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 Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Driving on a local freeway, my ignition switch to off. I was only going 55 MPH in heavy traffice. I was able to place the car in neutral & restart the engine, but for a short period I was with limited braking and steering. Had my wife been driving I am certain the outcome would not have been as good. After this I took the car into the local Cadillac dealer to have the ignition switch corrective recall complied with. They adjusted the size of the hole on my keys - this was the fix. However, changing the size of the key hole does nothing to prevent my ignition switch from "popping' to off. At the time of the failure mentioned, I had only a single key in place. I contacted Cadillac about this and their reply has been that the recall only covers the key hole change & does nothing to address the faulty ignition switch. …
My A/C runs at will. Off and on by itself. Running, stationary, and in motion. My headlights come on when I put the car in drive ever though they are turned off. My alternator was replaced and the battery and all checked out fine at two local parts /battery stores July 18th 2017. Both were replaced in May of 2016. The display panel for the A/C shows both the fan icon and the auto icon. The auto icon will not turn off. Searching on line for complaints about this make and model show many others with this problem and no answers. This began July 6th and is happening more frequently as in several times a day.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after numerous attempts. The failure recurred and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that there were no failures prior to the dealer repairing the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was repaired under an unknown recall; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000. The VIN and NHTSA campaign number were not available.
The window regulator on the rr window of my 2005 Cadillac Deville is defective. My window is down and won't come back up although the motor power is running to the window the regulator is broken. I have checked the complaints and noted that there are several complaints regarding defective window regulators on this model of Deville which in 2002 through 2005. I called the dealer and they knew exactly what the problem was and said it would cost over $500.00 to replace. This is only one window. There is the possibility that this could occur three more times. I know several people with this model Deville ( not this year) that have the same problem but can not afford to get the part replaced consequently they are driving around with no window in the back. I feel this is unsafe for children and pets. As well as dangerous for leaving your car out. …
Driving my daughter from school on I 95 in connecticut near stamford at approximately 12 midnight, and noted chimes related to safety alerts following a particular strong bump in the road. First alert was that the ABS and suspension system was inactive, next airbag was not functioning and then electrical charge was low. Attempted to find a safe place to stop the car; eventually all warning lights came on and all systems in the car began to fail - could not open windows, could not contact OnStar, lights inside the car, speedometer, hazard lights, turn signals and the headlamps. Eventually used street lights to guide us to exit on I 287 in white plains, ny. Once we found a safe spot off the road, we turned off the car, because we did not know what the issue was (?engine, ?fire risk, ?would power steering / brakes fail next). Car towed at ~10 am to local Cadillac dealer.
Engine began to leak oil after 40000 miles. The company and dealership assured me this was normal. Longer I operated this car, more it began to leak. At first few drops, then later, 1-2 qts between oil changes. Today, it is worst. I have spent several thousand dollars related to this engine. The leaks continue to this date. Engine stopped once on me, shut off, nothing worked. No airbag, any electrical service. Hit hole in road and everything shut off. Called company many times, wrote to president, other executives all to no avail. There are many Cadillac devilles with same leaking problem, the northstar engine has this problem since 1998, on all their models. It is like the key, they will do nothing until made to correct it. I hope you follow through, this is not right and cause many problems with deep expenses for owners.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH driving over speed bump, the engine stalled. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for the diagnosis. The technician stated that the power train, the battery and starter assembly needed be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the problem recurred multiple times. The starter assembly was replaced again but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number 14V355000 (electrical system) and the VIN was included. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
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 23, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Cadillac Deville, 36% of the model year's 95 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Cadillac Deville electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac Deville electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 5 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.