10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,778 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 STS drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Cadillac STS Owner Comments

problem #13

Jan 132016

STS

  • miles

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

el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline

- Cabo San Lucas, CA, USA

problem #12

Sep 092019

STS

  • miles
It just started making a loud knocking noise, and it dosent go no faster than 40mph.

- Port Arthur, TX, USA

problem #11

Oct 292018

STS

  • 279,900 miles
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.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #10

Aug 252016

STS

  • 144,719 miles

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

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.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #9

Apr 302013

STS 8-cyl

  • miles
The rear pinion seal on my car has failed a long time ago. It is oddly strange how the 2005-2007 Cadillac builds have this problem, yet, somehow my VIN isn't included in the safety recall. This appears to be a wider problem than the bulletin covers. This really needs to be addressed as someone is going to be driving one day and their car is going to stop abruptly and cause a major accident. This is a major problem!

- Raleigh, NC, USA

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problem #8

Jan 302015

STS 6-cyl

  • 106,121 miles
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?

- Kettering, OH, USA

problem #7

Jul 082014

STS 8-cyl

  • 30 miles

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

My 2005 Cadillac Sts brakes locked up and caused my car to crash. After research I am showing that there was a recall regarding the brake system. In addition, when changing gears you can hear the gears changing from the outside of the car. I researched this as well and apparently there is a defect and recall on the axle. I am not happy about this vehicle that I just purchased for alittle over 7 months. There is also an electrical problem. As I am driving, the hood ajar light comes on and there is no sign of my hood being ajar. In addition, the transmission seems as thought it is going out as well. Before I consult with an attorney I wanted to first give GMC an opportunity to resolve this issues. My vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. Also, please note that due to the electrical problem, my reverse lights has never worked. The unknown other would be the axle and transmission.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #6

Apr 222014

STS

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Sts. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the rear axle was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 07V589000 (power train). The failure mileage and VIN was not available.

- Lakewood, WA, USA

problem #5

Mar 202013

STS 6-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
Vehicle had been experiencing transmission "shudder". on highway appeared transmission 'jumped out of gear and began shifting" vehicle taken to dealer and dealer advised of tsb #060730020 & 060730030 to which GM has added that if vehicle is over certain mileage (approx 42000) then torque converter is replaced and fluids changed. Dealer advises torque converter has failed, no assistance coming from dealer of manufacturer-repair cost is in excess of $5000 this is a known problem particular to these vehicles and GM has had numerous complaints.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

problem #4

Mar 222012

STS 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,800 miles
Rear differential very wet and leaking in garage. Called GM was ask several questions and told to carry it to crest Cadillac, hoover, al and let them check problem. Was told not to let them fix it and GM would call me to see what I was told. I did carry it to crest Cadillac and was told it is the rear pinion seal and is very common. GM called me back and ask what they said and ask several question again then told me it is not covered under any recall and would not help with repair.

- Gardendale, AL, USA

problem #3

May 172012

STS 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

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

The above vehicle was recently in a shop for brake pad replacement when my mechanic discovered that there was a leak of lubricant in the rear end of the automobile. Upon further inspection he discovered that the rear axle pinion seal was leaking. The automobile has just 60,000 miles. After checking the NHTSA he found that a recall, GM recall number 07204 had been issued for this very problem. However, when I presented the vehicle for repair this morning at marion Chevrolet Cadillac they refused to cover the problem under the recall stating the VIN does not meet the recall range. I find it untenable that GM could recall nearly 300,000 vehicles for this very issue but refuse to cover an identical problem in a vehicle that does not meet the VIN range set by GM.

- Marion, IL, USA

problem #2

Sep 012011

STS

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Sts. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil from the rear. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic that located the failure at the rear wheel axle pinion seal. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 07V589000 (power train: Axle assembly: Axle shaft: Seal) and denied assistance with any repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 75,000.

- Prospect Heights, IL, USA

problem #1

May 122010

STS 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,540 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Sts. The contact stated that he noticed an abnormal leakage of fluids from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the rear axle pinion seal needed replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 07V589000 (power train: Axle assembly: Axle shaft: Seal) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 46,540 and the current mileage was 58,000. 1st contact on 6-2-10 case #[xxx]. 2nd contact on 6-21-11 case #[xxx]. total cost for repair was $269.59 which was completed on 6-10-10 per technical service bulletin #07-04-20-003A. Updated 10/11/2011 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Trempealeau, WI, USA

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