2005 Cadillac DTS Problems & Complaints

Better than average71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the DTS at the same age

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2005 Cadillac DTS with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 71% fewer than a typical DTS model year at the same age, making the 2005 one of the better DTS years. The most reported problem area is the steering (3 complaints, typically around 29,000 miles).

9complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2005 Cadillac DTS problems

  • Steering~29,000 miles
    333%
  • Suspension~29,000 miles
    111%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~55,000 miles
    111%
  • Electrical system~0 miles
    111%
  • Engine & cooling~70,000 miles
    111%
  • Lights~0 miles
    111%
  • Other / not specified~104,000 miles
    111%
  • Air bags~93,000 miles
    111%

Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Cadillac DTS complaints by model year

20042005200620072008200920102011792559786352216
Owner complaints per model year, Cadillac DTS. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best DTS years: 2004, 2005, 2011. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →

What 2005 Cadillac DTS owners say

Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac DTS. While driving between 60-70 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to provide a remedy repair for the abnormal vibration. The front passenger side rim and all four tires were replaced; however the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000. Updated 01/04/12

29,000 miles · Oct 2007

When it rains and we hit a puddle of water the power steering stops working and the car is very difficult to steer. It frightful in high traffic areas as there is minimum control. After a few minutes the power steering is restored. This have happened several times.

23,000 miles · Jun 2009

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Cadillac DTS a good car?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 DTS rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the DTS at the same age. It is one of the best DTS 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 DTS?

The steering — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (1) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).

How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac DTS have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Cadillac DTS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac DTS?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2005 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. See the full Cadillac DTS years comparison.

At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac DTS problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 44% 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.