2004 Cadillac CTS Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,971miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Cadillac CTS, 5% of the 224 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,971 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 04 cadilliac CTS that caught fire under the hood while parked. The car is totaled. There were only 60,000 miles on the car and it ran ok . My warranty was up a month before this happen I filed a complaint but no one is calling me back to view the vehicle or offer any assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10228241, filed 2008-05, 60,000 miles“The transmission cooler lines blew out of the radiator. The transmission fluid was blowing out all over the engine compartment front tires, front brakes, and onto the road. I saw on some forums, where they stated that this was a common problem for the Cadillac CTS. And I wasn't sure if anyone else had filed a complaint. It definitely was not a safe situation to be in. To be honest, I have owned/driven a number of cars, starting from a 1950 chevy. I can't believe that the cooler lines blowing out of the radiator is now a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10595466, filed 2014-06, 156,366 miles“Emission test failure. 2004 Cadillac CTS. 875 miles on odometer just picked up from dealer brought back following day for inspection sticker,would not pass emissions test. Told by dealer vehicle had blocked catalytic converter and need replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10058662, filed 2004-02, 990 miles“Noticed brown liquid leaking from the front driver wheel area. Had vehicle towed to GM dealer where they discovered a coolant line failure which created leaking of transmission fluid into radiator and coolant into transmission. Both transmission and radiator need replacing, car is unable to be driven. This was determined by the dealer and Cadillac to be a failure of the part, unable to be prevented and unable to detect. Consumer was not at all responsible for damage. Total estimated cost $4,900. Contacted GM where they offered to split the cost 50/50, myself reliable for the $2400. …”
NHTSA complaint #10437576, filed 2011-11, 93,000 miles“Rear differential of my 2004 Cadillac ctsv is too weak. It clunks, and produces excessive wheel-hop thus not allowing the power to transfer. The whole rear end of the car from the bushings to the rear cradle to the half shafts are too weak for the car. Over 1000's of CTS-v's of the under approx. 4,000 produced from 2004-2005 have had major issues. Service centers claim everything is normal. My car is continually in the shop. Gm refuses to pay for these item and I have a 6yr 100k warranty. Service centers are not equipped to deal with this car, and GM failed to engineer it properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150028, filed 2006-02Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 38 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac CTS
52 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSteering
14 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 27, 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