This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Cadillac CTS steering problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
6crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 16 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Cadillac CTS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Cadillac CTS we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 16.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2007 Cadillac CTS reported severe steering failures at speeds ranging from 5 mph to 55 mph. The most dangerous incidents involved sudden steering wheel lockup or extreme stiffness that prevented drivers from turning—two owners crashed at highway speeds when the steering locked during lane changes, resulting in injuries to multiple occupants including a daughter who was a medical surgeon. One vehicle veered right and accelerated uncontrollably before hitting a tree; another had its steering shaft fracture at 75,000 miles.
Brake pedal failures occurred alongside steering problems in several cases: pedals became unresponsive or pulsated to the floor when depressed, leaving drivers unable to stop. One owner's vehicle stalled and lost both steering and braking power simultaneously at 30 mph.
The ignition switch failure recall (NHTSA Campaign 14V394000) is mentioned in multiple narratives. Some owners received recall notifications only after crashes; one was told the repair cost was his responsibility. Another reported that recall parts were unavailable months after notification.
Additional electrical symptoms included steering column solenoid noise (replaced three times without fixing the problem), StabiliTrak warning lights, and unrelated electrical gremlins like radio static and power window failures. Dealers sometimes refused diagnostics or could not identify root causes despite multiple visit attempts.
Same Cadillac CTS steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel lockup / loss of power steering
Steering wheel suddenly locked or became impossible to turn while driving, often accompanied by ignition switch failure. Loss of power steering control at highway speeds led to multiple crashes into barriers, trees, and parked vehicles.
When: 130,000 miles (narratives #1-2); 42,000 miles (#4); 15,000 miles (#6); 75,000 miles (#9); 132,000 miles (#10); 74,094 miles (#12); 29,000 miles (#13)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked and unable to turn; Steering became stiff or difficult to maneuver; Vehicle veered to one side without driver input; Steering wheel seized when reversing; Extreme force required to steer
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod replaced (#6); steering shaft replaced (#9); steering shaft and clock mechanism repaired (#12); steering power rack and pinion replacement needed (#13)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V394000 (Electrical System / Ignition Switch) mentioned in narratives #1, #4, #7, #10. One owner stated dealer refused diagnostic test (#1); another that recall parts were unavailable (#7)
Ignition switch failure with key stuck
Ignition switch malfunctioned, preventing engine start or key removal from the ignition. In at least two cases, steering wheel locked simultaneously as the ignition failed, creating dual loss of control.
When: 130,000 miles (#1); 130,000 miles (#2); unknown mileage (#7); 132,000 miles (#10)
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition switch failed during driving; Key unable to be removed from ignition when parked; Vehicle failed to start; Anti-theft warning indicator illuminated; No warning light before failure in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in reported cases; vehicles not diagnosed (#1, #4, #7)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V394000 mentioned; one owner received recall notification after crash (#1); parts unavailable for another (#7); manufacturer told owner responsible for repair cost (#1)
Brake pedal failure / non-responsive brakes
Brake pedal became unresponsive when depressed or pulsated to the floorboard, often coinciding with other electrical failures. Brakes failed to slow or stop the vehicle during critical moments, contributing to crashes.
When: 42,000 miles (#4); 15,000 miles (#5); 50,000 miles (#8); 75,000 miles (#9); 132,000 miles (#10)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but failed to respond; Brake pedal pulsated to the floorboard; Brake warning lamp illuminated; Brakes became difficult to engage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed brakes needed replacement along with ABS sensors and StabiliTrak (#8), but not repaired; independent mechanic noted steering issues but brake repair not specified (#9)
Steering shaft fracture / structural failure
Steering shaft fractured or developed internal damage, causing partial or complete loss of steering control. Typically occurred at moderate speeds during turning maneuvers.
When: 75,000 miles (#9); 74,094 miles (#12)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering failed during left turn; Steering wheel became very difficult to turn; Wheel stuck at thirty-degree angle until restart; Stabilization control warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft repaired at independent mechanic (#9); steering shaft and clock mechanism repaired (#12)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in #12; not notified in #9
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerated without driver input, often during turning maneuvers. Combined with steering and brake failures, created dangerous loss-of-control situations.
When: Unknown mileage (#5)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle independently veered to the right; Vehicle unintentionally accelerated without warning; Accelerator pedal pulsated (#9)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed destroyed; not repaired (#5)
Power steering noise / solenoid issues
Clicking noise from steering column area when starting vehicle, traced to solenoid malfunction. Dealer replaced solenoid multiple times without resolving the issue, suggesting broader electrical problem.
When: Unknown mileage (#3)
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise heard in steering column on startup; Static in radio coinciding with steering noise; Clicking noise in radio when brake applied
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replaced three times; third brake light system replaced; radio receiver replaced; antenna module replaced; shifter and solenoid inside shifter replaced (#3)
StabiliTrak / stability control sensor malfunction
Stability control sensors illuminated unexpectedly during normal driving, indicating electrical or sensor fault. May be related to broader electrical system issues.
When: 50,000 miles (#8)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering sensor illuminated upon reversing; StabiliTrak sensor illuminated when making left turn; Stabilization control warning light illuminated (#12)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended ABS sensors replacement (#8)
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that while making a right turn at approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a light pole. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The…
Dt*: the contact stated when starting the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard in the steering column. The vehicle was driven to the dealer on several occasions where the solenoid was replaced three times and the third brake light system was replaced, however the problem persisted. Updated 12/26/2006 - the consumer suddenly began to hear static in the radio. The vehicle was taken to the…
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Cadillac CTS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Cadillac CTS?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 42,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Cadillac/CTS.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.