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

The gear shifter cable on my 2014 Cadillac CTS failed completely and without warning. The vehicle became totally inoperable and could not be shifted into Park, Neutral, Reverse, or Drive. There were no dashboard alerts or signs of failure. This matches the exact symptoms described in GM Recall No. 21V473000. However, my vehicle was excluded from further action because it had previously received a visual-only inspection during the recall window. No functional testing was performed. Despite being marked as “repaired,” the shifter cable failed exactly as described in the original recall. GM confirmed that the recall case was closed after a visual inspection per their protocol. But this inspection clearly failed to detect a dangerous mechanical defect. I have now been without a working vehicle for over two weeks, with the earliest dealership appointment not available until the week of July 7 — and a $180 diagnostic fee quoted, with no guarantee of repair coverage. This breakdown could have resulted in a crash or rollaway if it had occurred while driving or parked on an incline. It poses a serious safety risk not just to me but to the public. Vehicles cleared with insufficient inspection should not be excluded from protection. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this failure, hold GM accountable for prematurely closed recall cases, and consider requiring them to reopen and expand the campaign to include VINs like mine. I am willing to provide photos, documentation, and records as needed. Thank you for your attention and swift consideration.

NHTSA ODI 11670528

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard an extremely loud bang, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and observed smoke coming from the rear axle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle differential. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11663372

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS A. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH she heard an abnormal sound from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that it sounded like an amplified road noise. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an intermittent sharp jarring of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was downshifting to a lower gear independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who had diagnosed and determined that the differential was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11620123

I just recently purchased my Cadillac. And the rear end is going out! I literally cannot even drive it anywhere because it is about to lock up completely. It will barely go and definitely doesn't want or like to go uphill. I could hardly go 20 miles per hour when I parked it the other night. There has not been an incident yet but if I hadn't parked it, it could've locked up completely when I was going down the highway is what my mechanic friend told me. It was not bad until just the day before it got to this point. It was making a little bit of a humming noise which I thought was just a wheel bearing the other night because that's exactly what it sounded like. But, the night I parked it it had started making like a loud thumping noise when I would try to accelerate. The more I would accelerate the louder the noise and it just didn't want to go. So, I parked it and that's where it's been since. So, I got online to look and see if there were any recalls for this issue. I find that there is a recall for the 2014 Cts-V for the rear end. I think it's not only the Cts-V models I think it's the regular Cts's as well. Can you check into this for me because I literally just bought this car and haven't even gotten my license plate yet and now I can't even do that or go anywhere for that matter. I am a business owner and I rely on my vehicle and I can't even get to work to open my store right now,. I would greatly appreciate it if you could check into if this recall shouldn't be extended to the regular Cts models as well. Thanks and have a great day.

NHTSA ODI 11608193

My car was unsafe to drive. It would not shift into drive. I had it towed to a mechanic who diagnosed the problem. I was informed the differential was the problem. I could not drive my car until the repair was done. No one had the differential part in the USA. My car is 2014 CTS with only 66,000 miles. Can I be reimbursed for this repair?

NHTSA ODI 11568676

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear differential needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ODI 11561128

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who discovered metal shavings inside in the rear differential fluid and informed the contact that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11555008

The gears inside the rear-differential of a 2014 CTS Luxury 3.6 liter Cadillac, with 48,000 miles, failed to the point where the whole differential had to be replaced. This defect is extremely dangerous to the owner of the vehicle, as well as others on the road. If the differential fails to the point where the tires lock up, the driver can lose control of the car. There were no warning messages relating to the problem and the problem did not come on gradually. There was a sudden loud grinding noise that came from the rear of the car, while driving, and the car was immediately taken to a Cadillac dealership for inspection. The dealership mechanic/technician determined that the rear differential completely failed and needed to be replaced. (The oil was drained from the differential and there were metal shavings inside the oil.) Upon research on the internet, it was determined that this rear-differential defect is an extensive problem, as other 2014 Cadillac CTS owners are experiencing a similar problem. Cadillac has recalled the 2014 CTS-V for this rear differential defect but has not acknowledged the same problem with the 2014 CTS 3.6 liter (it appears to be the same product/part design.)

NHTSA ODI 11552185

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he heard a loud abnormal scraping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle differential assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11541270

At the moment, the vehicle is releasing a strong order smells like burning oil or gasoline. It’s coming from the rear of the vehicle. You can smell it immediately when you step out and in the car. The rear is making a loud cranking noise and starting to shake. It appears based on the information that it’s a huge possibility it’s my rear differential going out. It posses a threat due to the anticipation of the brakes locking and causing a serious accident to my family or other on the road. Ive taken very good care if the vehicle and done all the required maintenance on the vehicle. Went though GM motors repair shops

NHTSA ODI 11538198

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with metal shavings inside the rear differential. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,500.

NHTSA ODI 11531447

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormally loud grinding sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a fault with the rear differential. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. Once at the dealer, it was confirmed that the rear differential had experienced internal grinding and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11530647

2014 CTS 3.6 Differential was replaced in 2019 under manufactures warranty. Les than 50k miles later the differential has gone out again. The dealer will not honor the previous install and wants to charge me close to $6k to fix. This is a known problem with every model because they all have the same differential. GM will only honor the turbo version of the 2014 CTS with the same defective rear end. This can be very dangerous if the rear end locks while driving at any speed. GM is putting my family and others on the road by ignoring a known issue. I am calling out Putnam Cadillac in Berlingame Ca. taking a blind eye to a known issue.

NHTSA ODI 11522069

Rear differential has gone bad. Hundreds, if not thousands of these vehicles have had this issue. Nothing is being done! It’s a shame that us CTS owners are stuck with these problems.

NHTSA ODI 11520794

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.

NHTSA ODI 11505277

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, a loud grinding sound came from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear tires needed to be replaced. The contact had both rear tires replaced; however, the loud grinding noise recurred and was also heard a sound when starting the vehicle, shifting into drive(D) and slowly accelerating. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer who determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11502217

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.

NHTSA ODI 11500719

Differential is going bad and it’s only got 60k miles on it and if the wheels lock up that is bad. And I can’t find the part nowhere.

NHTSA ODI 11497326

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!

NHTSA ODI 11496370

The rear differential failing at very low mileage on the 2014 and others models and years using the same part is a very common issue. The CTSV model was recalled and not the cts models. Even though it’s the same part but just one single different number in the part number. This is very offsetting being that it’s a costly part and requires costly replacement. It almost always can never be repaired but only replaced. Cadillac has recognized that it’s an issue but only recalled the CTS vsport models. Even though it’s the same exact part. My car isn’t able the be driven due to this due to high demand of the part making it very difficult to find. The part number is 84110751.

NHTSA ODI 11495860

I have 75,000 miles on a 2014 Cadillac and the rear differential is bad, they have recalled this same differential on the same year of vehicle but only if it was in the turbo model. What's the difference? same part, same thing is wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11494517

Rear Carrier Assembly is making grinding noise. Mechanic says that driving car could be life threatening. GM and Cadillac dealership has no parts. So car is useless. The car has 56,000 miles. There should be a recall and remedy for this Model, 2014 Cadillac 3.6L CTS. Especially when the V version of this car already has a recall. GM should be held accountable for this design flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11493168

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