2007 Cadillac CTS airbags problems

The passenger seat occupancy detection system (pressure-sensing mat and associated electronics) fails to correctly identify whether a passenger is seated. The airbag warning light illuminates and remains on, and the passenger airbag disables itself regardless of occupancy status. The rearview mirror display shows the airbag is 'off' and the driver information center shows 'SERVICE AIR BAG' message.

When: Occurs between 26,000 and 200,000 miles; most commonly reported around 40,000–90,000 miles; some failures appear years after recall repairs.

Symptoms owners cite: Continuous illumination of airbag warning light on dashboard; Passenger airbag OFF indicator on rearview mirror stays lit regardless of occupancy; SERVICE AIR BAG message in driver information center; Passenger airbag disabled while seat is occupied; Flickering airbag light when passenger enters vehicle, then stays on permanently; Light may come on intermittently with seat movement

Codes mentioned: B092 (code explicitly mentioned in one narrative), SRI PPS module failure (mentioned in one narrative)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis calls for replacement of passenger side seat cushion/airbag module (part 19124390 noted in one case), front passenger seat sensor mat, or frontal passenger side airbag sensor control module. One owner reports $143 diagnostic fee plus ~$1,000 repair estimate. Another owner paid the repair in full ($95 diagnostic mentioned in one case). Some owners report repeat failures: one owner had the module replaced in 2011 under recall, failed again in 2019 after only 35,000 additional miles with only ~15,000 miles of passenger occupancy.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 10V644000 and GM Recall 100355 (issued around 2010–2011 for this issue). However, many owner VINs are reported as not included in the recall by dealers and GM, despite owners having identical symptoms. GM's position has been inconsistent: some dealers cite plant-of-manufacture exclusions; others say the recall was already completed so subsequent failures are not covered. One dealer explicitly stated the recall did not apply to the owner's VIN. Cadillac issued a technical letter (cited by one owner, from P.O. Box 909989 Milwaukee, WI) acknowledging the mat can break. Some owners report being denied warranty assistance despite presenting the NHTSA campaign number. One owner was charged $99 diagnostic fee when calling about the recall. Takata inflator involvement mentioned in some narratives (November 2013 Takata recall work performed at one dealership).

During crashes that occur at speeds sufficient to expect airbag deployment (20–60 mph), one or both airbags fail to deploy. Owners report striking utility poles, trailers, other vehicles, or being struck by other vehicles at considerable speed with no airbag activation. In at least one case where a friend's airbag deployed from a softball hitting the hood, the owner questions why theirs did not deploy in a serious collision.

When: Failures documented across various mileages (51,000–159,000 miles); timing correlates to when the vehicle is driven normally and involved in crashes.

Symptoms owners cite: Airbags remain inactive during high-impact collisions; No airbag deployment when vehicle strikes fixed objects (utility pole) or moving vehicles at 20–60 mph; Occupants strike steering wheel, chest, head, sustaining injuries (contusions, bruises, chest/head trauma); Vehicle totaled by insurance yet airbags did not activate

Repairs/costs cited: One owner incurred $16,000 in repair costs following a crash (though not all related to airbag failure). Vehicles were towed; insurance companies and police were surprised that airbags did not deploy. In at least two cases, owners sustained injuries requiring hospital or medical assistance.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case, GM stated airbags did not deploy due to low speed (10 mph) despite owner's account of the collision being severe enough to total the vehicle. Manufacturer did not offer specific remedies in most cases. One owner noted the dealer had performed recent full inspection and maintenance (tires, filters, spark plugs, catalytic converter, recalls) without identifying an airbag problem beforehand.

Owners who had their passenger seat sensor/module replaced under recall (typically around 2011, recall 10355/10V644000) report the same component failing again years later. In one documented case, the identical part (19124390) was replaced in 2011 and needed replacement again in 2019 after only 7–8 years and approximately 35,000 additional miles. Another owner reports airbag sensor failing within one year of recall repair.

When: Typically 5–8 years after the original recall repair; documented cases at 66,000 miles (second failure) and within 1 year of recall completion.

Symptoms owners cite: SERVICE AIR BAG light illuminates again; Passenger airbag detection fails to recognize occupancy; Airbag system disabled after successful prior repair

Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of the same module (part 19124390) required again. One owner documents repair invoices and estimates showing two replacements of identical components. Another owner reports paying out-of-pocket because the dealership cited the recall as already completed and would not cover the second failure. Owners describe the replacement part as defective.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cadillac and GM dealers typically deny coverage for repeat failures, citing that the recall was previously completed. No extended warranty or goodwill assistance mentioned in these narratives. One owner requested Cadillac cover the second repair at its expense, believing the replacement part was defective due to premature failure.