PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated February 2026
220
complaints filed for the 2009 model year
2007–2016
Model years affected
$150 – $2,400
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Lockups at low speed, rack-and-pinion defects
Check engine light: Off
Power steering failures and lockups at low speeds tied to rack-and-pinion defects — the same problem appears on the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, which share the Lambda platform. GM offers a Special Coverage program (10 years/150,000 miles) for this defect, though many complainants report it has since expired or that GM has declined coverage for out-of-window vehicles.
Rattling, stretching, potential engine damage
Check engine light: On
Timing chain stretching and wear, addressed through GM Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C — the exact same coverage program used on the Cadillac CTS. TSB 11340C is a GM-wide V6 timing chain program spanning at least the CTS and Enclave, not an isolated CTS-specific issue.
AC not cooling from rear vents, refrigerant loss
Check engine light: Off
A recurring rear evaporator leak that shows up as reduced or absent cooling from the rear vents. Reported across multiple vehicles.
Reduced braking assist, soft or hard pedal
Check engine light: Off
Brake master cylinder and booster failures affecting braking assist, separate from the routine brake pad and rotor wear also reported ($100–$961) on this generation.
Transmission fault and/or check engine light with pressure-switch/solenoid codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, and/or P2715
Check engine light: On
Transmission fault and/or check engine light with pressure-switch/solenoid codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, and/or P2715. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 195 owner reports on file.
Check engine light due to a gas cap issue
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
Persistent check engine light, potentially tied to a purge valve or canister vent solenoid issue
Check engine light: On
Persistent check engine light, potentially tied to a purge valve or canister vent solenoid issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.
Check engine light with cam/crank correlation and VVT solenoid codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391
Check engine light: On
Check engine light with cam/crank correlation and VVT solenoid codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed powertrain/transmission recall (Campaign 09V073000, addressing wave plate failures shared with the GMC Acadia) and a confirmed liftgate recall (Campaign 15V415000, shared with the Chevrolet Traverse) — both covered here rather than in the problems below. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
The same power steering and timing chain problems are reported on the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, which share the Lambda platform. Notably, its timing chain coverage program — GM Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C — is the same program GM applies to the Cadillac CTS, so it covers a range of GM V6 engines.