The problem
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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
The risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 14V-394 (14V394000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 14172 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition |
| Report date | July 2, 2014 |
| Owners notified | September 15, 2014 |
| Vehicles affected | 554,328 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 2003 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 56
- 2004 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 34
- 2005 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 39
- 2006 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 43
- 2007 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 41
- 2008 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 39
- 2009 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 26
- 2010 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 16
- 2011 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 20
- 2012 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 10
- 2013 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 26
- 2014 Cadillac CTS electrical problems 13
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 14V-394 repair free?
Yes. Cadillac dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 554,328 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.