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).
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle would not restart. The contact stated that the ignition failure required her to contact roadside assistance to jump start the battery. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle and determined that there was an unknown electrical issue. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it did not start. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure was not diagnosed and the manufacturer was not notified. Meanwhile, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 05V024000 (air bags), 10V105000 (service brakes, hydraulic), and 14V394000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service theft system has came on randomly which would not let the car be moved out of park. Which also causes the key to not be removed from ignition. The car also has intermittent starts and can be jumped at the starter relay in the fuse panel. This all happened when the car was stationary. It makes the gas gauge and temperature gauge not work but speed and RPM do work.t he lights on the shitter do not work along with rc not functioning and theft symbol showing on instrument cluster also..
On Wednesday, October 18, 2017, while driving from work I had to suddenly apply to my brakes. In the process, from out of no where my car just cut off and continue to cruise along. I had to cruise to the side of the highway and at the same time my stern wheel was hard to turn. Once I came to a stop on side of the highway I attempted to put my car in park and turn my ignition switch to the on position. This was a very scary situation for me, because I was on the highway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the fuel and the temperature gauge failed to provide the accurate readings. In addition, the security system and the tire warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the computer system was replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,557.....updated 0711/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. When the ignition was turned to the off position, the key failed to eject from the ignition. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Car with intermittant starting problems. Car was able to take a jump but no longer able to take jumps. Went to start car and key stuck in ignition, temp gauge and gas gauge not working. Service theft system on. The vehicle is unable to move from driveway. Has tried both cars keys and no change. Had battery, alternator and starter checked. All were fine. Car still stuck.
Strong smell of gasoline leaking from fuel tank when filled over 3/4 tank and sending unit not operating properly with some noticeable hesitation , fuel gauge no longer reports correct amount of fuel in tank same issue as Cadillac CTS-v NHTSA campaign number: 14V542000,with the fuel pump sending unit overheating and burning a hole in the unit.
My car was in motion on the interstate. The car is used but excellent condition and recently purchased. I felt a jolt got off the next exit and car will not start, all batteries come on, everything else works
My complaint does not involve a crash, it involves GM's performance in its recall # n140172, NHTSA recall # 14V394, issued 7-21-2014. 1. The recall should have come years earlier. 2. GM as of now has no remedy for the defect & cannot tell me when it will. 3. I have not received a recall letter, I found out my car was subject to recall on GM's website 8/22/14. I had checked in early July & website showed no recall. 4. GM will not give a loaner vehicle until defect is remedied. And advises only to remove all from ignition key, adjust seat & steering column to get key away from knne, but this means airbag will deploy toward my head rather than my chest. Since the car was purchased, the ignition has been difficult. Once when I tried to start the vehicle, the ignition key was locked, vehicle towed to dealer, & I was told a bad computer was replaced. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Cadillac CTS, 15% of the model year's 224 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2004 Cadillac CTS electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-394 (ignition, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Cadillac CTS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.