2005 Cadillac STS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › STS › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Cadillac STS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2005 Cadillac STS. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
Risk and remedy
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.
Certain vehicles have a left or right rear suspension toe link that could separate because of an incorrect weld.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
101 complaints13 involved a crash4 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
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…
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
Airbag light came on last week, and continues to stay on. Have not taken in, as I was just checking for any recalls
- Power train · Service brakes · Suspension
el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
- Air bags · Seat belts
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…
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 · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
It just started making a loud knocking noise, and it dosent go no faster than 40mph.
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
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 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
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)
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 · Exterior lighting
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
Takata recall -airbag light comes on and goes off on my 2005 cadillac STS.. I am afraid to drive my car.
- Wheels
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…
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.
- Air bags · Seats
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.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
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 .
- Structure › Body
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…
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 · Seat belts
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
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…
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
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 · Power train · Suspension
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 brakes
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…
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 system
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…
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.
- Air bags
Passenger air bag warning IS on. It was repaired once under warranty. I am now driving with no air bags because the defective module was replaced with a module from the same manufacturer that made the first defective one. If my car was a CTS it would be repaired by cadillac as hundreds of CTS cars have been recalled for this reason. I have owned cadillacs most of my life. This may be the last one.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac STS. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact had the battery changed, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
S10 appropriate handling- letter to the secretary from constituent re copy of a letter addressed to general motors chief executive officer mary barra regarding the recall of vehicles that can leak oil and catch fire. *smd the consumer stated the technician showed him where burnt oil had leaked…
S10 appropriate handling- letter to the secretary from constituent re copy of a letter addressed to general motors chief executive officer mary barra regarding the recall of vehicles that can leak oil and catch fire. *smd the consumer stated the technician showed him where burnt oil had leaked through engine gaskets between the crankcase and manifold. the consumer was quoted a price of $ 4,153.00 for the replacement of the gaskets. The price went up, after the repairs were in progress. The consumer was informed additional gaskets were needed. *Jb
- Unknown or other
While driving the engine shut down, this happened twice in the same day. My wife now refuses to drive the car and wants to sell it.
- Electrical system
While driving down the street in my cadillac STS a (service electric system) warning flashed on my dash. A few moments later everything electric in my car started to shut down. The radio, power steering, lights, and finally the engine. I cruised to the side of the road and put the car in neutral and engaged the emergency brakes. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Failure of the rear differential
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.gm IS conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect. On december 19, 2007, gm submitted…
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.gm IS conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect. On december 19, 2007, gm submitted a defect information report to nhtsa concerning defective rear axle pinion seals in approximately 275,936 model year (my) 2005-07 cadillac CTS, STS and SRX vehicles as well as my 2006-07 pontiac solstice and my 2007 saturn sky vehicles (recall 07v-589).on STS and SRX vehicles with all wheel drive, the front axle pinion seal also does not meet all of gm's specifications and may experience a fluid leak.gm indicated that the seal supplier made an unauthorized change to the pinion seal material.leaking pinion seals could result in loss of rear differential lubrication which could result in rear wheel lock-up and loss of vehicle control. On december 7, 2007, odi opened an engineering analysis (ea07-017) to investigate complaints of rear drivetrain component failure (e.g., fractured rear differential carrier housing or rear axle half shafts) while driving in approximately 7,600 my 2004 through 2006 cadillac cts-v vehicles.this condition may result in a loss of motive power and vehicle disablement and IS not addressed by recall 07v-589.odi identified 35 complaints (16 to odi and 19 to gm) and 128 warranty claims potentially related to this condition (see ea07-017 opening resume).these complaints are not included in the failure report summary of this closing resume. The complaints and warranty figures given in this resume are limited to those that (a) are most likely caused by a leaking rear pinion seal; and (b) resulted in an allegation of a rear differential failure while driving.the data do not include all reports of seal leakage.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10254209Magnetically Controlled Suspension Electrical Connector Not Seated.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247715Terminal Test Probe And Replacement Terminal.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247060Terminal Test Probe And Replacement Terminal.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10246003This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099. Technician will need to perform an injector balance or Active Fuel Injector Tester prior to going further. Technician will also need to check for a small leak in the exhaust if published Service Information diagnostics does not lead to a resolution.
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
Every Cadillac STS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.