2005 Cadillac Sts Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Cadillac Sts, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2316.9%
- Engine1914.0%
- Powertrain (other)1712.5%
- Airbags118.1%
- Driver assistance96.6%
- Fuel system85.9%
- Other / unspecified85.9%
- Brakes75.1%
- Visibility53.7%
- Body & structure53.7%
- Interior & seats53.7%
- Exterior lighting53.7%
- Suspension53.7%
- Steering42.9%
- Seat belts21.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.7%
- Tires & wheels10.7%
- Transmission10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
IT JUST STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE, AND IT DOSENT GO NO FASTER THAN 40MPH.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag light came on last week, and continues to stay on. Have not taken in, as I was just checking for any recalls
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY( AT NIGHT), GOING 70MPH, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I LOST ALL POWER, BRAKES, STEERING, LIGHTS. ON DASH MESSAGE STATED "ACCESSORY ACTIVE" AND THEN "SHIFT TO PARK." TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE THROTTLE BODY AND CAM/CRANK SHAFT ALONG WITH A COUPLE OTHER SMALL THINGS. GOT THE CAR BACK, AND 1 WEEK LATER, THE PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN BUT WORSE. IT WOULD DO IT REPEATEDLY, AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS. A COUPLE OF TIMES RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION! TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY CHANGED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. GOT THE CAR BACK AND ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED! *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
IT JUST STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE, AND IT DOSENT GO NO FASTER THAN 40MPH.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOUD BANG, MY CAR SWERVED, MY RPMS REVVED UP, WHITE SMOKE AND I SMELLED BURNING. I PULLED OVER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL CERTIFIED CADILLAC DEALERSHIP, MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED RELATED TO A REAR PINION SEAL LEAK. THERE'S A RECALL FOR THAT EXACT PROBLEM FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL BUT MY VIN ISN'T COVERED. HOW CAN I GET MY VIN ON THE RECALL LIST? *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON I-75 FROM ORLANDO ON A CLEAR SUNNY AFTERNOON WHEN I HEAR THE SUNROOF START TO RATTLE. I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. I PULL THE INSIDE COVER BACK ONLY TO FIND A HOLE IN THE ROOF OF THE CAR WHERE THE SUNROOF USED TO BE. WE CALLED THE LOCAL CADILLAC DEALERSHIP THAT FOLLOWING TUESDAY. WE WERE TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE COLLISION CENTER THAT SATURDAY ONLY TO FIND THE COLLISION CENTER WAS TECHNICALLY CLOSED BUT THERE WAS A PERSON IN THERE WORKING WHO CAME OUT TO THE CAR AND TOOK PICTURES. THEN WE WERE TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO FIND OUT FROM THEM THAT ONLY THE MANAGER FROM THE COLLISION CENTER COULD APPROVE REPAIR OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIR. WELL, AFTER GETTING NO HELP FROM THE COLLISION CENTER OR THE DEALERSHIP WE CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE/DIRECTION. THEY INITIALLY SEEMED HELPFUL BY CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP ON MY BEHALF AND HAVING THE TO MANAGER TO CONTACT US. TODAY IS MAY 20TH AND THE MANAGER HAS NOT CONTACTED US YET. WE STOPPED BY THE DEALERSHIP TODAY (AFTER CALLING FIRST TO NO AVAIL) ONLY TO FIND THE MANAGER WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS AND SOMEONE ELSE WILL BE CONTACTING US. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY FRUSTRATING ORDEAL! THEY (THE DEALERSHIP/COLLISION CENTER) DON'T HAVE A REASON AS TO WHY THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND ARE AVOIDING US INSTEAD OF PROVIDING THE CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY SHOULD. *TR
FRONT WINDSHIELD ON 2005 CADILLAC STS IS DELAMINATING ALONG THE TOP AND SIDE EDGES. SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME I.E. MORE BUBBLES AND MORE DELAMINATION. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS EFFECTING THE STRENGTH INTEGRITY OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IMPAIR VISION THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. CADILLAC HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 WAS ON FIRE. AN EMPLOYEE AT RESTAURANT ADVISED TO MOVE AWAY FROM CAR FEARING AN EXPLOSION. IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND WAS DISPATCHED TO LOCAL FIRE DEPT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED LAST AUGUST 2012. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP COVER GETS A LOT OF MOISTURE INSIDE. I WAS GOING TO FIX MYSELF SO I WENT TO "CADILLAC FORUMS" AND SEARCHED PROBLEM. AMAZED TO FIND ALL MODELS OF CADILLAC AND ALWAYS ON PASSENGER SIDE IS THE MOISTURE PROBLEM. STARTED IN 03 MODEL YEAR AND LAST QUESTIONED ON 08 MODEL YEAR (AFTER THAT WARRANTY PROBLEM SO DEALER WOULD HANDLE. THIS IS TO MUCH TO BE A COINCIDENCE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 58 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING TO THE LEFT WITHOUT THE CONTACT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL IT. THE CONTACT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 33,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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 .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 INCORRECTLY UPDATED 03/17/06. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRE IS A VOGUE TIRE DOT PJ1PZ1ARK 2905 THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME TO FILL A COMPLAINT AS THE TIRE WAS DRY ROTTED AND I ACTUALLY HAD TO REPLACE TWO TIRES AT A COST OF $285 PER TIRE BECAUSE HE TOLD ME THE OTHER TIRE WAS ALSO DRY ROTTING. (I HAD ALREADY REPLACED TWO TIRES PREVIOUSLY TO THIS INCIDENT) THE TIRES STILL HAD PLENTY OF TREAD AND I DRIVE THE CAR DAILY SO THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON THEY WERE DRY ROTTING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 BOUGHT A CHEAP CAR THAT WOULD HAVE OUT LASTED THIS CAR BY YEARS.. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .