The 2004 Cadillac CTS has 6 recalls, the most serious being airbags that can deploy without a crash simply by turning the ignition to the "on" position, potentially striking the driver with enough force to cause abrasions.
On the fuel and braking side, two recalls affect safety-critical systems. The fuel pump's electrical terminals can overheat, melt the surrounding flange, and allow fuel to leak, which can stall the vehicle. Note that this recall is specific to CTS-V models. The brake lines can also rupture without warning, reducing stopping power and raising crash risk. That brake line recall applies only to vehicles originally sold or registered in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states where road salt corrosion is more common.
Two additional concerns round out the list. A separate ignition-related issue can interfere with the airbag system's ability to fire in a real crash if the key shifts out of the run position, a risk that increases when heavy items are on the key ring. On the seating side, front seat anchor tabs may not be properly seated in the floor, meaning the seat can pivot backward in a crash and increase injury risk to both the front and rear occupants.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical terminals inside the fuel pump module can overheat, causing the plastic flange material to melt.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module and fuel tank jumper harness at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may move out of the run position and turn off the engine if the key ring is too heavy, or due to road conditions or sudden jolts.
What the fix does
Dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on your ignition key at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Salt and water can enter the brake hose routing sleeve and corrode the fitting at the caliper. Significant corrosion may cause the brake hose to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front brake hose assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sensing and diagnostic module may cause the driver's front airbag and/or roof rail airbag to deploy when you turn the ignition key to the ON position, potentially causing minor injuries like abrasions.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the sensing and diagnostic module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A problem in the sensing and diagnostic module may cause the driver's frontal air bag and/or roof-mounted side air bag to deploy unexpectedly when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One or both front bucket seat anchor tabs are not fully seated in the floor pan slots, which means the seats may not withstand rearward forces in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will fully seat both front anchor tabs into the floor pan reinforcement slots to restore proper seat attachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
