I've had plenty of Cadillac in the bay over the years, and the brake complaints on these don't surprise me. 385 on the NHTSA record across 41 model-year entries (2005–2024) is not a fluke. The 2006 Cadillac CTS leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 6 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 174 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 69,244 miles. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin CADILLAC / BRAKES
41 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Cadillac brakes problems
385 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Cadillac vehicles for brakes issues. 5 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
385
Recalls
5
Year-models
41
Avg fix
$450
50crashes
6fires
24injuries
Worst-affected Cadillac model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2006 Cadillac CTS
48 complaints · ~$450 severe
2007 Cadillac CTS
42 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2012 Cadillac SRX
28 complaints · ~$450 severe
2011 Cadillac SRX
28 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2005 Cadillac CTS
24 complaints · ~$450 severe
2024 Cadillac Lyriq
15 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2017 Cadillac Escalade
14 complaints · ~$450 severe
2008 Cadillac CTS
14 complaints · ~$450 severe
2010 Cadillac SRX
13 complaints · ~$450 severe
2017 Cadillac XT5
10 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 Cadillac Escalade
10 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 Cadillac SRX
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2013 Cadillac SRX
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2007 Cadillac DTS
8 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2018 Cadillac XT5
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2012 Cadillac CTS
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2009 Cadillac CTS
6 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2007 Cadillac Escalade
6 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 Cadillac Escalade
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2014 Cadillac XTS
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2014 Cadillac SRX
5 complaints · ~$450 severe
2009 Cadillac DTS
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2008 Cadillac SRX
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2006 Cadillac DTS
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2005 Cadillac SRX
5 complaints · ~$450 moderate
Active recalls — Cadillac brakes 7 on file
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, through March 7, 2014
The corrosion of the brake booster pump relay connector may cause a resistive short and melt the connector, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealant to the connector cavity plugs, re-route the vacuum pump vent hose and replace the front body wiring harnesses as needed, free of charge. The recall began on April 7, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339. GM's number for this recall is 14062.
General motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington d
The brake hose-tube interface may rupture suddenly without prior warning and increase vehicle stopping distance may occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2010. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles
If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268090.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles
If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15352.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Cadillac LYRIQ all-wheel drive vehicles
A release of brake pressure can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The electronic brake control module software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or EV Concierge at 1-844-EV-CADILLAC (1-844-382-2345). GM's number for this recall is N242453471.
Gm is recalling certain model year 2012 Cadillac cts vehicles manufactured from october 21, 2011, through october 26, 2011
This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix: Cadillac dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specification. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 1, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT6 vehicles
Without a warning label, the brake fluid may be unintentionally contaminated by debris, which can affect brake performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222369130.
Common questions
How many Cadillac brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
385 complaints across 41 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 5 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Cadillac lineup.
Which Cadillac model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2006 Cadillac CTS leads with 48 complaints in this category. Next: 2007 CTS (42) and 2012 SRX (28).
What does it cost to fix Cadillac brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Cadillac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Cadillac brakes recalls?
Yes — 7 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Cadillac vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Cadillac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.