2005 Cadillac STS recalls and problems

The 2005 Cadillac STS has 3 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
101
Crashes / fires
13 / 4
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Cadillac STS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Cadillac STS recalls

Recall 07V-589: Power Train

Reported Dec 20, 2007 · 275,936 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-125: Suspension

Reported Apr 20, 2006 · 23,077 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-020: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 25, 2006 · 17,462 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2005 Cadillac STS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System23
Power Train22
Engine12
Air Bags11
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Seats6
Vehicle Speed Control6
Unknown or Other5
Exterior Lighting5
Visibility5
Structure5
Suspension5

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Cadillac STS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 92,721 miles · reported Jan 31, 2025
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 · at 70,000 miles · reported May 28, 2020
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.
Service Brakes · at 155,000 miles · reported Aug 19, 2019
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 124,000 miles · reported Aug 18, 2019
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) · reported Jul 23, 2019
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

Other Cadillac STS years

Compare all Cadillac STS years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Cadillac STS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Cadillac STS: 07V-589 (power train), 06V-125 (suspension), 06V-020 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Cadillac STS?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (23 reports), followed by power train (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,000 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.