Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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 that while driving at various speeds, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with an abnormal hissing sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where brake fluid was added to the reservoir. Despite the repair, the failure persisted. After the contact's third visit to the mechanic, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion along the brake line, which resulted in brake fluid leak from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V225000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
During normal driving, my service stibilatrak light comes on. While the message is on, the TCS kicks in and it grabs the wheel and stops the car. I've been reared ended once and two barely missed collisions. When the TCS activates, it stops the car completely and the only way to drive the car is to turn it off for a few second and then restart it. That resets the computer and turn the message light off. The TCS or ABS does not come on in the dash, just the stilibatrak message in the message center. Once it's turned off, it does not come on until the next time the TCS activates. I've had several diagnostic tests to check the problem or get a code but there is no code. I've been told that the car is clear of codes. The dealer cannot find a code or the problem. I've spent several hundred dollars on trying to locate the problem. The car, as is, is a death trap. …
I was driving into a drugstore parking lot and as I applied the brakes the car sped up instead of stopping, the more I applied the brakes the faster the car went...it appears that the speed went from about 10 MPH to about 40 MPH and as a result of this, my car sped up and went across a busy intersection and into another drugstore parking lot. Had it not been for the pillars in from of the second drugstore, we probably would be dead. The car simply would not stop! It eventually stopped after hitting the pillars at the second drugstore. It was god who blessed up and kept us here on this earth..my car was totaled. Now I am without a vehicle. This car was a runaway car at the time that the accident occurred.
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 the brake lines prematurely corroded with extensive rust and were replaced more than twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the brake lines once. The contact also had an independent mechanic who replaced the brake lines, but the failure recurred. Within weeks, the brake pedal was applied and traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 10V105000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 15V225000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would not stop immediately and the braking distance increased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. When operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the occupant restraint system was faulty. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the check brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the vehicle with brake fluid. The following day, the contact noticed a puddle of brake fluid leaking from the vehicle. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V225000 (services brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
When ever I make a slight turn at low speeds,ie. 10 MPH or less the ABS actuates and the car is unable to stop. This is very prevalent when pulling into a parking spot. I have had Firestone auto, parker cadilac, and American tire and auto in my hometown look at this issue and all told me that they could not pull codes. I have been told that if any indicator dash warning light come on then it will trip a code, but this issue does not. This is an ongoing issue with this car..
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. While driving at speeds of 20 MPH on wet road conditions, the brakes would not engage when depressed. The vehicle proceeded to crash into a vehicle ahead of him. One injury was reported at the scene and a police report was filed accordingly. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where the contact was awaiting an assessment of the damages. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
General motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…
Remedy: Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.
Brake complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Cadillac CTS, 12% of the model year's 277 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Cadillac CTS brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-105 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 17, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac CTS brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.