2005 Cadillac CTS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan RWD /Deluxe/Sport
- Engines
- 2.8L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 190.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,572 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Overview
The 2005 Cadillac CTS is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.8L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,572 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 25 highway), 8% worse than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan RWD /Deluxe/Sport | 190.2 in | 70.5 in | 56.7 in | 113.8 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,572 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS | 2.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -8% | $3,550 | 468 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -8% | $3,550 | 468 |
| CTS | 2.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -8% | $3,550 | 468 |
| CTS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -13% | $3,700 | 494 |
| CTS-V | 5.7L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -22% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Cadillac CTS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Cadillac CTS (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Audi A6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Lexus LS | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus GS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 9, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V542000 · 10,005 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.
- Risk
- If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V394000 · 554,328 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Dec 17, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V644000 · 95,927 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH REPEATED FLEXING OF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE MAT TO KINK, BEND, OR FOLD. THIS FLEXING CAN BREAK THE CONNECTIONS IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE SENSOR MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AND WILL DISABLE THE AIR BAG.
- Risk
- NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING THAT AIR BAG'S DEPLOYMENT MAY REDUCE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AND INCREASE THE RISK OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THEM.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 17, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V105000 · 139,131 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE FITTING AT THE CALIPER MAY CORRODE DUE TO SNOW OR WATER, CONTAINING ROAD SALT OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS, ENTERING AND BEING RETAINED IN THE ROUTING SLEEVE. IF THE FITTING CORRODES SIGNIFICANTLY, THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY DEVELOP A LEAK.
- Risk
- THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2005 Cadillac CTS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Cadillac CTS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 32 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Cadillac CTS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CTS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2018 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 8 |
| 2017 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2016 CTS | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 31 |
| 2015 CTS | 24 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 49 |
| 2014 CTS | 23 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 138 |
| 2013 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 48 |
| 2012 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2011 CTS | 21 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 60 |
| 2010 CTS | 22 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 38 |
| 2009 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 4 | 104 |
| 2008 CTS | 21 | – | Not rated | 2 | 87 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →