2005 Cadillac STS problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
101 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
57,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2005 model year. Data snapshot: . 81 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 19 of 101 complaints (18.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 15 | 14.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 11 | 10.9% |
| Steering behavior | 9 | 8.9% |
| Engine operation | 6 | 5.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 4 | 4.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 2.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 19 |
| Power Train | 13 |
| Engine | 12 |
| Air Bags | 11 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
Electrical System: 19; Power Train: 13; Engine: 12; Air Bags: 11; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Seats: 5; Service Brakes: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 15 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 17 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 23 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 10 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 9 |
| 150,000 and above | 7 |
Under 25,000: 15; 25,000 to 49,999: 17; 50,000 to 74,999: 23; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 7
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 20 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2006 | 7 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2005: 7; 2006: 7; 2007: 7; 2008: 7; 2009: 7; 2010: 5; 2011: 7; 2012: 3; 2013: 5; 2014: 18; 2015: 6; 2016: 5; 2017: 3; 2018: 3; 2019: 7; 2020: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 11 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10156284 · 2006-04-21 (April 21, 2006)
THE CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE NOT WANTING TO START. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY ELECTRIC THAT SOMETIMES THE CIRCUITS OR TRANSMITTERS BLOW OUT, 2005 CADILLAC STS. *NM WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE'S SPEED INCREASED. THE CONSUMER PURPOSELY RAN INTO A DIVIDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED FOR 45 DAYS. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 15,526 miles reported. Look up ODI 10156284 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10191520 · 2007-05-23 (May 23, 2007)
LEFT FRONT BRAKE PADS RUB AGAINST SOMETHING , CAUSING ROTOR TO WARP AND DOING OTHER DAMAGE TO BRAKING SYSTEM. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10191520 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10141453 · 2005-11-01 (November 1, 2005)
DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE GROCERY STORE. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WENT IN THE STORE. WHEN SHE CAME OUT SHE NOTICED PEOPLE WERE LOOKING OVER AN EMBANKMENT. SHE REALIZED THEN THAT THE CAR HAD ROLLED BACKWARD OVER THE EMBANKMENT. A TOW TRUCK CAME AND PULLED THE VEHICLE UP, AND THEN THE CAR WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE ENGINEER AT THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A NEW KEY…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10141453 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10149656 · 2006-02-07 (February 7, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH SMOKE WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. THE OCCUPANTS GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THEY GOT BACK IN THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MORNING, DIAGNOSTICS TEST WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS THE WIRING AND THE MODULE UNDER THE SEAT HAD MELTED. THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WIRING WAS ROUTED IN…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10149656 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10129862 · 2005-07-25 (July 25, 2005)
VEHICLES VOICE RECOGNITION & BLUTOOTH TELEPHONE SYSTEM ARE UNSTABLE/UNUSABLE. VR SYSTEM RECOGNIZES STATED CXOMMANDS APPROX. 10% OF THE TIME. SYSTEM MISS-IDENTIFIES COMMANDS 90% OF THE TIME CAUSING IMPROPER/INCORRECT EXECUTION OF WRONG COMMAND. SERVICING DEALER STATES THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH ALL OWNERS AND THERE IS NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR FIX ACTIONS AT THIS TIME OR KNOWN. CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER IN RESPONSE TO A WRITTEN LETTER INFOMRS THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS BEING A MAJOR CONCERN AND INFERRED IT WAS A "USER" ISSUE IN PROPE…
Owner-reported narrative. 97 miles reported. Look up ODI 10129862 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10217499 · 2008-02-08 (February 8, 2008)
I BOUGHT A 2005 STS CADILLAC FROM OAKLAND AUTOMALL, TWO WEEKS LATER AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY, AND I FOUND MYSELF WITHOUT ANY STEERING, THE STEERING MECHANISM (FOR NO GOOD REASON BROKE) I SKIDDED ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC (I'M REALLY LUCKY TO BE ALIVE) MY CAR HIT THE GUARD RAIL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND CAME TO A STOP, I REPORTED THIS TO THE GENERAL MANAGER AT CADILLAC HIS ANSWER TO MY CRIES WERE (SORRY ABOUT THAT), I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AND HOW THE STEERING ROD BROKE, I'M REALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR, ITS BEEN IN THE…
Owner-reported narrative. 12,910 miles reported. Look up ODI 10217499 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10339717 · 2010-06-23 (June 23, 2010)
I OWN A 2005 CADILLAC STS. I NOTICE A LOUD RATTLING NOISE FOLLOWED BY SLUGGISH AND STALLING ENGINE WHILE IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY TIMING CHAIN. WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 OTHER CARS OF THE SAME TYPE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT SAFE WHILE THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING AND THE CAR BEGINS TO STALL AT 55 OR 60 MPH. THIS REPAIR COSTS OVER $3100.00. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 81,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10339717 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10419814 · 2011-08-17 (August 17, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ,ONLY TO HAVE IT STALL AGAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A AUTO REPAIR STOP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS DID NOT READ ANY CODES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RE-FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT READ THE CORRECT FUEL AMOU…
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10419814 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10291545 · 2009-11-09 (November 9, 2009)
I PURCHASED A 2005 STS AND HAD IT FOR 1 YEAR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. IT HAD JUST PASSED THE 50K WARRANTY. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD IT CHECKED, THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE MECHANIC AND SHOW HIM WHAT WAS WRONG. I WENT TO THE MAIN COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I NOW HAVE AN STS SITTING IN MY GARAGE, NOT ABLE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE. I FOUND OUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS ONLY 1/2 FULL FROM THE FACTORY BUT CAN NOT PROVE IT. I AM VERY, VERY DISGUSTED WITH THE CADILLAC COMPANY. I COULD HAVE B…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10291545 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10506077 · 2013-04-12 (April 12, 2013)
VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION "SHUDDER". ON HIGHWAY APPEARED TRANSMISSION 'JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND BEGAN SHIFTING" VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER AND DEALER ADVISED OF TSB #060730020 & 060730030 TO WHICH GM HAS ADDED THAT IF VEHICLE IS OVER CERTAIN MILEAGE (APPROX 42000) THEN TORQUE CONVERTER IS REPLACED AND FLUIDS CHANGED. DEALER ADVISES TORQUE CONVERTER HAS FAILED, NO ASSISTANCE COMING FROM DEALER OF MANUFACTURER-REPAIR COST IS IN EXCESS OF $5000 THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM PARTICULAR TO THESE VEHICLES AND GM HAS HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAI…
Owner-reported narrative. 74,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10506077 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10216477 · 2008-01-30 (January 30, 2008)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC STS. THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED WITH GAS AND THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS FULL. HOWEVER, IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED AN EMPTY TANK. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE EMERGENCY ONSTAR BUTTON ACTIVATED AUTOMATICALLY. ONSTAR STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR TEN DAYS AND WAS STILL UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 47,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10216477 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10574088 · 2014-03-21 (March 21, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE ACCESSORY ACTIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE COMPUTER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,029. UPDATED 05/12/14 *LJ THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/14/14
Owner-reported narrative. 83,029 miles reported. Look up ODI 10574088 at NHTSA ↗