While driving car jumps out of gear causing rapid deceleration, loss of traction control, stability control, power steering, and brakes. When this happens the instrument cluster looses any indication of gear selection, and car must be shut off and restarted several times to regain controls once parked. Gm/Cadillac is aware of the issue since they have a tsb relating to the fault code, but no…
2009 Cadillac CTS steering problems
critical 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
2injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 12 steering complaints filed for the 2009 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
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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2009 Cadillac CTS has multiple steering system issues spanning power steering loss, lockup, unresponsiveness during acceleration events, and electronic stability control malfunctions—some occurring at highway speeds with loss of directional control and braking. Dealers have struggled to diagnose and repair these problems across multiple service visits, with some owners experiencing recurring failures even after attempted fixes.
Owners of 2009 Cadillac CTS models describe steering system failures that are wide-ranging and difficult for dealerships to resolve. The most serious involve sudden loss of power steering combined with loss of ABS, stability control, and power brakes—some reports include complete loss of directional control while driving. One owner reported ABS reluctor ring cracking that caused wheel speed sensor errors, vehicle veering right at 45 MPH despite full left steering input, and inability to steer despite continuous ABS activation.
Secondary issues include steering wheel lockup at low speeds and idle requiring excessive force to turn, steering wheels sticking or locking while moving then releasing abruptly into sharp violent turns, and uncommanded sharp turns to the right when passing over highway bumps (bridge seams, railroad tracks, expansion joints) followed by steering wheel misalignment of 30-45 degrees. One owner reports the steering wheel locks and prevents ignition starting; another describes steering vibration through the wheel at 60-75 MPH highway speeds that persists despite tire and suspension repairs.
During acceleration surge events, steering input becomes unresponsive—vehicles continue turning right despite drivers applying full left steering input. Several owners note dealerships have duplicated problems during test drives but claim they cannot be fixed, or suggested costly repairs ($1,000+ transmission control module, steering column replacement) without guarantee of success. No recalls have been issued despite TSBs being available for related faults.
Same Cadillac CTS steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Uncommanded Turn / Steering Wheel Misalignment at Highway Bumps
Vehicle performs uncommanded sharp turns to the right when driving over highway bumps, bridge seams, railroad tracks, or concrete expansion joints. Steering wheel then points 30-45 degrees left while vehicle goes straight. Stabilitrak may disable. Issue repeats daily. Restarting vehicle restores normal steering alignment. Dealer reports steering wheel position sensor replacement ordered; states the malfunction is impossible.
When: During highway driving over normal road discontinuities
Symptoms owners cite: Uncommanded turn to right over bumps; Steering wheel misalignment up to 30-45 degrees left; Stabilitrak OFF message and light (sometimes); Steering wheel returns to straight after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer ordered steering wheel position sensor replacement
Steering Lockup at Idle and Low Speeds
Steering wheel locks up at idle and low speeds in parking lots and on city/superhighway, requiring excessive force to overcome. Issue began December 2018. Owner reports GM/Cadillac refused to provide power steering fluid part number listed in owner's manual.
When: At idle and low speeds; continuous since December 2018 for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Steering lockup at idle and low speeds; Requires excessive force to overcome; Occurs in parking lots, city streets, superhighway
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and Cadillac refused to provide power steering fluid replacement part number
Steering Wheel Sticks/Locks While Driving
Steering wheel sticks or locks while vehicle is in motion, then releases abruptly in one direction, causing sharp violent turns. Two different dealerships acknowledged reproducing the problem during test drives. Dealers suggested steering column replacement but could not guarantee it would fix the issue. Near-collision reported.
When: While driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks or locks while driving; Abrupt release causing violent sharp turn; Dealership able to reproduce during test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers suggested steering column replacement without confidence in fix
Loss of Power Steering / Stability Control / ABS / Power Brakes
Multiple reports of sudden simultaneous loss of power steering, ABS, power brakes, stability control, and/or traction control while driving. Warning lights illuminate. In one case, loss occurred due to ABS/HUB reluctor ring disintegration/cracking at 45 MPH, causing wheel speed sensor errors, total loss of directional control, and vehicle veering right despite full left steering input. In another case, vehicle jumped out of gear causing rapid deceleration and loss of all power systems. Dealer unable to resolve after multiple repair attempts.
When: While driving; one case at 45 MPH, another at 45-50 MPH during multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering; Loss of ABS; Loss of power brakes; Loss of stability control; Loss of traction control; Loss of directional control (in one case); Vehicle veering right despite full left steering input; Continuous ABS activation increasing stopping distance; Warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: TSB for fault code related to transmission jumping out of gear
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports repairs attempted four times: detent replacement, internal mode switch replacement (twice), transmission control module replacement recommended ($1,000+) but not yet performed. Another case required knuckle, link, bolt, and tie rod replacement ($948.01).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM/Cadillac aware of transmission jumping issue with TSB but no recall issued despite severity. Goodwill repair refused by Cadillac.
Unresponsive Steering During Acceleration/Surge Event
During sudden unintended acceleration events (car surging forward from stop or when shifting from reverse to drive), steering input does not respond to driver commands. Vehicle continues turning right despite full left steering input. One incident resulted in collision with two parked cars. Dealer blamed car mat for surge but could not explain steering unresponsiveness. Similar event occurred in severe snow/icing conditions; dealer reset fault codes but stability control light remained on.
When: During sudden acceleration events; also during heavy snow conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Steering unresponsive during acceleration surge; Vehicle turns right despite full left steering input; Unintended acceleration from stop; Unintended acceleration when shifting reverse to drive; Stability control light remains on after dealer code reset
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer blamed secondary car mat; reset fault codes (stability control light persisted)
Steering Wheel Locking (Ignition Related)
Steering wheel locks, making it impossible to turn ignition on. Requires calling roadside assistance to resolve. Occurred on three separate occasions.
When: At idle (three occasions)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks; Unable to turn ignition on; Requires roadside assistance to resolve
Front-End Vibration Through Steering Wheel
Constant vibration in front end felt through steering wheel at highway speeds (60-75 MPH). Dealer attempted tire changes and suspension part replacement across four repair visits but could not identify or resolve root cause. Dealer confirms problem exists but unable to provide cure. Owner expresses concerns about looming safety issue.
When: Highway speeds 60-75 MPH; problem existed for extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in front end; Vibration felt through steering wheel; Occurs at 60-75 MPH on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Tire changes and suspension part replacement attempted; root cause not identified
Right Rear Wheel Separation / Suspension Failure
Right rear wheel suddenly started shaking violently and squealing at 65-69 MPH on interstate, then wobbled. Vehicle spun in circles before coming to stop. Inspection revealed right rear wheel sticking out and crooked. Dealership replaced knuckle, link, bolt, and tie rod. Suspension remained unable to return to normal alignment afterward.
When: 65-69 MPH on interstate highway
Symptoms owners cite: Right rear wheel violent shaking; Squealing from wheel; Wobbling of wheel; Vehicle spinning; Wheel sticking out crooked
Repairs/costs cited: Knuckle, link, bolt, and tie rod replacement; cost $948.01; suspension unable to return to normal alignment
Steering Vibration from Driveshaft
Steering vibration when making turns. First dealership claimed issue was fixed; second dealership two weeks later diagnosed driveshaft needing replacement.
When: When making turns
Symptoms owners cite: Steering vibration when turning; Vibration recurred after first repair
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement needed
Sudden Unintended Acceleration at Stop/Shift
Vehicle surges suddenly forward while stopped at red light with foot on brake, almost causing accident. Also surges forward when shifting from reverse to drive. Dealership unable to duplicate problem. Stability control light remained on.
When: While stopped at red light; when shifting reverse to drive
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden surge forward at red light; Sudden surge when shifting reverse to drive; Stability control light on
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Just like many other gm's the steering wheel will stick while driving and release in one direction of the other. It has caused us almost to have a head on collision. I have taken to dealership 2 and they have no remedy for this issue. They said they could change the steering column but can't guarantee it will fix the issue. They have test drive and have duplicated the same locking and sticking…
There is a steering problem felt vibration coming from steering when making turns, took to one dealership who claimed it is fixed, and it wasn't, took it to another dealership two week later for steering vibration, they found out the drive shaft needs replacement. The worst investment of my life since the car had also a water leak from the sunroof which they claimed it was a manufacturer's…
Had steering trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Cadillac CTS?
It's a serious issue. 12 complaints have been filed, including 3 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 46,725 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2009/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.