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2004 Cadillac Cts reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2004 Cadillac Cts — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source ↗
NHTSA complaints
294
9 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
34 complaints
Recalls on record
3
see below
Reported harm
33 reported crashes · 32 injuries · 1 fire

How this record compares

raw NHTSA counts, not defect rates

Complaint rank

#1,813

of 4,194 vehicle records

Vs Cadillac median

+97

median 197 across 61 Cadillac records

Vs 2002-2006

+25

median 269 complaints in 819 records

Top component share

12%

Electrical System: 34 complaints

What owners report fails — 2004 Cadillac Cts

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34
  • POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT 32
  • SERVICE BRAKES 21
  • AIR BAGS 18
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 12

3 recalls on record for the 2004 Cadillac Cts

  • NHTSA 14V542000 · 2015 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing
  • NHTSA 14V394000 · 2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION 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
  • NHTSA 10V105000 · 2010 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COM THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCU
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2004 Cadillac Cts

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2004 Cadillac Cts units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Cadillac Cts reliable?

NHTSA has 294 consumer complaints on record for the 2004 Cadillac Cts and 3 recalls. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (34 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2004 Cadillac Cts units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac Cts?

Owners most often report problems with: electrical system (34), power train:driveline:differential unit (32), service brakes (21), air bags (18). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2004 Cadillac Cts?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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