AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2004 Cadillac Cts-V
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,000–$12,000
The 2004 Cadillac CTS-V has notable recall and complaint issues, particularly with brakes and steering. This has affected its reliability perception, translating to frequent repair needs.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| service brakes | 60,000–100,000 miles | $300–$800 | very common |
| steering system | 70,000–110,000 miles | $400–$900 | common |
| suspension | 80,000–120,000 miles | $500–$1 | occasional |
| electrical system | 90,000–130,000 miles | $200–$600 | occasional |
| stability control | 100,000–140,000 miles | $300–$700 | rare |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- oil change every 5,000 miles
- brake fluid replacement every 2 years
- coolant flush every 3 years
- spark plug replacement every 100,000 miles
- transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- soft brake pedal
- steering wheel vibration
- uneven tire wear
- warning lights on dash
- unresponsive ESC system
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/18/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.