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2005 Cadillac STS transmission problems

18 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 62,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
18
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
62,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
    4
  • Driveline: differential unit
    3
  • Driveline
    1
  • Automatic transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Cadillac STS transmission problems in other years

20052006200720082009

Related recalls

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: sealReported December 20, 2007 · 275,936 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
Risk
A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on february 1, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or http://www.cadillac.com; pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com; and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or http://www.saturn.com.

Recall number 07V589000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Failure of the rear differentialOpened July 17, 2007, closed December 27, 2007

Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.gm is conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect. On december 19, 2007, gm submitted a defect information report to the federal safety agency concerning defective rear axle pinion seals in approximately 275,936 model year (my) 2005-07 cadillac cts, sts and srx vehicles as well as my 2006-07 pontiac solstice and my 2007 saturn sky vehicles (recall 07v‑589).on sts and srx vehicles with all wheel drive, the front axle pinion seal also does not meet all of gm's specifications and may experience a fluid leak.gm indicated that the seal supplier made an unauthorized change to the pinion seal material.leaking pinion seals could result in loss of rear differential lubrication which could result in rear wheel lock-up and loss of vehicle control. On december 7, 2007, odi opened an engineering analysis (ea07-017) to investigate complaints of rear drivetrain component failure (e.g., fractured rear differential carrier housing or rear axle half shafts) while driving in approximately 7,600 my 2004 through 2006 cadillac cts-v vehicles.this condition may result in a loss of motive power and vehicle disablement and is not addressed by recall 07v‑589.odi identified 35 complaints (16 to odi and 19 to gm) and 128 warranty claims potentially related to this condition (see ea07-017 opening resume).these complaints are not included in the failure report summary of this closing resume. The complaints and warranty figures given in this resume are limited to those that (a) are most likely caused by a leaking rear pinion seal; and (b) resulted in an allegation of a rear differential failure while driving.the data do not include all reports of seal leakage.

PE07037

What 2005 Cadillac STS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Transmission · 92,721 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware of a fluid leak. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a pinion seal leak on the rear axle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,721.

Filed Jan 18, 2022 · Brakes, Suspension · CA · crash

el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

It just started making a loud knocking noise, and it dosent go no faster than 40mph.

Filed Nov 1, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 279,900 miles · CA

Without warning my transmission stopped working . I can move the greer with out it collecting any greer . No engine check light nothing . I pulled the parking lot and had to be pushed out street .

Filed Aug 29, 2016 · Electrical, Suspension · 144,719 miles · NY

Just bought the vehicle used and I hear a noise coming from the rear back of the car. The key fob wasn't working correctly and drained the battery and I had to buy a new battery. I really don't know what wrong with the vehicle but its driveable for now besides the slight banging noise. It need to be checked for recalls.

Filed Apr 6, 2015 · Transmission · NC

The rear pinion seal on my car has failed a long time ago. It is oddly strange how the 2005-2007 cadillac builds have this problem, yet, somehow my VIN isn't included in the safety recall. This appears to be a wider problem than the bulletin covers. This really needs to be addressed as someone is going to be driving one day and their car is going to stop abruptly and cause a major accident. This is a major problem!

Filed Feb 2, 2015 · Transmission, Wheels · 106,121 miles · OH · fire · 1 injury

Driving on the highway when there was a sudden loud bang, my car swerved, my rpms revved up, white smoke and I smelled burning. I pulled over and had it taken to the local certified cadillac dealership, my rear differential needs to be replaced related to a rear pinion seal leak. There's a recall for that exact problem for my year and model but my VIN isn't covered. How can I get my VIN on the recall list?

Filed Jul 13, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 30 miles · TX · crash

My 2005 cadillac sts brakes locked up and caused my car to crash. After research I am showing that there was a recall regarding the brake system. In addition, when changing gears you can hear the gears changing from the outside of the car. I researched this as well and apparently there is a defect and recall on the axle. I am not happy about this vehicle that I just purchased for alittle over 7 months. There is also an electrical problem. As I am driving, the hood ajar light comes on and there is no sign of my hood being ajar. In addition, the transmission seems as thought it is going out as well. Before I consult with an attorney I wanted to first give gmc an opportunity to resolve this issues. My vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. Also, please note that due to the electrical problem, my reverse lights has never worked. The unknown other would be the axle and transmission.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Transmission · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac sts. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the rear axle was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 07v589000 (power train). The failure mileage and VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 12, 2013 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · IN

Vehicle had been experiencing transmission "shudder". On highway appeared transmission 'jumped out of gear and began shifting" vehicle taken to dealer and dealer advised of tsb #060730020 & 060730030 to which gm has added that if vehicle is over certain mileage (approx 42000) then torque converter is replaced and fluids changed. Dealer advises torque converter has failed, no assistance coming from dealer of manufacturer-repair cost is in excess of $5000 this is a known problem particular to these vehicles and gm has had numerous complaints.

Questions about the 2005 Cadillac STS transmission

Does the 2005 Cadillac STS have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the transmission of the 2005 Cadillac STS, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2005 Cadillac STS transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 62,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Cadillac STS transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 07V589000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Cadillac STS have bad transmission?

The Cadillac STS model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (18 complaints) and 2006 (13 complaints).

Other 2005 Cadillac STS problems

Electrical 23Engine 19Airbags 11Fuel system 8Brakes 7Acceleration 6Seats 6Body 5Lights 5Suspension 5Visibility 5Driver assistance 4Steering 4Wheels 4Seat belts 2Tires 1

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