2004 Cadillac CTS Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 15%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,438miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Cadillac CTS, 15% of the 224 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,438 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11036042, filed 2017-10, 200,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11073444, filed 2018-02, 110,000 miles“I was notified by u.s. Mail from general motors on 9/19/2014 that my vehicle was involved in a recall notice #14172. The letter stated that parts were available for the repair to my vehicle. Letter also stated that I was to make an appointment with my Cadillac dealer to get the repair completed. None of this is true. The dealer informed me that the parts were not available and that they did not accept appointments for the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637726, filed 2014-09, 139,746 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627466, filed 2014-08, 96,200 miles“My Cadillac CTS 2004 key is stuck in the ignition and will not release. The car was towed to two different dealerships one said it was a battery. I purchased a new one that wasn't the problem and one thought it was the alternator and that wasn't the problem. I did have a recall on the key ring and got that taken care of, but honestly the same recall that is dealing with the camaros and the cobalts need to be enforced with the cadillacs. Gm new there was something faulty about the keys getting stuck in the cadillacs. I've been on several forums and we all have the same problem!”
NHTSA complaint #10652380, filed 2014-11, 90,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V394000Jul 2, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2003–2014, SRX 2004–2006
Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 10 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 | 26 | 36% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 20% |
| 2010 | 16 | 24% |
| 2009 | 26 | 16% |
| 2008 | 39 | 22% |
| 2007 | 41 | 19% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 34 | 15% |
| 2003 | 56 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac CTS
52 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology