Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Transmission cooler line fittings have dissimilar metals causing the threads inside the radiator transcooler to strip and dump coolant into Transmission lines and on road along with what was the transmission fluid as well as steam rolling out blocking vision through my windshield going uphill on a dangerously busy road crossing.This is a well known manufacturing defect that has yet to be handled. This could have gotten me and my 3 year old son seriously hurt by sudden loss of power and slick roadways not being able to avoid or brake properly or even steer away from on coming collision. The dissimilar metals are aluminum nut with a mild steel washer backed by a stainless steel washer before it contacts the radiator. This car has 101k miles and has been babied it's entire life. And when I see the 4 brake lines are about to rust out after all the repairs that have already been done. …
I just purchased this car in February 2019 and it went down in late April or early May of this year. The service engine light would come on for a few days then it would go off for a few days. The engine would rattle when first cranked and then it got to the point where it would constantly keep trying to crank but never would and now it is completely out. I had it towed to mechanic and was told that they had to put 5 quarts of oil in it but I had the oil changed a month before the car died. They say the oil is going somewhere but where? I was also told the timing chain had failed. When this happens it can cause the pistons and everything else to fail with the engine. It will cost me over $2000 to get repaired. This is ridiculous! Something needs to be done about this. …
NHTSA 10043857 -- 2005 CTS error code p0016 engine timing chains. Car has the same problem and engine that is in tech bulletin sb-11340. 86,176 miles on engine when tested for this problem by GM dealership. I had car repaired at dealership earlier this month and have submitted receipts to Cadillac for reimbursement. Currently I have not heard back regarding the status on this claim. Cadillac service request number is 8-1628649320. I am the original owner. I understand the age of my car is outside of the warranty period but I feel this is a defect in the engine design and car repair took 3 days at the GM repair facility. This is not a minor repair or routine maintenance. During research on the internet I found the tech bulletin and your reference numbers regarding this defect. Fortunately for me this chain did not fail during operation.
First ECM module needing to be replaced, we replaced it then after that started running rough, took it to auto zone, 12 codes popped up. Did normal maintenance of vehicle, oil change spark plugs . Then a few days later we were on the highway and all of a sudden we lost all power, pushed on accelerator no power, front end started shaking, so pulled over, vehicle was very hot and smells like gas, had it towed compression test were no good, was told gasket were bad, also was told to check the recall list. Im up set because our children were in the vehicle with us. I hope we are able to get whatever needs to be fixed on this vehicle. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the interior of the vehicle caught on fire after being parked and shut off for a few minutes. The contact also stated that prior to the failure, he smelled an unusual chemical odor within the vehicle. Another individual assisted with extinguishing the fire. The contact stated that the fire originated near the dashboard area. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer, where it was awaiting a diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 58 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The contact also stated that the engine was consuming oil prematurely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle shook violently and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
I was hit front end never had a chance to react. 110 MPH impact. Engine transmission brackets that are designed to shear off to keep engine from going into driver compartment did not . Everything came forward causing extensive damage, horrible injuries.
I was traveling approximately 65 MPH on a 3 lane highway, while mainitaning a constant speed. Suddenly all power to the vehicle cut off including my power steering and braking. In a panic as I as coasting I was fortune enough to weave my way across 2 lanes to the side of the highway and roll to a complete start. After gathering myself I turned the ignition from the run position to off. I looked up and noticed there was smoke coming out from under the hood. I jumped out, lifted the hood, and heard popping and steam/smoke rising up from underneath the engine by the firewall. I pulled the oil dipstick and I was about a quart low, and it looked normal. I waited about 30 min and checked the level again with the same result. I then tried to start the vehicle and there was not response at all. I was unable to roll up my windows, and there was no power to display any information on dash. …
Brake system failure: I was driving on the highway and had to execute an emergency stop going approximately 30 MPH on a cool dry road. When I did, the car power, engine, electrical system shut down and refused to brake any more than it did prior to my slamming on the brakes. My momentum would have carried me into the car positioned only a few feet in front of me if I hadn't the presence of mind to instinctively pull off onto the shoulder as to avoid rear-ending the car in front of me. I had to put the car into park in order to be restart it. Immediately I noticed that the brakes felt substantially different. The system lost enough pedal pressure that stopping after that incident required me to drive at low speeds and give myself more distance; thankfully, I still had some ability to stop, at that time. …
Engine complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Cadillac CTS, 14% of the model year's 277 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Cadillac CTS engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Cadillac CTS, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac CTS engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.