general problems of the 2008 Cadillac CTS

17 problems related to service brakes have been reported for the 2008 Cadillac CTS. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Cadillac CTS based on all problems reported for the 2008 CTS.

1 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2023

I was pulled over by the police because my 2008 Cadillac Cts license plate lights were not working and my rear brake lights were not working. These light failures were caused by a known design flaw with the wiring harness in the trunk lid near the right trunk lid hinge in where the wires inside the harness that go to the brake lights break in half after repeated opening and closing of the trunk lid because of the poor design of the wiring harness and it’s mounting brackets. There should have been a safety recall from gm as I could have been killed if a car in back of me did not stop because my brake lights were not going on when I would step on my cars brake peddle! now the car dealership service center wants to charge me $335. 00 to replace the broken wires that were caused by gm/Cadillac’s poor and unsafe design of this wiring harness. Regards jerry kopec.

2 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2017

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. While driving various speeds, the stability system warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle failed to stop immediately when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to Cadillac of arlington (located at 2001 n collins st. Arlington, TX 76011, 877-880-5178) where it was diagnosed as needing new tires and brakes. The contact stated that all four tires and brakes were replaced, but the issue persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times for the same failures, but they failures could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.

3 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2016

On April 8 2016 my wife was on the way to the bank at peach and liberty in erie PA. She was stopped at a red light when the light turn green she had no transmission or brakes. Luckily for her the emergence break worked because she was going backwards. Had it towed to roth Cadillac in erie PA. Was told that the transmission and transfer case broke (there was no warning) and they didn't know why the brakes went out when the transmission went. So again my wife contacted Cadillac headquarters and my wife got an email from Cadillac headquarters saying sorry for your problem but we will give you one hour of diagnostic for free. And from the dealership said this been happening a lot.

4 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 04/18/2014

First incident: when driving, engine would loose power, engine light on, fuel pump replaced second incident: two weeks later, driving car and engine shuts down, no power, no brakes, no power steering, gas milage to empty was at 68 miles. Replaced fuel gauges third incident: one week after replaced fuel gauge, engine shut down while driving, no brakes, no power steering, and gas mileage read out was 69 miles. Fortunately, we were at a standstill in the middle of the road and the car restarted, went to gas station, filled the car with gas, it took 14. 7 gallons, the Cts gas capacity is 18 gallons. Dealer doesn't know what the problem is. Just waiting for a solution. This is a major safety concern that needs immediate attention.

5 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/14/2014

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, she depressed the brake pedal but the it was hard to engage and the vehicle would not stop. The contact stated that she pumped the brake pedal several times before the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection of the brakes and they stated on the invoice "no bulletin and nothing was wrong with brakes". They did state if you want to bring vehicle in and leave over night we can inspect brakes when cold. The dealer called the contact and stated that vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vacuum pump was replaced on March 14, however, the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.

6 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2014

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that while reversing from a garage with the brake pedal depressed, the brake system engaged at an abnormal stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to dealer, who inspected the brake system and advised the contact that the auxiliary vacuum pump failed. The auxiliary vacuum pump and system kit was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 59,280 and the approximate current mileage was 60,000.

7 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2013

I was driving and heading on a curve I didn't see that it was 25 mph and I was going about 45 and I brake and I slid, hit a tree about three fists thick slide on my drivers side which is completely smushed in and rolled over and fell straight into a ditch up side down.

8 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2013

The driver side airbag warning signs display remains on for several days. When the breaks are applied there's a slight vibration and grinding sounds.

9 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/18/2013

While trying to park, the steering wheel becomes stiff. I took it to the dealer to correct problem and it cost me $2,558. 35 to replace steering pump and to get a wheel alignment. A week later I had to take the car back to the dealer for noises after applying the breaks and they had to replace both control arms and stabilizer links to correct problem. That job cost me $1,362. 93. In April 2013, my front passenger door handle didn't open from the outside. The dealer had to replace the inside door handle housing split, trim pad and handle housing. This job cost me $1,376. 99. Not sure why I'm having all of these problems when I get all the required maintenance and all jobs are done at a gm Cadillac dealership.

10 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2012

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that her entire vehicle would rattle when driving her vehicle at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that they could not detect a failure in her vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a independent mechanic. They informed the contact her vehicle the front struts would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Unrelated, the contact also mention her vehicle engine, abs and traction control lights illuminated on her instrumental panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer determine the electric control module would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, on her way home the failure reoccured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000. Az.

11 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2012

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that when shifting into reverse, the brakes became difficult to depress. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,134, and the current mileage was 76,400.

12 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2010

Drove on a street with a 2" snow cover. After about 25 feet received a number of alerts on my driver information center stating: 4 wheel drive was off, anti-lock braking system warning, service stability traction system, service brake assist. Immediately called Cadillac service who stated snow could have dislodged some wires, bring it in for service. Since many all states get some snowfall Cadillac needs to redesign the wiring so a small about of snow doesn't disconnect critical vehicle functions.

13 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2009

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. While driving approximately 25 mph, the brakes were squeaking; however, they were operating normally. The dealer was been unable to diagnose the failure since January 2009. The current mileage was 13,100 and the failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 12/10/09. Updated 12/10/jb.

14 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2008

Rear brakes grab and squeal. This happens every time brakes are applied. Had vehicle checked by dealer for brake problem. 2008 Cts Cadillac with 3500 miles, 4 months old. This was on 12/30/08. Was told by dealer on 1/12/09 no parts available from gm.

15 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2008

Brake squeal on my 2008 Cts almost from the time it left the dealer showroom on September 15, 2008. Dealer states that Cadillac is aware of the problem but that Cadillac has yet to authorize a fix for the problem. Dealer indicates that ceramic brakes would correct the situation but once again Cadillac does not have replacement ceramic brakes for the car. They have them for other models but not the Cts according to the dealer.

16 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/23/2008

A few weeks after purchasing the 2008 Cadillac Cts the brakes began squeaking every time they were applied. Service department said to ride the brakes when on the highway to clean off the metal filings on the brake rotors due to brake dust. Did not fix problem. Brakes have continued to squeak for months despite riding brakes on open highways.

17 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2008

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Cts. While driving 2 mph with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated. The contact struck the preceding vehicle. The front bumper needs to be replaced. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 1,500.


Other Service Brakes related problems of the 2008 Cadillac CTS


Safety Ratings of CTS Cars
Fuel Economy of CTS Vehicles
CTS Service Bulletins
CTS Safety Recalls
CTS Defect Investigations