10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,767 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Cadillac CTS engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Cadillac CTS Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Feb 162023

CTS

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Oil leaks from unknown location. Also make a grinding noise when accelerating.

- London, KY, USA

problem #23

Sep 092021

CTS

  • miles
Transmission cooler line fittings have dissimilar metals causing the threads inside the radiator transcooler to strip and dump coolant into Transmission lines and on road along with what was the transmission fluid as well as steam rolling out blocking vision through my windshield going uphill on a dangerously busy road crossing.This is a well known manufacturing defect that has yet to be handled. This could have gotten me and my 3 year old son seriously hurt by sudden loss of power and slick roadways not being able to avoid or brake properly or even steer away from on coming collision. The dissimilar metals are aluminum nut with a mild steel washer backed by a stainless steel washer before it contacts the radiator. This car has 101k miles and has been babied it's entire life. And when I see the 4 brake lines are about to rust out after all the repairs that have already been done. This is just poor quality material and craftsmanship. Easily could have been avoided by simply using a different metal than mild steel between dissimilar metals.

- Harrisonville, MO, USA

problem #22

Mar 032021

CTS

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise and the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Antigo, WI, USA

problem #21

Apr 232020

CTS

  • 197,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First ECM module needing to be replaced, we replaced it then after that started running rough, took it to auto zone, 12 codes popped up. Did normal maintenance of vehicle, oil change spark plugs. Then a few days later we were on the highway and all of a sudden we lost all power, pushed on accelerator no power, front end started shaking, so pulled over, vehicle was very hot and smells like gas, had it towed compression test were no good, was told gasket were bad, also was told to check the recall list. Im up set because our children were in the vehicle with us. I hope we are able to get whatever needs to be fixed on this vehicle. Thank you.

- Las Cruces, NM, USA

problem #20

Jan 142020

CTS

  • miles
I went to Cadillac to get the recall fixed they said it was closed out and couldn't fix it and now I can't smog my car and I can't tell if I have gas or not and I'm scared to drive it without getting the fuel pump fixed

- Salinas, CA, USA

problem #19

Aug 092019

CTS

  • 170,000 miles
I just purchased this car in February 2019 and it went down in late April or early may of this year. The service engine light would come on for a few days then it would go off for a few days. The engine would rattle when first cranked and then it got to the point where it would constantly keep trying to crank but never would and now it is completely out. I had it towed to mechanic and was told that they had to put 5 quarts of oil in it but I had the oil changed a month before the car died. They say the oil is going somewhere but where? I was also told the timing chain had failed. When this happens it can cause the pistons and everything else to fail with the engine. It will cost me over $2000 to get repaired. This is ridiculous! something needs to be done about this. Cadilliac makes everything so expensive so I would not recommend getting one unless you can absolutely afford it and not be in debt behind it. I was in love with this car but this is horrible. This is my second time trying to get it repaired and now I'm done.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #18

Apr 182018

CTS

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There's a very hard jerking coming from some where in the rear area while driving. When this happens there is a lost of power. Also the engine oil is going some where, I keep having to put oil in it, about two to three quarts a week. When the oil gets real low the engine shakes and runs like crap and acts like it wants to cut off.

- Highland, CA, USA

problem #17

Jan 012018

CTS

  • miles
Electrial problems also engine problems and front light gwent out 3 times burns oil

- Fontana, CA, USA

problem #16

Oct 132017

CTS

  • 140,000 miles
Timing chain jumped time. Mechanics working on it state they have read numerous complaints on this but state no recall will be published unless someone gets killed.

- Anderson, AL, USA

problem #15

Aug 032017

CTS

  • 137,000 miles
Brake system failure: I was driving on the highway and had to execute an emergency stop going approximately 30 mph on a cool dry road. When I did, the car power, engine, electrical system shut down and refused to brake any more than it did prior to my slamming on the brakes. My momentum would have carried me into the car positioned only a few feet in front of me if I hadn't the presence of mind to instinctively pull off onto the shoulder as to avoid rear-ending the car in front of me. I had to put the car into park in order to be restart it. Immediately I noticed that the brakes felt substantially different. The system lost enough pedal pressure that stopping after that incident required me to drive at low speeds and give myself more distance; thankfully, I still had some ability to stop, at that time. I inspected the brake lines and hoses after parking the vehicle that the steel brake lines had fluid dripping from them. I also noticed that the driver front wheel well liner had a spray of brake fluid that covered the interior portion of the liner, proximally, behind the rim and tire sidewall. I had tested the brakes after that and have no braking ability. I have not touched it since that incident. The rest is ongoing and is separate from the incident reported above. Air bags: The system keeps telling me that the airbag system needs to be serviced. I've read the recall info regarding other Cadillac cars and mine meets the same criteria but has no recall notice. Something about this coincidence doesn't make sense... engine: Internal timing chain tensioner has failed and I hear a noticeable ticking of the chain slapping against the sidewall that is emanating from the passenger side of the engine. I have seen, read, heard of other individual owner testimonials that talk about this being an issue that Cadillac refuses to acknowledge.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #14

May 232016

CTS

  • 74,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was traveling approximately 65 mph on a 3 lane highway, while mainitaning a constant speed. Suddenly all power to the vehicle cut off including my power steering and braking. In a panic as I as coasting I was fortune enough to weave my way across 2 lanes to the side of the highway and roll to a complete start. After gathering myself I turned the ignition from the run position to off. I looked up and noticed there was smoke coming out from under the hood. I jumped out, lifted the hood, and heard popping and steam/smoke rising up from underneath the engine by the firewall. I pulled the oil dipstick and I was about a quart low, and it looked normal. I waited about 30 min and checked the level again with the same result. I then tried to start the vehicle and there was not response at all. I was unable to roll up my windows, and there was no power to display any information on dash. When my wife arrived I hooked up jumper cables and after a while I was able to turn the key forward to see the instrument panel. It said my battery was at the correct volts, and there were no warning lights on my dash. When I turned the ignition to start. My dash flickered rapidly and there was a clicking noise but the engine made no sound as if it was trying to turn over. So I called tow truck and got towed to my house. The vehicle was purchased by me in 09 with 32K miles. It had an issue where it was eating up to 4 quarts of oil every 1K-3K miles. I had purchase an extended warranty so bye 50K miles they tore apart engine replacing pretty much the entire engine. The car currently has less then 20K miles since warranty rebuild and I am at a loss. I put a new battery in it and that has done nothing to help. Still just makes a strange clicking noise. I have no idea what to do now. It is a 2005 Cts 3.6L base automatic transmission

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

problem #13

Dec 162015

CTS

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 58 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The contact also stated that the engine was consuming oil prematurely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was not available.

- Troy, NC, USA

problem #12

Nov 152015

CTS

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Cts. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle shook violently and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

- Clovis, CA, USA

problem #11

Oct 132015

CTS

  • 86,176 miles
NHTSA 10043857 -- 2005 Cts error code P0016 engine timing chains. Car has the same problem and engine that is in tech bulletin sb-11340. 86,176 miles on engine when tested for this problem by GM dealership. I had car repaired at dealership earlier this month and have submitted receipts to Cadillac for reimbursement. Currently I have not heard back regarding the status on this claim. Cadillac service request number is 8-1628649320. I am the original owner. I understand the age of my car is outside of the warranty period but I feel this is a defect in the engine design and car repair took 3 days at the GM repair facility. This is not a minor repair or routine maintenance. During research on the internet I found the tech bulletin and your reference numbers regarding this defect. Fortunately for me this chain did not fail during operation.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #10

Jun 012015

CTS

  • 72,000 miles
Car was bucking. Analysis found broken motor mount

- Canandaigua, NY, USA

problem #9

May 232015

CTS

  • miles
The car has unbelievable oil consumption. I was traveling from Illinois to Iowa to visit my father. During the first 4 hours, I had to add 4 quarts of oil. Than 20 minutes from our destination, we hear a pop, the car stops running, no brakes and I am doing 70 mph in the left lane with no power steering. I luckily get the car to the right side of the road. Called a tow truck and tow it to a mechanic who tells me I need a new engine. Upon researching any issues with Cts, I find numerous blogs with customers with the same car and issues. Many of who complained to Cadillac. Why has the manufacturer not done anything to correct this, notify customers and prevent any injuries or worst a potential death. What are they waiting for? they know about the blogs because their representative was on there after someone suggested a class action lawsuit trying to defuse the situation.

- Lowell , IN, USA

problem #8

Dec 292014

CTS

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Cts. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump discharged into the engine, which caused the oil and engine bearings to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V394000 (electrical system), and 14V542000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Piney Flats , TN, USA

problem #7

Dec 022013

CTS

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the radiator failed and caused coolant to leak into the transmission. As a result, the radiator and transmission both needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 82,000 and the current mileage was 86,000.

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #6

Aug 082013

CTS 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
Engine quit without any warning (noise, engine warning light) going 55mph down highway. Engine is ruined. I bought this car new and kept it for almost 8 years. I had all routine and recommended maintenance done by dealer. I sold this to my friend who this happened to. I have determined this was probably caused by the GM recommended 10,000 miles oil change. Engine failures apparently have been happening for quite some time according to the internet and GM or my dealership never once told me to have the oil changed sooner or warned me about this. I feel this is a real safety hazard. If I would have pulled out on the freeway where I normally do to blend into 70 mph traffic and the engine would have failed, I would have had no place to pull over and coast to a stop as there isn't a shoulder for several yards. I could have very well been hit from the rear and a chain reaction accident with potential loss of life could have occurred.

- Coppell, TX, USA

problem #5

Nov 262011

CTS 6-cyl

  • 92,117 miles
In November 2011 I could not take the key from the ignition of my car.then in 2012 the same problem occurred on about the same month, costing me a little under $900 both times.the problem mention was stated internal failure of engine control module.the module computer chip, went out both times. Now I am having problems with the car shaking after refueling and the check engine light is on. I understand that there was a recall of this model car in 2010. I brought this N 2011 from Ford of rock hill in South Carolina. There were no mention of any recalls.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

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