2004 Cadillac CTS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 23%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,050miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Cadillac CTS, 23% of the 224 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,050 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear pinion seal failed and rear axle locked up. Lost control and was involved in accident. Shocked to find out there is a recall for 2005 and newer CTS (NHTSA campaign number: 07v589000, GM recall no. 07204) but not my 2004 which has an identical rear main seal. The part number used in the recall is the same to repair my 2004.”
NHTSA complaint #10714151, filed 2015-05, 153,000 miles“At about 100k I noticed the axle seals on the rear differential is leaking. There are recalls on this but not based on my VIN number. When I noticed this the car was on a lift in the air being inspected by a mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11321540, filed 2020-04, 100,000 miles“I have had numerous problems with my 2004 Cadillac CTS. The most recent is with my rear differential. The latest problem with the differential prompted an online search with the results showing that each of the problems I have had with my Cadillac CTS is one that has happened with 1000's of other 2004 CTS model cadillacs.”
NHTSA complaint #10479636, filed 2012-10, 143,000 miles“Oil leaking from rear diff in 2004. Dealer replaced seal, but leaked again in 2006 and dealer then replaced rear diff. Then in 2007 a seal on the new diff leaked and was replaced. It appears that the rear diff is improperly designed and will continue to fail outside my warranty period. In my opinion, the rear diff is the only design problem with the 2004 CTS.”
NHTSA complaint #10202331, filed 2007-09, 7,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 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…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10113930Mar 14, 2016This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles with a no crank concern or they are unable to remove…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 9 | 33% |
| 2016 | 9 | 29% |
| 2015 | 20 | 41% |
| 2014 | 84 | 58% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 22 | 22% |
| 2010 | 9 | 13% |
| 2009 | 28 | 17% |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% |
| 2007 | 33 | 15% |
| 2006 | 45 | 17% |
| 2005 | 82 | 30% |
| 2004 | 52 | 23% |
| 2003 | 25 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac CTS
38 complaintsElectrical system
34 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 31, 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