Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that failure was intermittent at first but became persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger occupant sensor. The contact was informed that the passenger occupant sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he was concerned because his fianc e was expecting a child and normally occupied the seat. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an undisclosed recall repair however, the contact was informed that the recall repair had expired. …
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown module under the passenger's side front seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V644000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 138,404.
Air bag light is on saying the passenger side buckle tensioner not working when there never a accident on this car, Fuel level low illuminates when there is fuel in the tank still, fuel level goes down fast after a short drive when fuel just been put in
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while the driver drove at an unknown speed, she applied the brakes to avoid hitting an animal as a result the vehicle swerved, rolling over several times. The contact stated that no air bags deployed as and the driver's seat belt became unlatched as the driver was ejected through the rear window. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated while the failure occurred. The driver sustained a coma, broken vertebra, hip contusion, bruising and memory loss as she was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The front passenger suffered hip, chest, breast, waist, arms, shoulder, head injuries as well as the rear driver's side passenger sustained chest, hip, and nose injuries all occupants were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact was reading the accident information from a news paper article. …
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.
My us navy son was driving my 2005 Cadillac CTS when he was struck in the rear by a negligent driver. The crash was so severe, he was forced into 3 more cars-totaling my car. All safety features failed - including all airbags and the seat belt. My son was spared, but he did suffer injuries. I have spent countless hours attempting resolve with GM for some answers - all to no avail. They spent several hours with my vehicle, yet passed it over to their 3rd party insurance company - who in turn took zero accountability and had the nerve to put it all back on us (preserving the car and providing more documentation). What more documentation do you need? You saw the failed seat belt, you saw my sons injuries and you witnessed all failures with the airbags. I have now retained an attorney; and I filed a formal complaint with the consumer product safety administration. …
Takata recall-not notified of airbag recall. Recall withdrawn December 2014. March of 2015 my passenger airbag light came on. Took to my certified GM mechanic, checked it out and sent me to chuck fairbanks (dealer) because of recall. This is when I was told the recall had been withdrawn. I have been searching for help with this dangerous matter since. I need more information on who and what to do regarding getting the services needed. It is no longer a safe car for me to have a passenger with me. I did call Cadillac customer service and they said they could do nothing about it. I am not financially able to make this repair, retired, elderly and on ss. Can you please advise me where and what to do next? I have owned cadillacs since 1985 and never encountered not being notified of recalls. Please notify me of any assistance you May be able to advise me of at p. O. …
Multiple service visits with complaints re brakes not working fully, fuel gauge was always incorrect, passenger air bag not working. Air bag sensor was replaced but did not correct the problem. After multiple complaints regarding fuel gauge and several attempts to repair, was told no problem found. Stbility sensor replaced while going thru parking lot at 15 MPH, slightly touching the brakes, the cars stability system light came on and the brakes failed. Car did hard right, brakes failed and car ran over curb and into sign. GM finally repurchsed the vehicle after several miscommunications re the terms of repurchase but refused to cover the damage to the sign and expected me to repair the car before they would purchase
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH another vehicle crashed into the driver side and the air bags failed to deploy. The driver side had extensive damages to the door and was not drivable. The contact sustained traumatic brain injury. A police report was filed. The vehicle was repaired by the manufacturer and the insurance company was notified. The vehicle continues to have air bag failure. In addition, the rack and pinion rod was defective and had to be repaired twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 71,080 and the current mileage was 103,000. Updated 9/26/12 updated 09/27/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while entering a driveway, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond causing the contact to crash into the garage. There were no injuries. Also, the contact stated that the brake pedal depressed to the ground and the service brake assist warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure but was able to reset the ABS system. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000. Updated 12/22/14 updated 05/26/2015
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
General motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which repeated flexing of the passenger sensing system mat in the front passenger seat May cause the mat to kink, bend, or fold. This flexing can break the connections in the mat.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger sensing system free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about March 15, 2011.
NHTSA investigations
IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats
On December 17, 2010, General Motors (GM) notified the NHTSA that it had decided certain 2005 - 2007 model year Cadillac CTS vehicles contain a safety related defect.GM stated that certain CTS vehicles contain a passenger sensing system mat, manufactured by IEE, in the front passenger seat that may flex causing the mat to kink, bend or fold.If this flexing causes the connections in the mat to break, the passenger…
Airbag complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2005 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the air bags of the 2005 Cadillac CTS, 27% of the model year's 277 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Cadillac CTS airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-644 (sensor/control module-inactive, Dec 17, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac CTS airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 0 fires and 18 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.