Owners filed 101 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.
When it fails
05700057,000 milesMedian miles at failure
81 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System
15
1
2
0
Air Bags
11
2
0
0
Engine
8
0
0
0
Power Train
6
0
1
1
Service Brakes
4
3
0
1
Wheels
3
2
0
1
Unknown or Other
3
0
0
0
Structure › Body
3
0
0
0
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
3
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System
3
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal07V589000
Filed Dec 20, 2007275,936 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Risk. A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.
Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN IN OR OUT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TOE LINK AND REPLACE AS REQUIRED. IF A TOE LINK IS REPLACED, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery06V020000
Filed Jan 25, 200617,462 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL LOW INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE WARNING CHIME.
Risk. IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING, THE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2005 AND ASKED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK FUEL LEVEL TO AVOID THIS CONDITION UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE, OWNER RENOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Jan 31, 202592,721 milesNY
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware of a fluid leak. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a pinion seal leak on the rear axle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,721.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 2023WI
Airbag light came on last week, and continues to stay on. Have not taken in, as I was just checking for any recalls
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 18, 2022CA
El carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
Air Bags
Filed May 28, 202070,000 milesAZ
THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOW ON AND I NOTICE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING INJURIES. CADILLAC DEALER SAYS THEY WISH TO CHARGE FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND BELIEVE IT IS A SEAT-BELT PRETENSIONER WHICH THEY WOULD NOT COVER. REPAIRS WOULD BE AS MUCH AS VEHICLE VALUE. I NOTICE A RECALL WAS ORDERED FOR VEHICLES ONE OR TWO YEARS NEWER WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. WHY NOT EXTEND TO THIS YEARS SAME VEHICLE MODEL. *TR
Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2019TX
IT JUST STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE, AND IT DOSENT GO NO FASTER THAN 40MPH.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 19, 2019155,000 milesMI
THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOSES ENGINE/ ELECTRICAL POWER WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE POWER LOSS OCCURS, BRAKES AND STEERING LOSE PROPER FUNCTIONALITY CREATING A THREAT TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORISTS. THE VEHICLE THEN IS UNRESPONSIVE TO THE PROPER STARTING PROCEDURE. RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IS INCONSISTENT. IT MAY START IMMEDIATELY UPON COMMAND OR IT MAY CAUSE A THEFT PROCEDURE TO INITIATE. THE VEHICLES DIC WILL POSSIBLY SHOW THE FOLLOWING PROMPTS JUST BEFORE THE SHUTDOWN FAILURE OCCURS; SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM SOON, SERVICE A/C SYSTEM SOON. DURING THE SHUTDOWN FAILURE, NO ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE OPERABLE BUT POWER IS STILL AVAILABLE TO THE CAR ALLOWING THE DIC TO PROMPT 'NO FOB DETECTED' OR 'THEFT ATTEMPTED' AND THE FOB WILL INTERMITTENTLY ALLOW YOU TO SEND LOCK/ UNLOCK COMMANDS DURING THE SHUTDOWN FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAPPENS IN ANY SCENARIO AND IS INTERMITTENT IN THE ASPECT OF NO FAILURE OCCURS FOR A WEEK OR 5 FAILURES OCCUR IN A DAY. I CANNOT DETERMINE WHEN THE FAILURES BEGAN HAPPENING CONSIDERING I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED WITH 155000 MILES AND THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN HAPPENING SINCE DAY 3 OF MY OWNERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A MIDLAND MICHIGAN CADILLAC DEALERSHIP BEING DIAGNOSED.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 18, 2019124,000 milesLA
MY FUEL HAND IS ALWAYS INACCURATE. WHEN IT GET CLOSE TO THE 1/8TH MARKER THE ENGINE COMPLETELY TURNS OFF DUE TO LACK OF FUEL. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING MY VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN IN FOR ALL RECALLS BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 23, 2019MO
AFTER DRIVING CAR AND SHUTTING IT OFF AND TRYING TO START IT UNLESS THEN 2 HOURS OF SHUTTING CAR OFF CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS UNHOOKING THE BATTERY
Electrical System
Filed Jul 17, 2019132,441 milesIL
WAS DRIVING LOW BEAM LIGHTS WENT OUT SMELLED WIRES BURNING LEFT SIDE WIRE HARNESS WAS MELTING I WAS ON MY WAY HOME ON HIGHWAY 51 NORTH AT AROUND D 10:45 IN THE EVENING
Air Bags
Filed May 2, 201967,000 milesIL
TAKATA RECALL -AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF ON MY 2005 CADILLAC STS.. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR.
WheelsCrash
Filed Feb 13, 201930,000 milesCA
NEW TIRES FAILED ON BLACK ICE. NOT HAVE TRACTION FOR CONDITION OF ROAD. TIRES DESIGNED FOR SUMMER ONLY. LIKE SNOW TIRES FOR WINTER ONLY. VEHICLE WENT INTO ONCOMING LANE, HIT ON SIDE, SPUN. - AND CAR TRUNK DEMOLISHED - CAR STILL RAN. BUT BUSTED EXHAUST AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FLAT TIRE, REAR DOOR JAMMED ON ONE SIDE. NO OTHER CARS DRIVING SAME SECTION HAD A PROBLEM. NO MAJOR PHYSICAL INJURIES TO EITHER VEHICLE... HOPEFULLY. JUST MENTAL ONES. FIGURE VEHICLE MFG SHOULD HAVE SENT OUT NOTICE. AND TIRE COMPANY NOT SELL SUCH TIRES TO SENIORS. AND TIRE STORE SHOULD NOT SELL THEM UNLESS FOR RACE TRACK.
Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2018279,900 milesCA
WITHOUT WARNING MY TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING . I CAN MOVE THE GREER WITH OUT IT COLLECTING ANY GREER . NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT NOTHING . I PULLED THE PARKING LOT AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT STREET .
Air Bags
Filed Nov 1, 2018194,000 milesWV
WHEN I MOVE THE DRIVER'S SEAT THE "AIRBAG" SYMBOL APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. IF I MOVE THE SEAT BACK AND FORTH , AFTER A FEW TRIES, THE "AIRBAG" SYMBOL DISAPPEARS. I WAS NOT ABLE TO LOOK UNDER THE SEAT, BUT I HAVE SEEN A VIDEO WHERE SOMEBODY HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT FOUND BURNT WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. I AM WONDERING IF THERE IS A FIRE HAZARD. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 23, 2018160,000 milesOH
2005 CADILLAS STS - FRAME ROTTING OUT - CAR IS GARAGE KEPT. UPON INSPECTION ON MY LIFT THIS WEEKEND, I FOUND SUBSTANTIAL RUST TO BOTH LOWER FRAME RAILS JUST BEHIND THE MOUNTS FOR ENGINE CRADLE. MANUFACTURER FILLS THE FRAME RAILS OF THIS AREA WITH FOAM WHICH ABSORBS AND HOLDS WATER AND ROTS THE FRAME RAIL FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. NOW LOOKING AT THOUSANDS TO REPAIR A VEHICLE IN OTHERWISE VERY GOOD CONDITION.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 14, 201747,000 milesNV
B0022 ISSUE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM. PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS INOPERABLE AND WILL NOT RETRACT SEAT BELT WHEN NEEDED. THE AIR BAG WARNING LITE SHOWS ON DASH WHEN START OF ENGINE AND CONTINUOUS ON .
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 5, 201755,000 milesPA
MANUFACTURE PRODUCED THIS CAR FILLING THE INSIDE OF THE UNIBODY RAILS WITH AN ABSORBENT FOAM. THESE RAILS ALSO HAVE MANUFACTURED HOLES ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE RAILS. THE WATER IS THEN ABSORBED IN THE FOAM AND THROUGH AGE IT HAS CAUSE THE UNIBODY RAILS TO ROT FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THIS IS THE MAIN STRUCTURE OF THE CAR. I ALSO HAVE A 2007 CADILLAC STS WITH 85K WHERE THIS IS STARTING TO BECOME PRESENT AND AN 2005 CADILLAC SRX 130K WHERE THIS ALREADY HAPPENED AND HAD TO SPEND THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS. I UNDERSTAND WITH AGE COMES RUST HOWEVER THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THESE CARS MAIN STRUCTURE TO OF BEEN FILLED WITH FOAM CAUSING THE "FRAME" TO ROT SPECIFICALLY WHERE THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS TO THE BODY STRUCTURE. HAD THIS ADDRESSED NOW I COULD OF BEEN DRIVING THE CAR AND HAD THE ENGINE SUBFRAME RIP FROM THE UNIBODY.
Air Bags
Filed May 5, 201770,000 milesNV
I HAD THE SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT REPAIRED AT 55,000 MILES NOW HAVE 70,000 MILES AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IF MY CAR WAS A 2005 CTS AND NOT A STS CADILLAC WOULD REPAIR IT. I AM DRIVING A CAR WITH OUT AIR BAG PROTECTION. I NEVER OWNED A FOREIGN CAR AND NOW SEE WHY THE ARE SO POPULAR. NO MORE AMERICAN BUILT CARS.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2016144,719 milesNY
JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND I HEAR A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR BACK OF THE CAR. THE KEY FOB WASN'T WORKING CORRECTLY AND DRAINED THE BATTERY AND I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY. I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BUT ITS DRIVEABLE FOR NOW BESIDES THE SLIGHT BANGING NOISE. IT NEED TO BE CHECKED FOR RECALLS.
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 9, 201657,000 milesFL
ON JUNE 9, 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON A WET ROAD SO WHEN I TRIED TO STOP IT TOOK AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF DISTANCE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. I FIGURED THE BRAKES GOT A LITTLE WET CAUSING THE PROBABLE. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. TRAFFIC STOPPED AHEAD OF HER STOPPED SO SHE TRIED TO STOP. WITH BOTH LEGS PUSHING ON THE BRAKE PEDALS THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. SHE WAS ALMOST KILLED SINCE SHE HAD TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 57000 MILES ON IT SO FIGURED THE CAR HAD A LOT OF LIFE IN IT. NOT ANYMORE. THE DEALER (ED MORSE IN TAMPA) HAS MADE A PRELIMINARY INSPECTION AND LOOKS LIKE THE CAR IS TOTALED. THIS ALL HAPPED ON A 45 MPH ROAD WITH LOTS OF ROOM TO MOVE ABOUT BUT NOT AT A RED LIGHT. I GUESS I NEED TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN CADILLAC FOR QUALITY AS MUCH AS I LIKED THE CAR.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 8, 201682,920 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COIL HAD TOTAL MELTDOWN SURROUNDED BY SMALL FLAMES, AND THE FUSE WAS BLOWN FOR THE ODD INJECTORS. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,920.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Dec 20, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.