2005 Cadillac STS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 101 |
| 2006 | 139 |
| 2007 | 52 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
AFTER LEAVING RESTAURANT GOT INTO CAR AND ADJUSTED DRIVER SEAT, PROCEEDED TO EXIT,APPROACHED STOP LIGHT, THEN HEARD FAINT POPPING SOUND THEN SMELLED ODOR AND SAW SMOKE.IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO ADJACENT RESTAURANT ACROSS STREET,EXITED VEHICLE AND CAR...
NHTSA ODI report, 20131008
13% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
NHTSA ODI report, 20220118
12% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 THI
Campaign 06V020000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD.
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 C
Campaign 06V125000 — check if this car was fixed
FAILURE OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
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 HTT
Campaign 07V589000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Cadillac STS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V020000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V125000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V589000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Cadillac STS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Cadillac STS?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac STS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.