Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 3% | 43,000 miles |
| 2015 | 9 | 18% | 72,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | 21,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% | 20,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 14% | 30,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 6% | 38,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 9% | 45,000 miles |
| 2009 | 14 | 8% | 34,000 miles |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 59 | 27% | 57,000 miles |
| 2006 | 57 | 21% | 68,000 miles |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% | 76,000 miles |
| 2004 | 38 | 17% | 76,000 miles |
| 2003 | 47 | 15% | 80,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a loud grinding and squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was a high-pitched sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the water pump was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced, and the rear differential was leaking. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The water pump was replaced under the warranty. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced every two months. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to stop, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal became very difficult to depress. The failure almost caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the "Brake Assist" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Cadillac CTS. While driving 21 MPH over a bump in the road, the vehicle accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into a tree. The front driver side air bag failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to restrain the contact, causing his head to make contact with the dashboard. After the crash, all the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact suffered injuries to the head, neck, and knees, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
Frozen front brakes after washing or driving in rain and parking overnight. Have to put car in gear and force front brakes to break loose. Rear wheels spin and front tires slid approx 1 foot before breaking loose. Loud thud and car leaps forward 1foot.
Brakes on my CTS 2013 Cadillac , on March 29, I made a turn to park my car from the right side of the street mamaroneck avenue in white plains to the left there were no parking spaces on the right . As I turn the steering wheel the car went out of control the car speed up and hit the curb, knocking over two parking meters and hurting my finger on my right hand and later my left leg. I had just taken my car to pepe Cadillac in white plains ,n. Y. To get my brakes repaired. My car was towed to brennenan towing service in elmsford. They claim it was repaired!!!!since then which was last summer my car has been in and out of the repair shop as many as 9 or 10 times with the brake light coming on and other light such as the traction , the ABS, the lock on passenger did not work until I ask them to repair it! I am afraid to drive my car. When I take it to mt. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while traveling 45 MPH, he became involved in a multi-vehicle crash. The contact abruptly applied the brakes however, the vehicle did not respond and the air bag exploded. There was an unknown gray substance that was emitted from the air bag upon deployment, which affected the contact's vision and breathing abilities. Additionally, the contact sustained three fractured ribs and injuries to the neck, knee, ankle and head which required medical attention. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was later towed to an authorized dealer but was not diagnosed to determine the cause of the brake failure. The contact had also received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14V394000 (electrical) however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available. …
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the AWD inadvertently deactivated, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The service brake assist, check engine, traction control, ABS, and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics; however, no failure was found. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V536000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the traction control was off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
GM is recalling certain model year 2012 Cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from October 21, 2011, through October 26, 2011. These vehicles May have a condition in which the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut May not be torqued to the proper specification.
Remedy: Cadillac dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specification. This service will be performed free of charge.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
General motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…
Remedy: Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac CTS years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (59), 2006 (57), 2003 (47), 2004 (38) and 2005 (34) model years. Brake complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Cadillac CTS brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 15V-358 (pedals and linkages, Jun 9, 2015); 11V-536 (vacuum, Nov 2, 2011); 10V-105 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 17, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac CTS brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (11 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9).
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.