TCC SURGE, SHUDDER OR CHUGGLE ON LIGHT LOAD JUST AFTER TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT WITH TRANSMISSION AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Cadillac STS cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2005 Cadillac STS have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 STS (this page) | 3 |
| 2006 STS | 4 |
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac sts. During brake application, he experienced unintended vehicle acceleration. As a consequence he crashed into a tree. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, but the technicians could not identify the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Letter on behalf of constituent regarding the problem of rapid deceleration when the radar controlled cruise control is engaged. *nj the consumer stated the vehicle suddenly disengages and it immediately slows down. The local dealer was unable to find the problem and suggested replacing the entire system at a cost of $4,300-5,000 dollars. *jb
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Cadillac STS?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.