Most common 2005 Cadillac Deville problems
Share of the 95 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Deville complaints by model year
Best Deville years: 2005, 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 1996, 2000. Compare all years →
2005 Cadillac Deville recalls (1)
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 23, 2014.
What 2005 Cadillac Deville owners say
Electrical system all 34 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle crashed into a median and the air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained major injuries, including two broken feet and a concussion. The driver required medical assistance. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
During winter driving, turned on the heated steering wheel, felt the fingers of my left hand begin to burn and noticed smoke coming from the heated steering wheel cover. I immediately switched off the heated steering wheel, the smoking stopped. I have not used that feature since, have not had it repaired. Checked for recalls on this problem, did not find any.
Steering all 29 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While making a right turn at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, drove over a curb, and into a field. There were no injuries nor was a police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH and attempted to make a turn, the steering wheel locked. No warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the failure progressed. The contact had to shut the vehicle off and restart in order to make the turn. The dealer or an independent mechanic did not diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle crashed into a median and the air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained major injuries, including two broken feet and a concussion. The driver required medical assistance. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
I was hit head-on. The ignition turned off after being hit and the seat- belts did not deploy. I stopped and my hand was on the horn but the person did not slow down or stop.I was on a city street.I was hurt and had neck surgery. GM is telling me they will look back into it after denial that was it due to the recall. They sold the car as salvage when the insurance totaled it. The car was then sold with a salvage title. They replaced the ignition after telling me my accident injuries was not due to the recall.
2005 Cadillac Deville engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Cadillac Deville a good car?
Based on 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Deville rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Deville at the same age. It is one of the best Deville years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Cadillac Deville?
The electrical system — 34 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the steering (29) and air bags (18).
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac Deville have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Cadillac Deville, the most recent from June 23, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Deville?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 1996 and 2000. See the full Cadillac Deville years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac Deville problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 76,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.