Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 approximately 45 MPH, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
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.
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 Recall withdrawn December 2014.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 This is when I was told the recall had been withdrawn.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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked backward and would not accelerate. The contact shut off the vehicle and once restarted, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the key would become stuck in the ignition switch or would be difficult to remove. The power windows also failed and would open and close independently, as well as the radio becoming inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The ignition switch was replaced but not the transmission. The contact later discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14V394000 (electrical system) the manufacturer was notified of the failures. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the key would not turn over to start the vehicle. The vehicle stalled several times without warning, including while driving over a railroad track. The contact received assistance from a passerby to push the vehicle over the railroad tracks. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a wire that fractured. The wire, ignition switch release, and ECM harness were replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system). The manufacturer provided no solution. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. Updated 10/18/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. When attempting to start the vehicle, all of the instrument panel gauges were illuminated and the vehicle would not start. The key became stuck in the ignition as well. The dealer (barksdale Cadillac: 700 adcock drive, ridgeland, ms 39157) informed the contact that the vehicle would have to brought to them. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 67,581.
While driving 30-40 MPH over a washboard surface, all electrical accessories went blank. The car continued on in a drivable condition, but windows fogged up. Electric returned after stopping and re-starting. Problem has not returned. Have not been able to recreate the condition. The ignition key has the insert installed. Wondering if the ignition switch is failing like other GM products of this era.
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...
The ignition is having a break down.the key keeps geting stuck in the ignition, when the key does finally come out of the ignition, as I go to put the key back into the ignition to start the car the key gets stuck at one position in the ignition and will not respond to start the car.
While driving 65 MPH smoke was coming from underneath the hood. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the electrical system needed to be replaced.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Cadillac CTS, 14% of the model year's 277 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Cadillac CTS electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-394 (ignition, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac CTS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.