told my car needs a front and rear differential. I have heard a low rumbling in the car for some time which I have now been told that sound was the differential breaking down. My car has been at dealership for 2 months now

NHTSA ODI 11461127

I was hit by a truck while parked with the car on and the airbags weren’t deployed the truck hit me going at least 45-60

NHTSA ODI 11460202

Burning smell, traction control, rear axle service along with suspension lights all came on the odometer. Shakes at low idle and wont stay running. Happened this weekend after pulling into the driveway after driving. We scanned code for cylinder 4 misfire. On scanner we had multiple other cylinder misfires but cylinder 4 is a dead misfire. We removed spark plug and found wore. We initially thought to start with replacing spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. We consulted with customer and agreed to replace all spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. After replacing we found no change in cylinder 4 misfire. We removed and re installed original coil and re tested. We performed a compression test on cylinder 4 and have 0 PSI. We thought possible carboned valve stuck open due to direct injection system. We performed a GDI carbon clean but still no change. We installed a borescope into cylinder to inspect and found what looks like a broken piston or part of a valv We scanned code for cylinder 4 misfire. On scanner we had multiple other cylinder misfires but cylinder 4 is a dead misfire. Weremoved spark plug and found worn. We initially thought to start with replacing spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. We replace all spark plugs and cylinder 4 coil. After replacing we found no change in cylinder 4 misfire. We removed and re installed original coil and re tested. We performed a compression test on cylinder 4 and have 0 PSI. We thought possible carboned valve stuck open due to direct injection system. We performed a GDI carbon clean but still no change. We installed a borescope into cylinder to inspect and found what looks like a broken piston or part of a valve broken and smashed into the piston. Fault is internal engine, would need to tear down and re build or replace engine assembly. My safety was at risk driving 80mph on the highway perhaps engine could have seized or caused problems I’m not able to deal with along with having my infant and toddler in the car.

NHTSA ODI 11460205

This is a continuing concerning issue that I've experienced resulting in a major safety hazard, that intel the RWD differential/drivetrain, which is a common safety concern with the 2014 CTS Sedans. There are no recalls from the persistent complaints and concern about this issue. The wearing down of the pinion seal, causing leaks, that have been repaired several times, which constantly reappears, after months to a year of being repaired at certified Cadillac dealerships. Now the GM/Cadillac dealerships are highly recommending a full differential replacement. Unfortunately, there are no differential parts nationwide to repair the issue. The GM manufactures have either discontinued the part or it's been express the parts are on back order from 3 to 6 months, or even up to a year to receive that particular part, yet there's still no recall on this issue. This safety concern needs to be address ASAP. This can prevent power to RWD, causing an accident at driving speeds, damaging the internal drive train as well. Other motorist, as well as passengers and vehicle operator would be at great risk, if this issue is not resolved. It's also costly and very expensive to repair. I have paid for a tremendous amount of money trying to get this reoccurring and repetitive issue resolved, without a reasonable resolution from GM or and Cadillac dealership to even offer a goodwill repair for this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11458900

Load roaring in back of car sounds like going snap in half. Upon checking the rear differential loud noise

NHTSA ODI 11458236

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

NHTSA ODI 11456352

2014 Cadillac CTS rear differential with 55,000 miles started to make a wobbling noise going past 10 mph. Went to third party mechanic and was shown metal shavings coming from rear end

NHTSA ODI 11456386

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, a metal noise was heard. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear brakes were replaced however, the contact was informed that the failure was the rear differential axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to have the failure diagnosed at a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer nor was a case opened. The contact was referencing the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The manufacturer informed the contact that only the sports version was included in the recall due to the plant of manufacture. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11449306

Rear differential failure at low mileage

NHTSA ODI 11447640

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving in the early morning, the headlights became inoperable. The contact checked the headlights and noticed both headlights were out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic was informed that both headlights went out simultaneously. The headlight assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was notified but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe and could cause a possible accident. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11445280

Rear differential lock up at high speed. Loss of control. Apparently a common problem with Cadillac rear differentials. Most occur under 50,000 miles. Mine had 54,000 miles. Seals fail and differential fluid drains out. Some people have had 3 replacements under warrantee. Cannot find and replacements as they are "back ordered" according to dealerships.

NHTSA ODI 11440618

I was driving and it started rattling and getting very bumpy. I exited the freeway and came to a stop. The vehicle would no longer move. I had it towed to my mechanic. The right front axle broke. He replaced it and drove it around the block for a test drive. It was very loud and turning tight when the left axle broke. It has been diagnosed with a bad differential. Everyone I have spoke with at multiple Cadillac dealerships, including someone at a dealership over 30 years, have said they never seen this type of problem and especially on such a newer vehicle with only 84,000 miles. It was a very dangerous situation and if it never happens why did it happen to mine? I’m thinking something is faulty in the differential etc.

NHTSA ODI 11436671

During a service appointment, on my 2014 Cadillac CTS, the dealership pointed out that both axle seals on the differential appears to be leaking. On a subsequent inspection conducted on 8/24/2021, by the dealership, it was confirmed that both axle seals were leaking. At the time of the inspection the vehicle had 120,873 miles showing on the odometer. These two reports were the initial indication that the axle seal were leaking. The dealership has maintained the vehicle since I purchased it from them. I checked to see was if there was a Service Bulletin on this issue, but there was none. However, there was a Service Bulletin (Bulletin No. PIP5075A) concerning "Rear Axle Leak From The Vent" on the differential on the 2011-2013 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V. I contend that GM over compensated for the vent leak and now the vent on the differential of the 2014 Cadillac CTS does not release the built up air pressure which is causing the seals to leak. It is only a matter of time when the differential will lock up due to lack of lubricant and cause a serious accident. I contacted GM on this issue, but they do not want to admit there is a problem. However, if you look up complaints on the internet, there are many many people with this issue on Cadillac's CTS and ATS. There needs to be at a minimum a Service Bulletin issued. I would recommend a recall to correct this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11435568

Ive received an official diagnosis from Cadillac, I need a rear differential replacement due to safety issues. If the wheels lock while driving, it can cause an accident. There is a recall associated with the same year Cadillac, but only the sport version so they refuse to fix mine. My car has only 80k miles on it and it was not supposed to go bad so early. It is NOT my fault. It is obvious that Cadillac used a poor quality rear differential when the vehicle was made, resulting in a possible accident threatening my own and other lives on the road. On addition to that, they gave me a quote for $3400 to fix the vehicle. Im asking you to please help me fight this case. The dealer admitted that they fix rear differential issues on this model all the time so it is an obvious issue resulting in innocent people having to go broke fixing a faulty part. This webpage is not letting me upload the official document so please contact me so i can send it over email.

NHTSA ODI 11434516

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.

NHTSA ODI 11432114