Cadillacs are a much-loved brand with equally as loved models out on UK roads today. While they might not be as common as a Mercedes or a BMW, car enthusiasts with a love for the manufacturer’s strong and proven reputation and impressive vehicles are understandably keen to be out on the road. Whether it’s a DeVille, Northstar, SRX, or another model entirely, these vehicles are known for their style, but what about their pitfalls? As with any car brand, there are some common reported issues by owners that seem to plague Cadillac cars, and we’ve put together a list of some of them to help you know what to look out for.
CUE Infotainment Issues
The Cadillac CUE infotainment system has had various reports of issues over the years with the most common including bubbling, cracking, and overall unresponsiveness. MyLemon report that owners are experiencing “slow or unresponsive displays” and “physical defects in the system” including delamination of the screen and “bubbles and peeling” on the display. (https://www.mylemon.com/lemon-law-blog/cadillac-cue-system-problems-what-to-know/) Cadillac vehicles use a capacitive touchscreen that utilises multiple layers sandwiched together to work. The layers include a glass substrate, sensing electronics, and a protective film over time. However, these layers have been prone to delaminating and pulling apart from each other, causing bubbling and a lack of responsiveness. Despite this issue, there hasn’t been any kind of recall, however customers that were still under warranty could have it replaced if it went wrong – though these replacements were also reported to have gone wrong.
Air Conditioning And Heating Issues
Whether it’s boiling outside or icy cold, having the ability to warm up or cool down while out on the road is something that can turn a miserable drive into a pleasant and even enjoyable one. However, Cadillac Deville owners with models dating back to 1990 have reported experiencing problems with their heating and A/C systems, with the heater “incorrectly delivering air” or where the air is the wrong temperature. (https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/make-model/common-problems-cadillacs/) Issues with the HVAC door actuators can result in the systems delivering the air incorrectly or at the wrong temperature – we can help diagnose this issue, with full repair and servicing available to get you back on the road comfortably.
Power Steering Problems
March 2019 saw a recall released by GM that affected 26,000 vehicles including a significant number of Cadillac models. This included the CTS and ATS Sedans. This recall came about as a result of the “electric power-steering assist [being] prone to fail while the car was in motion.” (https://www.thelemonlawyer.com/cadillac-auto-defects) Failure of the power steering while in motion can have devastating effects, including risk of loss of control, and increased crash risk. If your power steering appears to be experiencing issues, it’s important to book your vehicle in with our team as soon as possible.
Head Gasket Leaks
The Cadillac Northstar engine was initially hailed for being one of the most technologically advanced in the range, with cutting-edge technology setting it apart from the rest. However, due to the complexity and tech-heavy nature of the engines, they were soon losing their popularity and became notorious amongst owners for head gasket failures, particularly in models between 1993 and 2005. This was known as the ‘Northstar Condition’ and affected a substantial number of models. (https://www.kseal.com/uk/expert-advice/engine-problems/cadillac) The causes of head gasket failures can differ from case to case, so it’s crucial to make sure your Cadillac vehicle is fully diagnosed if you see any signs that something might be wrong with your engine.
For more information or to book your Cadillac in for repairs or for a service, simply get in touch with a member of our team. We can help you find an appointment at your local Service4Service garage at a time that suits you.