Cadillac Consumer Safety Complaint Analysis: Incident Report
1.0 Introduction
This document is an analytical incident report synthesizing consumer safety complaints submitted for various Cadillac models. The purpose of this report is to systematically categorize and evaluate these incidents by model and vehicle system to identify potential trends, systemic flaws, and areas requiring further investigation by quality control and safety engineering teams. The findings presented herein are grounded exclusively in the provided consumer complaint data, offering a direct reflection of reported customer experiences.
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
This document is an analytical incident report synthesizing consumer safety complaints submitted for various Cadillac models. The purpose of this report is to systematically categorize and evaluate these incidents by model and vehicle system to identify potential trends, systemic flaws, and areas requiring further investigation by quality control and safety engineering teams. The findings presented herein are grounded exclusively in the provided consumer complaint data, offering a direct reflection of reported customer experiences.
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2.0 Cadillac Allante: Incident Analysis
This section examines specific, unique complaints filed against the Cadillac Allante. The analysis focuses on incidents involving critical systems, including the electrical wiring and stability control, to assess their potential safety implications based on consumer reports.
2.1 Electrical System
An analysis of a Unique incident reported for the WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD subsystem details a significant thermal event. According to complaint [552844], a fire originated in the right front area of the vehicle behind the headlight, resulting in the vehicle being declared a "TOTAL LOSS." The critical safety implication of this incident is the potential for an uncontained vehicle fire, which poses a severe risk of injury to occupants and a total loss of the asset.
2.2 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
A Unique and significant concern was raised regarding the vehicle's stability control system. Complaint [1485338] details a consumer's concern with the Bosch braking system, alleging it has the potential to "malfunction or to fail completely any time the car is in motion." This alleged defect presents a critical safety risk, as a total loss of braking function while in motion would render a collision almost unavoidable.
The unique but severe issues reported for the Allante stand in contrast to the broader spectrum of systemic complaints documented for the Cadillac ATS.
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3.0 Cadillac ATS: Incident Analysis
This section provides a comprehensive evaluation of numerous consumer complaints filed for the Cadillac ATS across a wide range of vehicle systems. The analysis scrutinizes recurring issues, with a particular focus on those designated with 'High' and 'Medium' widespread levels, to assess potential systemic safety concerns that may warrant further engineering review.
3.1 Fuel/Propulsion System
Widespread Level: Low
An analysis of complaints related to the Fuel/Propulsion system reveals several recurring themes. These include potential failures of the high-pressure fuel pump, leading to engine stalling, sudden power loss at highway speeds, and vehicles that "bucked twice" before entering a "reduced power" mode. Consumers also reported smelling gas and experiencing engine cut-offs, indicating possible fuel line integrity issues.
3.2 Suspension
Widespread Level: Medium
Evaluation of consumer complaints identifies significant safety concerns with the suspension system. A primary theme is vehicle instability at highway speeds, with reports of vehicles that "wanders at highway speeds," making them "very hard to keep on road." Other critical incidents include a sudden loss of power steering while driving and abnormal, loud "popping sounds" immediately preceding a vehicle stall. One complaint specifically references defective "upper and lower control arm bushings steering knuckle" from the factory.
3.3 Tires
Widespread Level: Low
Analysis reveals a pattern of complaints related to premature and repeated tire failures. Consumers reported multiple run-flat tire blowouts on the freeway. One report notes a friend with the same model experienced "blown up tires for almost 5-6 times." Another consumer stated, "This is the 3rd tire now that I am going to have to replace," indicating a recurring problem and potential for loss of control at speed.
3.4 Unknown or Other Issues
Widespread Level: High
This category, with a high volume of complaints, represents a critical area of concern. The most severe and recurring safety issue reported is persistent vehicle stalling, often resulting in a complete loss of vehicle control. Multiple consumers reported their vehicle "continues to stall and turn off causing LOSS OF STEERING." Several incidents detail vehicles that "lost power and shut off while driving," leading directly to accidents.
3.5 Power Train
Four unique issues were reported across different Power Train subsystems, each pointing to potential drivability and safety concerns.
While the ATS exhibits a broad spectrum of system-level complaints, the analysis for the Cadillac CTS reveals a high concentration of critical safety issues within specific systems, notably Electronic Stability Control.
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4.0 Cadillac CTS: Incident Analysis
This section reviews a very high volume of consumer complaints for the Cadillac CTS across numerous vehicle systems. Particular focus is given to issues designated with a 'High' widespread level, including those related to the Electronic Stability Control system and the vehicle's structure, which point to potentially significant design or manufacturing concerns.
4.1 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Widespread Level: High
A substantial number of complaints detail a dangerous and recurring theme of the stability control system engaging arbitrarily. This malfunction actively caused loss of vehicle control, with reports of the vehicle suddenly being "pull[ed] hard to the left" or beginning to "swerve out of control." Multiple consumers described the brakes grinding and shaking at low speeds. One report clearly states, "'STABILITY SYSTEM ENGAGED' display would go on and the car would correct itself," indicating the system was acting without driver input or appropriate cause. The severe safety implication is that a system designed to improve stability is reportedly a direct cause of instability and loss of control.
4.2 Exterior Lighting
Widespread Level: High
The complaints regarding exterior lighting show a distinct pattern of component failure. A primary issue is the repeated failure of the rear backup light assembly, with multiple reports that the assembly "fell off" the vehicle or was knocked off easily, in one case during a car wash. Other reported issues include failures of the automatic light sensor and complaints that the LED brake lights are "too bright," causing temporary blindness to other drivers at night.
4.3 Structure and Body
Widespread Level ("STRUCTURE" and "STRUCTURE:BODY"): High
A large and diverse volume of complaints relates to the vehicle's structural integrity and body components. These have been grouped into thematic categories for clarity.
Water Leaks & Panel Integrity
Consumers reported significant issues with water intrusion and panel detachment. Reports include water leaking into vehicle floorboards and saturating the noise reduction foam. The rear tag panel was also reported to have detached from the vehicle.
Trunk Lid Failures
Widespread Level ("STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID"): Medium
A recurring safety hazard was reported concerning the trunk lid failing to stay open. Multiple reports describe the heavy lid falling on consumers, with one stating it "Almost knocked me out." This indicates a potential failure of the trunk lid support struts, posing a direct injury risk.
Interior and Exterior Fit/Finish
Complaints also noted issues with the general assembly and quality of materials. These include reports of a misaligned instrument panel and door, rust forming on a rear window sill, and plastic components behind the license plate becoming loose.
4.4 Seats
Widespread Level: High
Analysis of complaints related to the seats reveals two particularly severe safety concerns. The most frequent is a failure of the passenger airbag sensor, where the system fails to detect an occupant, causing the "PASSENGER AIRBAG REMAINS OFF WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER." This presents a critical safety risk in the event of a collision. Another severe incident occurred when the automatic driver's seat movement feature "CRUSHED HER FOOT" (a child's) against the back seat. Other reports mention smoke and a melting smell originating from the seats.
4.5 Power Train
Widespread Level ("POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE"): Medium
Numerous complaints related to the power train point toward potential reliability and safety issues, particularly with the driveline and manual transmission.
Driveline
Reports focus on significant failures and vibrations. Key incidents include "three catastrophic rear differential failures," "heavy vibration," and a persistent "low pitch hum at approx. 45MPH."
Manual Transmission
Complaints detail failures that directly impact vehicle control. Reports include the manual transmission failing to shift into gear, which "has caused many near accidents," as well as rear differential whine and failure on manual transmission models.
The high volume and severity of issues reported for the CTS transition our analysis to the Escalade, which exhibits its own distinct patterns of safety complaints.
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5.0 Cadillac Escalade: Incident Analysis
This section evaluates recurring complaints for the Cadillac Escalade. The analysis identifies a notable 'Medium' widespread level for both heated seat failures and wheel-related issues, which present significant safety and quality concerns based on consumer reports.
5.1 Seats: Front Assembly: Seat Heater/Cooler
Widespread Level: Medium
A clear pattern of safety incidents relates to the seat heater function. Multiple severe reports detail the heater element overheating to the point of "burning a hole in the seat," connectors melting, and in one case, the heater was reported to have "spontaneously burst into flame." These malfunctions present a clear and significant fire hazard inside the vehicle's cabin.
5.2 Wheels
Widespread Level: Medium
Complaints regarding the wheels identify a recurring theme attributed to a "poor chroming process." Consumers report that paint or chrome finish on the inside of the rims is peeling off. This prevents tires from sealing properly to the rim, leading to repeated and chronic air loss. This condition poses a significant safety risk, as it could lead to tire under-inflation and potential blowouts at speed. Reports also noted violent vehicle vibration, which could be related to these wheel and tire issues.
The component-specific issues detailed for the Escalade give way to a broader summary of high-level concerns across several other models in the final section of this report.
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6.0 Other Models: Notable Incident Summary
This final section summarizes key, high-severity, or high-widespread-level complaints from various other Cadillac models. The intent is to provide a broader overview of potential quality and safety issues across the brand portfolio, highlighting areas that may share common underlying concerns.
6.1 Cadillac DeVille
The following table summarizes the most critical issues identified for the DeVille model from the provided data.
Vehicle System Widespread Level Summary of Incidents
Fuel/Propulsion System High Reports of incorrect fuel gauge readings, strong fuel odors, and fuel leaks from the fuel rail into the engine compartment. One report detailed the vehicle accelerating on its own.
Structure: Body Medium Recurring reports of all four window regulators breaking prematurely, causing the window glass to fall into the door panel. Widespread peeling of the clear coat paint was also noted.
Wheels Medium Multiple reports of aluminum wheels corroding on the inner seal, causing chronic air loss. Other incidents include stress cracks appearing in alloy wheels and one report of a front wheel splitting in two.
Visibility Medium A high number of complaints document the failure of all four power window regulators, a theme also captured under the Structure category.
6.2 Cadillac DTS
The following table summarizes the most critical issues identified for the DTS model from the provided data.
Vehicle System Widespread Level Summary of Incidents
Air Bags High Multiple reports of air bags failing to deploy in severe front-end and side-impact collisions. One incident involved a vehicle being "REAR ENDED BY SEMI-TRUCK" with no air bag deployment.
Electrical System High A significant pattern of vehicles stalling and shutting off while driving, leading to a loss of power steering and brakes. Reports also detail total electrical failure and intermittent operation of the instrument panel.
Exterior Lighting High A recurring and dangerous issue of headlights flickering and shutting off without warning while driving at night. Some reports indicate this occurs in both automatic and manual modes.
Service Brakes High Severe brake system failures reported, including brake pedals traveling to the floor, brake line failure due to "excessive corrosion," and at least one instance of independent vehicle acceleration.
6.3 Cadillac SRX
The following table summarizes the most critical issues identified for the SRX model from the provided data.
Vehicle System Widespread Level Summary of Incidents
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) High Numerous reports of the stability system engaging without cause, braking the vehicle by itself, and causing the vehicle to "pull hard to the left," creating a significant loss of control risk.
Structure High Reports include roof crushes in rollover accidents, water leaking into the vehicle's rear and cabin, and rear liftgates closing independently on consumers, posing an injury risk.
Exterior Lighting High Widespread complaints of extremely dim low-beam headlights creating poor visibility at night. Moisture and condensation accumulating inside sealed headlight assemblies, leading to bulb failure, was also a common theme.
Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly High A significant number of reports detail the sunroof "exploding" or "shattering" inexplicably. These incidents occurred both while driving at highway speeds and while the vehicle was parked.
6.4 Cadillac XTS
The following table summarizes the most critical issues identified for the XTS model from the provided data.
Vehicle System Widespread Level Summary of Incidents
Suspension High A high volume of complaints regarding rear suspension failure. The common report is that the rear of the car drops suddenly at highway speeds, causing a loss of control. One report noted a "loud explosion occurred in the rear part of the car" during such a failure.
Unknown or Other High This category includes numerous reports of sunroofs exploding and shattering while driving on the highway, mirroring the issue seen in the SRX model and indicating a potential shared component or design flaw.