2004 Cadillac CTS Cadillac CTS 2004

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2004 Cadillac CTS repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (10%)

Suspension and Steering (11%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (12%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 146 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Cadillac CTS.

2004 Cadillac CTS repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (27%)

< $100 (42%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 122 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Cadillac CTS

Engine not specified

Cadillac CTS in Washington, United States
Mar 2008 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

41000 mi

US $806
Replaced radiator. 

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2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

400-horsepower 5.7L V8 6-speed manual RWD

Cadillac CTS in California, United States
- Aug 2007
Jul 2006

8500 mi
Rear Differential 
Aug 2007

17000 mi
Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir (leaking) 
Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States
Nov 2006 - Jun 2011
Jun 2009

23000 mi

US $89
worn rubber bushing 
Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States
- Oct 2007
Oct 2006

36000 mi
Replace Front Right Shock 
Mar 2007

40000 mi
Replace Armrest 
Jul 2007

45000 mi
Replace Engine Mounts 
Oct 2007

50000 mi
Tighten Rear Cradle Bolts 
Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

38000 mi

US $200
Defective door panel. 
Cadillac CTS in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2007 - Nov 2009
Apr 2007

38000 mi

US $1800
 
Aug 2007

41000 mi

US $119
alternator was replaced because battery was not charging 
Apr 2008

46000 mi
 
Mar 2009

54000 mi

US $2000
Subrame broke, replaced. 
Apr 2009

54000 mi

US $2500
Transmission replaced. 

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2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

255-horsepower 3.6L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2012
Mar 2012

86000 mi

US $700
Taillight lens fell off. Replacement not available 
Cadillac CTS in Washington, United States
Apr 2012 - Dec 2015
May 2014

149700 mi

US $1500
Ignition coil shorted on one cylinder blowing the fuse. This caused half the cylinders to stop working Coolant pump leak 
Dec 2015

160000 mi
Had a check engine light for P0420. 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2011 - Jan 2012
Oct 2011

127720 mi

C $900
transmission radiator leaked fluid, unable to drive vehicle replaced radiator & fluid 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Dec 2016
Jun 2011

67154 mi

US $3265
a/c compressor came apart internally; compressor replaced and system flushed. 
Sep 2016

115196 mi

US $851
replaced oxygen sensors and ignition coils 
Cadillac CTS in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2011 - Feb 2016
Mar 2014

60000 mi

US $344
Brake caliper locked up. Replaced both front brake calipers and turned rotors. 
Nov 2015

62300 mi

US $300
Caliper locked up.replaced rear left caliper. Replaced rear brake pads and turned rotors 
Cadillac CTS in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2016 - Oct 2017
Oct 2017

142000 mi

US $450
P code 2231, O2 sensor. Always ran great. I had both sensors replaced. Their "top guy" couldn't figure it out. It would go for miles then suddenly, the light would come on. He said the computers were a bit fickle and overly sensitive on these Cadillacs but it also could be a valve guide problem so for another $1000.00 I could have that checked out, which even he was hesitant to recommend. . . long story short I sold the car . . . it ran great but the light will probably always be an issue. 
Cadillac CTS in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2015
May 2012

97600 mi

US $220
Had to replace one of the coil packs in the engine 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Oct 2013 - Jul 2014
Nov 2013

92800 mi

US $200
Right rear window regulator gears stripped. 
Cadillac CTS in Arkansas, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2012
Jul 2011

77000 mi

US $600
Stability System Engaged message appearing over and over. Replaced steering wheel position sensor and problem was resolved. 
Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States
Apr 2014 - Mar 2015
Apr 2014

113000 mi

US $1500
1) ECM 2) THROTTLE CONTROL MODULE AND HARNESS Wheel Bearings (3 of them Failed) 
May 2014

113500 mi

US $980
Replaced the "steering rack". There was an ungodly grinding one day. PWR Steering fluid was slowly leaking into the rack boots for 1+ yrs! Look for low PWR Steering fluid loss OVER TIME. You see it check the RACK that is your issue! 
Oct 2014

116200 mi
The steering rack that was replaced a short while ago had failed. It was under warranty so there was no bill for this repair. The rack although losing very little fluid (none on the ground) failed again, it also made a horrid noise. 
Cadillac CTS in South Carolina, United States
Oct 2016 - Apr 2017
Dec 2016

164000 mi

US $900
1)Engine light comes on after a fillup. 2)Car jerks and struggles to accelerate. 3) Runs rough at idle. Light still comes on and off. 
Apr 2017

165000 mi
Incompetent service location/company /What a waste of time and inconveince. .. same symptom, Nothing found. Engine light continues to pop on and off . mainly during or after fuel change. I think its water in the fuel line but the Service Group. Next call is to Cadillac corporate. 
Cadillac CTS in Washington, United States
Nov 2006 - Mar 2010
Oct 2006

25000 mi
Front Lower Control arms both replaced due to squeeky noise from underneath 
Cadillac CTS in Wisconsin, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

47000 mi

US $2200
TRANSMISSION JUNK AT 47000MILES,,,CAR WAS A RENTAL/LEASE,,,,PURCHASED CAR WITH 44,000MILES,,,3MNTHS LATER COLD WISCONSIN WEATHER,,,,32TEMP OR LESS,,TRANS SLIPPED,,,5SPEED AUTO,,REPAIRED,,,$4200/DEALER / COST 1500,,INTERNET,$700 INSTALLED 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
May 2016 - Jun 2016
May 2016

122760 mi
Had 2 computer chips replaced ($2,300.00) July'15. One went again in May'16. Dealer decided it was another part burning out the chips & wanted another $2,300 to repair + new brake lines & calipers. Transmission redone '15. Scrapped at 199Kms 
Jun 2016

122760 mi
Nothing was repaired. It was going to be a $5,000.00 repair so I purchased another car and gave the Cadillac away to a friend. 
Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States
Dec 2014 - Jan 2015
Jan 2015

US $24
Had to replace fuel cap it was not creating a vacuum seal on fuel system. 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2009 - Jun 2011
May 2009

70118 mi

C $100
Warranty: Front end clunks - Replace swaybar links, struts and wheel alignment. 
Jul 2009

72100 mi

C $292
Fuse keeps blowing for trunk release. Garage door opener circuit short to ground. Repair wiring. 
Sep 2009

77568 mi

C $100
Warranty: Excessive oil consumption. 1qt very 2000 miles. Replace Piston Rings, Valve Seals and Gaskets. 
Oct 2009

78343 mi

C $100
Warranty: Trans cooler lines unbonded from radiator. Replace radiator, refill radiator and trans. 
Cadillac CTS in Indiana, United States
Nov 2014 - Jul 2016
Apr 2015

177800 mi

US $1259
The High Intensity Lights were going bad. The driver side one was turning red and the passenger side one was flickering. 
Jun 2015

180000 mi

US $99
Emissions and Exhaust System. Code P0420 ("Catalyst System Low Efficiency Bank 1"). Dealer replaced Catalytic Converter. The manager who drove the car thought it was a cylinder misfire.They swapped cylinder coil packs & spark plugs.Could not duplicate issue.Charged me for inspection. 
Jul 2015

181000 mi
Engine was making a loud whistling sound. This was the result of a bad repair (instead of replacement) of PCV tubing to the engine earlier in July.Dealer fixed no charge because they said the tech should have replaced it instead of taping it up. 
Aug 2015

182000 mi

US $30
The set of wires within the harness that controlled the rear backup lights was damaged, causing the rear backup lights not to work. The wires that had split were reattached and fastened together. 
Sep 2015

184000 mi

US $329
The 3rd brake light, which was the original OEM part, allowed water intrusion over time. The part failed. Rush Repair offers a reman one that corrects for the OEM issue. Mechanic install new 3rd brake light. 
Oct 2015

186000 mi

US $182
Replaced six original ignition coils. This seems to have stopped the cylinders from misfiring. The caliper on the front passenger side was squeaking loudly and was a safety issue according to the dealer, $181.90. Ordered a new caliper, but received the wrong part, so they just greased the pistons inside the caliper. Seems to have worked. My car had the original struts and shocks that came with the car and they needed to be replaced. I paid $528.92 in labor and $483.11 in aftermarket parts that the dealer put on. 
Jan 2016

176500 mi

US $799
Replaced left & Right from calipers, rear ceramic pads, and rear disc brake rotor. Upon inspection, Meineke, observed both rear discs cracked. 
Apr 2016

194500 mi

US $45
There was a slight oil leak that was due to a seal that was going bad. 
Jun 2016

196000 mi

US $224
Sway bars were replaced due to lateral swaying of the car at speeds above 60 mph. 
Cadillac CTS in Kentucky, United States
Jul 2007 - Sep 2011
Apr 2007

65000 mi
Air bag cover on the rear driver side fell off. 
Jun 2010

85000 mi

US $4500
Serious issue, cars traction control was kicking on ever time I accelerated. Took it in. Inter cooler had busted, engine coolant mixed with transmission fluid seals expanded. Had to replace radiator and the transmission. 
Aug 2010

91000 mi

US $150
Car makes a slight hissing until 3rd gear. They couldn't find the hissing. Plastic separating the car from the road came loose and hit the road while driving, broke. Plastic fasteners fell off or dryrotted. Aftermarket warranty considered it trim, denied coverage. Bought the piece from Cadillac myself. Several problems. Plastic separating the car from the road came loose and hit the road while driving, broke. Also car makes a slight hissing until 3rd gear. They couldn't find the hissing. 
Cadillac CTS in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2014 - Apr 2015
Feb 2014

140500 mi

US $29
Noise coming from rear passenger side hub and bearing, Replaced hub and bearing no more noise. Missfire in cylinder 6, CEL stated PO306 and PO300, Replaced Coil and spark plug has not come back. 
Mar 2015

162000 mi

US $144
Replaced Throttle body 3 times in the past two months. It has a 1 year warranty. Also replaced wiring harness. Heard hard ticking from engine checked and replaced purge valve canister ticking has to returned. 
Apr 2015

163000 mi

US $255
Again the throttle body failed. Got a refund from previous company and bought one from AC delco shop. Installed. Checked wires all ok. Replacing gas pedal and sensor. If fails again will replace ECM. Threw code P0221 before it failed. 
Cadillac CTS in Tennessee, United States
Oct 2009 - Apr 2012
Apr 2010

113500 mi

US $250
I had to get the OnStar system updated. Marker light replaced. 
Jul 2010

121000 mi

US $1580
Transmission cooling radiator developed a substantial hole. 
Apr 2012

146000 mi

US $1300
Five of the six spark plugs had fouled and the number five coil pack needed replaceing. 
Cadillac CTS in Colorado, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2012
Nov 2010

84000 mi

US $150
Bracket holding the exhaust failed and was rattling. They fixed the issue. 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2007 - Jul 2013
Sep 2009

88660 mi

C $500
The line that goes from the auto transmission came out of the radiator, car lost coolant and transmission oil. Replaced the radiator, but still have to take it to a transmission shop to check it. 
Sep 2010

94860 mi

C $400
Replaced both tie rods, seems one of them broke, then when it was fixed, the other one broke as well. 
Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States
May 2007 - Jun 2018
Jun 2008

97000 mi

US $512
Car was at shop for oil change and tire rotation, Mechanic noticed leak from water pump. Pump replaced. 
Jun 2009

115000 mi

US $810
"Stability system engaged" warning on the DIC. this was causing the left front brake to inadvertly engage. After keeping the vehicle and driving it, the tech. was able to get a faulty reading from the steering position switch. Replaced switch. Told the tech. that i had noticed a small oil leak on the garage floor near the rear end. Replaced the rear differential pinion seal and flange. 
Jul 2013

173800 mi

US $370
Notice oil leak on floor of garage, drive side of vehicle, reported this to service tech. found power steering hose had a leak. replaced hose. 
Jul 2015

199000 mi

US $168
Shifter was making clanging noise when moved from park to drive/drive to park. 
Dec 2015

207000 mi

US $382
Engine began to misfire and service engine light came on. Diagnostics was ran. failed ignition coil was replaced. 
Jul 2017

234000 mi

US $1300
small clicking sound when ignition switch is activated. Replaced the starter. "Service charging system" light on. replaced alternator. 
Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007

32000 mi
Steering column makes creaking noise. Dealer replaced steering rack. Creaking/clicking noise in steering wheel. Cause: SIR COIL MODULE MAKING CLICKING SOUND. REPLACE SIR COIL & HARNESS 
Mar 2008

36000 mi
Dealer replaced headlight lens, due to peeling. While driving the check engine light comes on for 3 seconds and while car loses power. The engine dies, the gauges shut down for about 3 seconds then comes back to life. Luckily this has only happened during highway driving 60mph or faster. This is ... 
Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States
Jun 2015 - Jul 2018
Jun 2018

91000 mi

US $1
Thrown rod due to blocked oil passage. Currently waiting for engine replacement quote. 
Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States
Nov 2006 - Jun 2008
Jan 2008

58000 mi

US $100
Under warranty had right rear window motor and cable replaced. 
Mar 2008

61000 mi

US $600
Entire intake from the MAF to the intake manifold had to be replaced. Including the electronic throttle control assembly. They origanally thought that the volant intake had caused the issue. Upon further evaluation and inspection, they found it to be a .. 
Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States
Nov 2006 - Oct 2012
Jan 2010

80000 mi
Engine light on for several weeks. No drivability problems. 
Jul 2011

66000 mi

US $650
Replaced steering rack and pinion 
Cadillac CTS in Iowa, United States
Nov 2006 - Mar 2010
Oct 2006

38560 mi
Rear end pinion seal leaking. Replaced under Certified Cadillac Warranty. 
Dec 2007

80000 mi
High oil consumption resulting in a 2000 mile monitoring then taken back for a ring cleaning via the injectors. Am now monitoring second 2000 miles to determine if next steps are required. 
Cadillac CTS in Ohio, United States
Nov 2006 - Apr 2009
Nov 2006

16900 mi
Moisture leak to bezel surrounding rear licence plate-replaced by dealer at no charge 
Dec 2006

18000 mi
Moisture leak around back up lamp lense seals 
Jan 2007

19000 mi
Rear drivetrain whine at 60+ mph. R&R rear differential 
Jun 2007

22500 mi
Small area of clearcoat finish peeled away from basecoat on rear bumper cover. Dealer r&r cover and refinished same. No charge-covered by Cadillac warranty 
Aug 2007

26000 mi
Right rocker panel trim loose-repaired-warranty 
Cadillac CTS in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2007 - Jan 2022
Dec 2007

44640 mi
replace drivers side wiper arm,no cost on warranty 
Oct 2011

70980 mi

C $12000
throttle body and throttle sensor replaced and intake work transmission reprogramming 
May 2013

80900 mi

C $200
second time o2 sensor replaced 
Jun 2013

81220 mi

C $1200
eight weeks later o2 sensors failed again. ecm replaced with o2 sensors, dealer diagnoses o2 sensors failing due to ecm failure 
Jan 2017

81740 mi

C $652
seat motor drivers side failed, trunk struts replaced also 
Mar 2017

101060 mi

C $350
rubber brake line replaced 
Oct 2021

122760 mi

C $450
pads etc 
Cadillac CTS in Tennessee, United States
Sep 2007 - Oct 2011
Oct 2007

44000 mi
Bought the car on a Wednesday, by Friday Check Engine Light on and reduced power, took car in Saturday after calling dealership who said to come in then. they checked and said it had lose gas cap and reset the alarm. A few days later took the car back in at lunch and made appointment for the following day. Same problem but if I shut it off and turned it back on the car would run ok for a while. This trip they replaced the Throttle Assembly. A week later, it was back with same issue, this time they replaced the ECM. 
Nov 2007

45000 mi
Car had same symptoms as last two visits. Stability control light came on, then check engine soon alarm then the engine power was reduced. I shut it off sat a bit, turned it back on and the Check Engine Soon light still lit but I could drive it to the d 
Nov 2008

58000 mi
Stability system alarm kept coming on, took to shop, said they reprogrammed computer, still does it now and then 
Apr 2009

62000 mi

US $50
Growling when putting on brake. something in abs brake system. Shop replaced right front hub assembly. Still growls now and then after the replacement. 
Cadillac CTS in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

115000 mi

US $1200
Hose running from transmission to radiator was pulled out. Requires two new hoses and new radiator 
Cadillac CTS in New York, United States
Mar 2011 - Jul 2015
Jun 2012

101000 mi

US $1000
transmission cooler lines failed, mixing coolant with transmission fluid 
Jul 2012

102000 mi

US $70
code p0128 showed, thermostat was stuck open, real pain to replace. 
Cadillac CTS in New York, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2018
Jan 2018

75000 mi

US $300
Water pump failed 
Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States
Dec 2008 - Sep 2011
Aug 2009

43000 mi

US $40
Car indicated coolant was low 2nd time in 1 week, after being filled form the 1st warning. Shop did a visual inspection, and could not find a leak. They did not have equipment to do a pressure test. They suggested another shop to get test done. Had different shop look at coolant leak. They did pressure test and visual inspection after running car on lift several times. Never found leak, and test came back fine. There was coolant on our garage floor though. Suggested we monitor the problem. 
Oct 2009

45000 mi

US $55
Coolant leak again. Also radiator hoses were collapsed like they were sucked in. Shop determined it was a faulty radiator cap. Replaced the cap and problem is resolved. 
Dec 2009

45000 mi

US $70
engine would not run. It would start then immediately die. I checked all connections and hoses and found nothing wrong. The dealership found that the air intake was not attached correctly. Unmetered air was entering the engine causing it to die. 
Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2013
Feb 2013

139300 mi

US $65
Stability control warning would trigger randomly. I replaced the steering column sensor. 
Jun 2013

145000 mi

US $325
Rubber doughnuts at either end of driveshaft cracked and center support rubber gone. The rubber bushing in the shift lever on the transmission was also gone and since the bushing isn't replaceable I had to buy the whole linkage. 
Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2018
Jan 2018

70566 mi

US $56
battery hold down was missing and car didn't pass inspection. Battery hold down bracket was replaced. 
Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States
Feb 2008 - Apr 2015
Jun 2009

67000 mi
Both tie rod ends in front suspension broke. 
Mar 2010

78000 mi
Water pump started leaking profusely. Dealer replaced.  Also replaced rear axle seals. Replaced gas cap. 
May 2010

79000 mi
Oil sensor giving false readings. Parts on order.  Broken door panel switch was ordered. Water in driver door. Drains in door cleaned. 
Sep 2010

82000 mi
Sensor previously ordered was installed. Switch previously ordered was installed. 
Jun 2011

91000 mi

US $30
Reattached vacuum hose that fell off of air box behind air filter. Replaced gas cap. Evap syst code cleared. 
Oct 2012

106000 mi

US $966
There was a hole in an evaporative emission return hose. The section of hose was replaced along with the cannister vent solenoid, cannister purge solenoid, and the battery. 
Sep 2013

116000 mi

US $250
Diver side catalytic converter failed. Found by check engine light and code. Replaced catalytic converter and upstream o2 sensor. Purchased after market parts and did work myself saving $600 over dealer cost. Car runs like new now. 
Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States
Jun 2008 - Aug 2011
Jul 2008

55000 mi

US $55
Driver side mirror fell off. What a drag. Had to purchase another at a glass shop for $45.00. Cadillac wanted $280.00. What a s--- deal. 
Dec 2008

65000 mi

US $600
Back Brake Calipers needed replacement. Brake shoes wearing too quickly and sporadically. 
Feb 2009

68800 mi

US $240
Cylinder # 6 misfired and check engine light blinked , eventually stayed on. Dealer replaced coil for # 6 cylinder. Was treated very good. #3 Cylinder Misfired and required replacing ignition coil on that cylinder. 
Jun 2009

77000 mi

US $550
Broken Strut , right side. Also had to replace control arm part was expesive $360. 
Jul 2009

78000 mi

US $65
Check Engine Light came on. Noticed faulty fuel cap , purchased and replaced. Reset Check Engine Light. Price paid for Dianostic Machine $65 Price for Fuel Cap $20. 
Sep 2010

95000 mi

US $600
Had another Cylinder Coil go out (?) Replaced plugs but still have check engine light on because of Throttle Body error. 
Cadillac CTS in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2010 - Jan 2013
Dec 2010

75000 mi
missing several clips that hold a plastic deflector in front of rear passenger wheel well; dealer replaced the clips and re-attached the part 
Nov 2012

92500 mi

US $700
Cylinder misfire; replace faulty coil and sparkplugs 
Jan 2013

95000 mi

US $1000
Catalytic converter needed to be replaced 

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2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

220-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed manual RWD

Cadillac CTS in New York, United States
Jun 2010 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

114000 mi
Serpentine belt tensioner pulley seized. The pulley sheared off and contacted the plastic timing belt cover. The timing belt sheared and then broke. Interference engine. Car needs engine. 
Cadillac CTS in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

20000 mi
 

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2004 Cadillac CTS 4-door

8-cylinder manual 2WD

Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Nov 2006 - Mar 2010
Dec 2006

43000 mi
Both Catalytic Converters on my CTS-V were bad (gutted, nothing left in them at all) and needed to be replaced. 

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2004 Cadillac CTS Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Cadillac CTS problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.