2005 Cadillac Sts: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2005 Cadillac Sts
On the 2005 Cadillac Sts, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 70,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other electrical problem, reported by a median of 35,000 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 2005.
High risk for a 2005 — 171st riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. 145 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 44 named failure modes on the 2005 Cadillac Sts, and the three most-reported carry 23% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other engine problem leads with 14 reports, about 0.6 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 59k to 120,000 miles.
Differential or transfer case failure follows with 10 reports, usually reported between 56k to 105,000 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.
Other electrical problem follows with 10 reports, usually reported between 1k to 70,000 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (22), electrical (19) and body (12).
At what mileage it happens
119 of the reports on the 2005 Cadillac Sts came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 60,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 38% by 50,000 miles, 76% by 100,000 miles and 89% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 3 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, which alone holds 12% of the dated reports.
24% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other electrical problem around 37k, other body or interior problem around 38k, differential or transfer case failure around 62k and other engine problem around 71k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 44. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 3 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 19 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 6 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.56, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, differential or transfer case failure at $900–$4,200, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
29% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 14 | 10 | 59k | 71k | 120k | 0.6 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 10 | 10 | 56k | 62k | 103k | 0.4 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 10 | 8 | 1k | 37k | 71k | 0.4 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 10 | 8 | 32k | 38k | 102k | 0.4 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 8 | 4 | — | 47k | — | 0.3 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 6 | 6 | — | 66k | — | 0.3 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 6 | 6 | — | 29k | — | 0.3 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 5 | 5 | — | 60k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 5 | 4 | — | 70k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 4 | 3 | — | 57k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 3 | 2 | — | 106k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 188k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 47k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 145k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 3 | 2 | — | 65k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 3 | 1 | — | 124k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 3 | 2 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 3 | 3 | — | 51k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 3 | 3 | — | 50k | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 83k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 2 | 2 | — | 16k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 2 | — | 11k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 2 | 2 | — | 47k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 2 | 2 | — | 52k | — | 0.1 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 2 | 1 | — | 155k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 81k | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 75k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 0.0 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 74k | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 1 | 1 | — | 97 | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 51k | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 99k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 13k | — | 0.0 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Wheel, stud or lug nut failure | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 44k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,500 | Critical |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 1 | 1 | — | 14k | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.0 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 48k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 61k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 82k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 67k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 9 | 6 | — | 90k | — | 0.4 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2005 Cadillac Sts draws about 6.3 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 82nd percentile of complaint rates among 2005 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 22,994 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2005 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other engine problem
Dt: purchased a new vehicle that had an odd smell, but soon became overpowered with its strong odor. Consumer's wife eyes watered from the smell and her throat burned. Took vehicle to dealer for who tried to remedy the problem by placing odor eaters inside of the trunk from where the smell was strongest. The odor was stronger when vehicle was outside in heat or hot weather. Consumer was concerned that this may be toxic. The problem was ongoing. Contacted gm , but they did not answer the concerns. Vehicle continued to smell of odors. *ak *tt front passenger side seat was squeaking with side to side motion. Front seat adjuster assembly replaced. *tt
Tl*- the contact was driving when she lost consciousness for about 30 seconds. The contact believed that loss of consciousness was due to fumes in the passenger compartment. At the time of the incident the vehicle was traveling at 40 MPH under dry conditions. As a result the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that she was unaware that she was in a crash, and that the air bags deployed. She regained consciousness because of the gases caused by the air bag's deployment. The contact had the car taken to the dealer to check if fumes were leaking into the passenger compartment. The contact stated that she has a police report from the crash. *ak
Differential or transfer case failure
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac sts. While driving approximately 55 MPH he heard a clanking noise outside of the vehicle, and then he loss vehicle control. The driver was able to maneuver the vehicle out of a roadside ditch to resume normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician stated the failure was related to the rear passenger side differential. However his vehicle identification number was excluded from recall id number 07v589000 (power train:axle assembly;axle shaft;seal). No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 162,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
Daughter driving on concrete hi-way at 50 MPH., hears noise by passenger side rear tire area. Rear end locks as if brakes were applied but were not. Car slides out-of-control . Her and her passengers are not injured. Had to shift car from forward to reverse 2-3 times, car makes clunk noise, then it frees itself she drives out of ditch. Not sure what happened they drive at lower speed cars rear end locks again for 2-3 seconds then frees itself but makes grinding noises.take to gmac service center told rear differential failed. Found out about recall: NHTSA id # 07v58900. Cadillac rep. Said our cars VIN # is not involved in recall. Found recalled VIN #'s and our cars VIN # is inside the recalled numbers bracket. *tr
Other electrical problem
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 keyless ignition system which allows the vehicle to be left in neutral rather than park when the driver exits the vehicle. Updated 01/04/06. *jb
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
Recalls on the 2005 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2005 Cadillac Sts, affecting an estimated 38,897 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover power train:axle assembly:axle shaft:seal, suspension:rear and fuel system, gasoline:delivery. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
275,936 vehicles 2007-12-20- Defect
- On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
- Consequence
- 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.
SUSPENSION:REAR
23,077 vehicles 2006-04-20- Defect
- Certain vehicles have a left or right rear suspension toe link that could separate because of an incorrect weld.
- Consequence
- 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:DELIVERY
17,462 vehicles 2006-01-25- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2005 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2005 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2005 — 171st riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 9 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1999 comes out best at 55 and 2000 worst at 73, with 2005 itself at 67.
If the model year is negotiable, 1999, 2001 and 2003 score lower than 2005 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2005–2011 generation specifically, 2007 is the strongest year at 65 and 2008 the weakest at 72.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2005-2011 generation, 2007 Cadillac Sts scores best at 65 and 2008 Cadillac Sts worst at 72.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other electrical problem from about 1k, other body or interior problem from about 32k, differential or transfer case failure from about 56k and other engine problem from about 59k.
On a 2005 Cadillac Sts with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other electrical problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
What this page cannot tell you
145 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 145 reports, 119 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 82% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Cadillac Sts?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (14 reports, median 70,000 miles), differential or transfer case failure (10 reports, median 60,000 miles) and other electrical problem (10 reports, median 35,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac Sts problems start?
Other electrical problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 35,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 1,400 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 60,000 miles.
Is the 2005 Cadillac Sts reliable?
It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 171st riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2005 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Cadillac Sts is best?
Within the 2005–2011 generation, 2007 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2008 worst at 72. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed