I PURCHASED A 2005 STS AND HAD IT FOR 1 YEAR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. IT HAD JUST PASSED THE 50K WARRANTY. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD IT CHECKED, THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE MECHANIC AND SHOW HIM WHAT WAS WRONG. I WENT TO THE MAIN COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I NOW HAVE AN STS SITTING IN MY GARAGE, NOT ABLE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE. I F…
2005 Cadillac STS powertrain problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 .
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 E…
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. HOWE…
TL* 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 TRA…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Cadillac STS?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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