2005 Cadillac CTS Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 14%of 277 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,008miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Cadillac CTS, 14% of the 277 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,008 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was stationary used key to unlock doors. Once vehicle was started a message displayed on the screen to service theft system and guages in vehicle no longer worked. I was at a store when this happened so I preceed with my trip as I started driving car was hesitating to drive, I then pulled over and turned the car off... Key was stuck in ignition and car would no longer start...”
NHTSA complaint #10821142, filed 2016-01, 95,000 miles“Per report tje suspension system and aorbag recall. When I purchased vehicle, information was warrant to me. I total loss my car due to suspension and axle malfuntion. It caused me to hit a curb. I could not gain control.”
NHTSA complaint #11082624, filed 2018-04, 124,000 miles“The engine light flashes on for 2 seconds, then the car decelerates for seconds, and then all is okay. This may happen several times in a row within 5 to 10 minutes. We first had the battery and alternator replaced, as suggested. Then this happened 4 more times, whereas we took it to a dealer who could not find anything wrong. It's hard to feel safe while driving this vehicle as it's happened at major intersections and also in heavy traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10572688, filed 2014-03, 40,210 miles“The instrument panel stopped operating, different mechanics could not locate problem, Cadillac deal wanted 200.00 just to review. Several owners of same mocel having same problem. Dealears refuse to correct or even look at the cause without customers paying for service call. This seems to be a common problem with this car, as others having same problem. I have been told it's faulty electrical cluster in instrument panel and car is now out of warrenty, but was withing warranty at time of occurance, I failed to take to dealer in timely manner. Can anything be do ne about this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10568038, filed 2014-03, 78,000 miles“4/12/2010 - I was slowing down preparing to turn into my development when another driver ran a stop sign. The other driver was going approximately 20 MPH, she stated that she did not see my car, but saw the oncoming cars and the cars behind me so she didn't prepare to stop at the stop sign. She was trying to beat the oncoming vehicles and the traffic behind me aggressively accelerating and impact was my driver's side front door. We both had our seat belts on, her air bags deployed, mine did not. Her car was totaled. The impact was just like a wrecking ball coming out of nowhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10477641, filed 2012-09, 71,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V394000Jul 2, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2003–2014, SRX 2004–2006
Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11000162Apr 30, 2024The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10239102Jun 29, 2023The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 10 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 | 26 | 36% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 20% |
| 2010 | 16 | 24% |
| 2009 | 26 | 16% |
| 2008 | 39 | 22% |
| 2007 | 41 | 19% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 34 | 15% |
| 2003 | 56 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2005 Cadillac CTS
82 complaintsAir bags
74 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology