Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2007 Cadillac CTS
The 2007 Cadillac CTS shows significant issues related to fuel pump overheating, ignition system defects affecting airbags, and braking system vulnerabilities especially in certain climates. Buyers need to thoroughly inspect and test drive, focusing on these areas, to ensure safety and avoid costly repairs.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2007 Cadillac CTS has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 217 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14V542000 Fuel Pump Electrical Terminal Overheating NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V394000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V644000 AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V105000 FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V589000 DRIVE AXLE SEAL LEAK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V468000 FMVSS 118/SUNROOF NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 64 complaints
- Electrical System 41 complaints
- Service Brakes 36 complaints
- Power Train 33 complaints
- Engine 22 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 21 complaints
Of the 217 complaints on file, 26 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 217 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Fuel pump overheating
How to check: Inspect for any burning smell or melted plastic near fuel pump.
Ignition affecting airbag system
How to check: Ensure no additional items are on the ignition key ring.
Passenger airbag sensor malfunction
How to check: Check if airbag light comes on with a passenger seated.
Brake lines corrosion
How to check: Inspect brake lines for rust or leakage signs, especially underneath.
Sunroof bypassing safety requirements
How to check: Test sunroof operation with ignition off and doors open.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Any unusual sounds from the engine area.
Red flag: Strange noises on start-up.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for smoke near the fuel area.
Red flag: Smoke or burning smell.
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth engagement and no jerking.
Red flag: Jerky or rough acceleration.
- 04
Hard braking
What to check: Check for brake response and noise.
Red flag: Delayed stopping or squealing.
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Listen for wind noise from the sunroof.
Red flag: Excessive wind noise.
- 06
Turning tight corners
What to check: Feel for unusual steering resistance.
Red flag: Steering difficulty or noise.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been addressed?
- Is the ignition system original or replaced?
- Were there repairs on the airbag system?
- Have brake lines been inspected recently?
- Did you face any sunroof issues?
- Are all recalls completed?.
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion certificate
- Maintenance records
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Emissions test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2007 Cadillac CTS at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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