Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Cadillac CTS equipped with uniroyal tiger paw touring tires, size: 235/55r17 99hm+s (na). While driving approximately 25 MPH on slightly wet roads, the vehicle began to hydroplane, drove into a ditch, and crashed into a tree. The vehicle's tires failed to gain traction in order for the contact to gain control of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The contact received face, arm, and back injuries that required medical attention. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN and dot number were unknown. The approximate vehicle and tire failure mileage was 143,000.
Service airbag light and warning indicator came on when car is started. Took to GM certified dealership for service. Was advised code b0058- right front pretensioner defective on passenger seat belt buckle. The dealership advised that this part is no longer available from GM and therefore they wouldn't be able to make repairs. Also advised that the air bags are disabled and will not deploy. Was told to contact GM customer service. After 3 weeks of lengthy telephone conversations, still no help from GM. Searched every online website and this part is not available. Please advise what if anything can be done to stress the importance of this issue with GM.
While pulling inside of a parking lot the consumer applied the brakes, placed the vehicle in reverse and the vehicle suddenly accelerated backwards. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and applied the brakes,the pedal went to the floor. The driver placed the vehicle in drive and the vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably and ran into a glass window. No injuries. Both frontal air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. Please fill in additional information. Sierra vista police department has a report of the accident.
Dt*: the contact stated the transmission became stuck in reverse while backing out of a parking space. The vehicle excessively increased in speed without warning, spun three times and collided with a parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, and both passengers incurred pinched nerve injuries and mild spinal injuries in the collision. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer where only the body of the vehicle was repaired. Since this incident, the vehicle has been exchanged for a different vehicle. Updated
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. While driving various speeds, the check engine, service air bag, and traction control warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the rear of the vehicle made noises. Patriot auto sales in cleveland, ohio was made aware of the failures and scheduled a service appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
The air bag indicator has been illuminated since October 2016. I recently learned that after my mechanic run a diagnostic test on 1/19/2017, the reading shows that there is a problem with the driver seat which causes the "service air bag" to highlight in the information center of the stereo system at every startup of the engine.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was rear ended which caused a front end collision with another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were injuries sustained, however the seat belts were in use. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. There was a recall NHTSA # 05V024000 for the air bag sensor.
Dt*: the contact stated while accelerating at 10mph from a stop light the vehicle was hit on the passenger side. The side air bags did not deploy causing injury to the three occupants of the vehicle. The seat belts were worn and a police report was filed. The insurance agency deemed the vehicle totaled.
Dt*: the contact stated while in a stopped position the vehicle was rear ended and pushed into the vehicle ahead. The air bags did not deploy. Although seat belts were in use there were injuries sustained. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to the dealer.
The consumer was parking the vehicle when the gas pedal became stuck causing the consumer to crash into a building head on. Upon impact the air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
Related recalls
Air bags
On certain passenger vehicles, an interaction between the sensing and diagnostic module and vehicle's electrical system May cause the driver's frontal air bag and/or roof-mounted side impact air bag to deploy when the ignition key is turned to the "on" position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Airbag complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2004 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Cadillac CTS, 12% of the model year's 224 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Cadillac CTS airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-024 (air bags, Jan 20, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Cadillac CTS airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 0 fires and 16 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.