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2007 Cadillac CTS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Cadillac CTS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pedal loss and pulsation at low-speed turns.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Cadillac CTS.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake pedal loss and pulsation at low-speed turns

SERVICE BRAKES

32 NHTSA complaints · 2008-07 → 2019-10

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WITH TWO CHILDREN INSIDE IT WE APPROACHED A BUSY INTERSECTION AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT EVEN SLOW DOWN. PUMPING THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK EITHER. WE WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN BY SWERVING AROUND OTHER CARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10721304
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11132730
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES ON HIS VEHICLE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE HAS DIFFICULTY STOPPING. THE FAILURE OCCURS MOST FREQUENTLY WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10261462

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential and axle seal leak

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2008-04 → 2021-06

“Rear differential seal leaking Midas told me when I had the oil changed right after I got the car exactly one year and one day ago today and there is like a weird noise when I drive but if I turn the heat or air in it stops”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11421361
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A TERRIBLE CLUNK FOLLOWED BY GRINDING. I STOPPED TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT SOMETHING FELL OUT OR OF THE CAR. I GOT IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN LEAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10672719
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 60 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE TRACTION LIGHT SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SLID EVERYWHERE. THE REAR OR FRONT OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK A NORTH AND SOUTH DIVIDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10239917

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger air bag sensor disabling and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

47 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2025-10

“MY 2007 MODEL YEAR CADILLAC CTS VEHICLE HAD A CONDITION WHERE REPEATED FLEXING OF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAS CAUSED THE MAT TO KINK, BEND, OR FOLD. THE FLEXING BROKE THE CONNECTIONS IN THE MAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BECOME DISABLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365609
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10808510
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V644000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10461879

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Corroded brake line and hose rupture

SERVICE BRAKES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2009-03 → 2025-09

“Brakes failed. This happened at low speed and control was kept of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was seen the flexible brake line connecting the driver's side brake caliper had separated at the point it transitions from rubber to metal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687468
“FRONT BRAKE LINE BROKE AT JUNCTION BETWEEN RUBBER PORTION OF THE LINE AND THE METAL PORTION OF THE LINE, AT A FITTING THAT WAS COVERED BY A RUBBER BOOT THAT ALLOWED WATER TO REMAIN TRAPPED, CORRODING THE FITTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10670372
“2007 CADILLAC CTS HAVE A BAD BRAKE SYSTEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PADS AND ROTORS ARE RUSTED WITH ONLY 27K MILES. *NJ THE PADS AND ROTORS HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10262288

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key entrapment and steering lock

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 NHTSA complaints · 2008-06 → 2026-05

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH MY 2 SMALL CHILDREN WITH THE AC ON WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE GAUGES IN THE CAR DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE CAR INSIDE BECAME VERY HOT AND THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10683698
“The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the ignition switch failed, and the steering wheel locked causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed on the driver's side on-ramp”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423819
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE BRAKES ALSO BECAME DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10637290

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain wear and excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2021-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822923
“ENGINE BEGAN BURNING OIL. GM REPLACED DAMAGE TO TIMING CHAIN BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM IN THE ENGINE THAT CAUSES IT TO BURN OIL. SO NOW, I HAVE TO ADD .5 QUART EVERY 300 MILES. MY TECHNICIAN TELLS ME HE HAS MANY IN THE SAME BOAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10607226
“TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED OR PREMATURE WEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10980091

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

104 crashes 1990–2024

How the 104 occupant deaths break down

79

driver deaths

25

passenger deaths

104

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

26

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Cadillac CTS reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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