DecodedCars2005 Cadillac STS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 13% below the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Cadillac STS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 13% worse than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -13% | $3,700 | 494 |
| STS 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -13% | $4,550 | 494 |
| STS AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -17% | $4,850 | 523 |
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 STS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Cadillac STS (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi A6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Lexus GS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus ES | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Cadillac STS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Cadillac STS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Cadillac STS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,721 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 STS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other STS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →