This is a geographic recall in 20 states because of the effects of road salt corrosion.
Cadillac is recalling CTS models produced for model years 2003-2007 because road salt can corrode the front brake hose fitting where it joins the caliper. The brake hose can leak or rupture suddenly.
If the fitting corrodes “significantly,” the brake hose-tube interface may develop a leak, and fluid would be evident on the ground.
If enough fluid were lost, the brake system warning light and a “Check Brake Fluid” message in the Driver Information Center would illuminate, and the CTS stopping distance may increase.
No accidents are reported. The number of vehicles involved is unknown at this time.
This geographic recall will start in May. 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.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Dealers will replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge.
Projected failure rates in non-corrosion states is significantly lower - 26 times - at 10 years.
General Motors says that an analysis using field data through December 2009, predicts that the Incident per Thousand Vehicle (IPTV) for all non-corrosion states is significantly lower, 26 times, than the IPTV for all corrosion states at 10 years.
Critics of course maintain that geographic recalls do not repair all potentially affected vehicles.
GM’s recall number is 09149. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or the Owner Center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA Number: 10V-105