The 2007 Cadillac CTS electrical cluster centers on ignition switch failures where keys get stuck or won't come out, sometimes taking a week to free up. Owners report replacing wheel speed sensors at 17,000–19,000 miles and dealing with multiple failed batteries due to electrical drain. Engine stalling while driving appears regularly, with some incidents involving complete loss of brake assist and power steering—one owner's car rolled downhill into a garage pillar just 40 hours after purchase when it stalled backing out of a driveway. Warning lights (airbag, check engine, ABS, traction) illuminate frequently and don't always clear. Two owners describe engine compartment fires that started near the battery while the car was running; one destroyed the front of the vehicle. A few complaints mention uncontrolled acceleration and brake failure at low speed. A major headache for many owners: dealerships received recall notifications (NHTSA 14V394000 for ignition key, 14V355000 for electrical system) but parts remained unavailable for months or longer, leaving owners stranded. One owner reported receiving a recall repair that only modified the key and ring rather than replacing the ignition switch itself. Airbags failed to deploy in at least two significant crashes, and one OnStar collision detection did not function as advertised.
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition Switch Failure — Stuck Key / Inability to Remove Key
Key becomes stuck in the ignition switch or cannot be removed after starting the vehicle. The switch may trap the key for extended periods (up to a week in one case). Owners report having to turn the vehicle off and on multiple times before the key releases. The instrument panel may flicker briefly before this occurs.
When: 19,000–99,000 miles; often without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition and will not release; Multiple attempts needed to remove key; Instrument panel flickers momentarily; Gear shifter seized in park; 'Thief' warning message displayed; Vehicle runs after key is stuck
Codes mentioned: Service Theft System warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced unknown component on ignition switch; costs ranged from dealer diagnosis to out-of-pocket ignition component replacement. One owner reported the recall (NHTSA 14V394000) parts were unavailable at multiple dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V394000 (Electrical System) issued for ignition key failure; parts backordered at dealerships. One recall notification (14V355000, Electrical System) also cited. Dealers initially reported vehicles were not included in campaigns.
Engine Stall While Driving
Vehicle stalls without warning during normal driving, sometimes accompanied by the Service Theft System warning light or instrument panel drop. Some incidents involved loss of power steering and brake boost, creating hazardous conditions. Vehicle may restart on its own or after manual restart.
When: 40–90,000 miles; occurs at speeds ranging from 15 to 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Service Theft System warning illuminates; All gauges drop to zero; Power steering tightens up (no assist); Vehicle interior becomes hot; Vehicle may restart after stalling
Codes mentioned: Service Theft System warning light, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced Engine Control Module; failure recurred. Dealer later diagnosed ignition failure. Another owner reported the vehicle was not included in NHTSA 14V394000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V394000 (Electrical System) mentioned by dealers; however, some vehicles were not included in the campaign per dealer statements.
Engine Compartment Fire / Electrical Short
Vehicle catches fire while running or shortly after starting. Fire originates in the engine compartment, typically on the passenger side near the battery. The vehicle continues to run while on fire in at least one case. Front of vehicle completely destroyed.
When: 27,800 miles (one case); reported on city street and driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Smell coming from vents before fire; Black smoke under hood; Flames engulfing vehicle; Engine compartment fire on passenger side near battery
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished fire; vehicle completely destroyed. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Customer Service declined to investigate or provide assistance in one case. No recalls cited by manufacturer for fuel pump electrical connectors in the complaint narratives, though one owner noted GM Recall N140405 for 2004–2007 CTS-V fuel pump connector melting.
Stalled Vehicle Rolling / Loss of Brakes and Steering Control
Vehicle stalls or loses power steering and brake assist shortly after startup or during driving, causing the vehicle to roll downhill or lose stopping ability. In one case, the vehicle was shifting into reverse when it stalled and rolled into a retaining wall and garage pillar. In another, brakes failed to stop the vehicle in a parking lot and it rolled into a spot. Loss of control occurred within 30 hours of vehicle delivery in one case.
When: 463–503 miles on one vehicle; various mileages on others
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls in reverse or at low speed; Vehicle rolls downhill after stalling; Brake pedal goes to floor without braking; Brake pedal chatters; Steering wheel does not respond; Traction engaged light on; No control over vehicle steering
Codes mentioned: Traction control light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers found no diagnostic codes in some cases. One vehicle sustained $8,000 in damage; another had a total loss from collision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reported no codes found during diagnostics. No recalls applied to specific VINs. OnStar collision detection failed to notify authorities in at least one case.
Airbag Failure to Deploy
Airbags do not deploy during significant crashes or impacts. One owner sustained injuries and went to the emergency room; another had approximately $8,000 in vehicle damage with no airbag deployment despite substantial impact.
When: 503 miles (one vehicle); 80,000 miles (another)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not deploy during collision; Driver and passenger airbags failed to deploy despite frontal and rear impact
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light illuminated after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated airbags did not deploy due to the angle of impact (disputed by owner). No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed impact angle for non-deployment. Manufacturer stated no failure found during diagnostic inspection. Owner disputes cause and believes vehicle stall caused the accident.
Brake Sensor and Brake System Failures
Right and left wheel speed sensors fail, controlling brake/ABS function. One owner experienced brake pedal going to the floor with chattering and loss of braking. At very low mileage (17,000–19,160 miles), multiple sensors failed. One incident involved brake failure during low-speed parking maneuver.
When: 17,000–19,160 miles in one vehicle; isolated low-speed incident reported
Symptoms owners cite: Right front wheel speed sensor failure; Left wheel speed sensor failure; Brake pedal goes to floor; Brake pedal chatters; Brakes fail to stop vehicle; Steering wheel sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Right front sensor replacement: $600. Left wheel sensor and steering wheel sensor replacement estimated at $1,200. Brake pad replacement: $300 (with coupon).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned; owner contacted NHTSA.
Instrument Cluster Malfunction — Gauges and Warning Lights
Fuel gauge, temperature gauge, speedometer, and other instrument panel readouts malfunction or fail to display correctly. Warning lights (check engine, airbag, ABS, traction control) illuminate frequently or remain on. Radio, cruise control, and cabin climate control may also stop functioning at the same time.
When: 27,800–99,223 miles; some from new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge malfunctions; Temperature gauge malfunctions; Speedometer stops working; All gauges drop to zero; Instrument panel flickers; Check Engine light illuminates; Airbag warning light illuminates; ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control warning light illuminates; Radio turns off and on intermittently; Cruise control stops working
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Airbag warning light, ABS warning light, Traction control warning light, Check voltage light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced computer/main electrical board for vehicle. Some owners replaced plugs and alternator without resolving issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated recall issues are VIN-specific and denied service on some vehicles. Some owners received recall notifications (NHTSA 14V394000) but repair parts were unavailable.
Ignition Key Ejection / Key Coming Out During Driving
Ignition key comes out or ejects from the ignition switch while the vehicle is running or being driven. After dealer repair, additional electrical issues emerge.
When: 99,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key comes out of ignition during driving at 55 mph; Key will not remain in ignition; Airbag warning light illuminates after repair; Engine warning light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light, Engine warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed repair; issue recurred. Independent mechanic stated timing chain needed replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no action taken.
Electrical Power Loss / Battery Drain and System Shutdown
Vehicle loses electrical power while driving or refuses to cut power after the key is removed. Ignition does not fully shut down systems. In one case, the vehicle would not start when stationary but would start when jumped, then die. After battery replacement, electrical systems remained powered with key removed.
When: 19,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts down while driving with AC on; Key stuck in ignition and vehicle will not turn off; Headlights blink very fast until battery dies; Vehicle will not start when stationary; Electrical systems remain powered after key removed; Dinging and dash lights stay on as if key is in ignition; Multiple battery replacements needed (four batteries in one case)
Codes mentioned: Service Theft System warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Four batteries replaced in one vehicle over several months. One owner replaced battery; electrical drain persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Ignition Switch Malfunction — Incomplete Recall Repair
Recall notification received (NHTSA 14V394000 or 14V355000) for electrical system/ignition failure, but parts unavailable at dealerships for extended periods. One owner reported recall repair involved only key and ring modification rather than ignition switch replacement.
When: At time of recall notification in 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts unavailable at multiple dealerships; Dealer unable to provide timeline for part availability; Extended delay for recall completion; Incomplete repair (key/ring modification only, not switch replacement)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners reported parts unavailable indefinitely. One owner stated only a key and ring modification was performed, not actual ignition switch replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V394000 (Electrical System – Ignition Key) and 14V355000 (Electrical System) issued; however, repair parts were unavailable for months or longer. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall completion per owner complaint.
Uncontrolled Vehicle Acceleration / Surge at High Speed
Vehicle independently surges to a high rate of speed during normal driving without driver input. Brakes unable to stop the vehicle, resulting in collision with tree. Vehicle destroyed in crash.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges to high speed while turning left at ~15 mph; Driver applies extreme force to brakes but vehicle continues accelerating; Vehicle crashes into tree at high speed; Brakes fail to prevent crash
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; insurance company total loss. No diagnosis of cause completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Insurance company repair shop and manufacturer inspected vehicle and stated there was no failure. No NHTSA campaign numbers applied.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.