I thought I was upgrading when I turned my 2003 CTS and leased a new 2005 STS a few weeks ago. The only thing I upgraded was my lease payment. Both cars are loaded v6’s and so far my experience is that the CTS is a MUCH better built car. I wish I had it back.

Within a few days of having the STS I had to have the AC/Heater Fan replaced because it made a continuous screeching noise. Over the last couple weeks the car has developed 4-5 rattles/buzzes in and around the interior. Today a new rattle started somewhere in the rear window deck (rattle #6). I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! For the 3 years I had the CTS…I never heard a rattle, a buzz, a burp…nada!

Even when I'm just driving down the highway all the rattles are doing their thing…when I actually hit a huge bump (1/32 inch:)) …..all hell breaks loose.

While I planned to take the car into the dealer I’m concerned that their attempts to locate and fix these noises will only create new one’s or make the current ones worse.

Is anyone else having these problems? Is there somewhere in “GM Land” I can make my dilemma known? Any ideas or suggestions on how to locate and eliminate these rattles (please do not suggest turning up radio….I’m already doing that!)

If GM is wondering how to get out of their financial woe’s….I’d suggest they start by delivering a quality product. (Can you tell I’m upset?)

VERY Disappointed!:helpless:

Steve

That is a shame. It sounds like the car was dropped off the truck. You must have the dealership correct all the problems. I've had my STS for over 3 months and not had any problems. This is my 8th Caddy and the only one so far without problems. Still I had to adjust to this car as the ride is not as soft as my 2003 STS, the interior is a tad smaller but, the car performance and handeling is something to truely enjoy. I just love driving this thing. I even had taken on 2 BMW 535i's which had a perfect view of my LED tale lights. I hope they will make it right with you so you too can enjoy. :bouncy:

You cant be serious about that truck comment... It doesnt take that much to put out a bad one...

Hmmmmm, that's too bad because this is the car I would recommend and buy myself. Yes, definately take it to the dealer and tell them everything that's wrong and they should make an effort since it's so new. They'd better!!

Yup. Despite the problems. If I was to purchase a Cadillac tomorrow Id be picking myself up a 2005 STS V8 with ACC and HUD, its really the only semi-affordable car with all the goodies I like. I can only hope the next Escalade gets all the technology in the current STS.

Check your door seals for creaking. The STS is a very tightly sealed car and you may be getting door gasket rubbing during driving. I had this on my BMW 5 Series and thought ( like you) that my 5 was full of creeks & rattles. It turned out that a little lube ( Armor All or Silcone ) on the rubber gakets did the trick.


Had my STS for 5 months and 10,000 miles and it has been damn near perfect !;)

I had several rattles, or as the service tech. described it, tapping noises.
It took two trips and three days at the dealership to determine that
the headliner was hitting against the sunroof frame.
The noises appeared to be coming from everywhere but the roof.

Had my STS for 5 months and 10,000 miles and it has been damn near perfect !;)

I agree. I haven't enjoyed driving a car this much since the Corvettes I owned back when I was in my 20' ... which was three decades ago!

I also have NEVER owned a car which received this many looks and compliments.

I agree. I haven't enjoyed driving a car this much since the Corvettes I owned back when I was in my 20' ... which was three decades ago!

I also have NEVER owned a car which received this many looks and compliments.

All of the looks and compliments really add to a wonderful ownership experience. Cadillac is the car to have and the STS is the best of the best.....

All of the looks and compliments really add to a wonderful ownership experience. Cadillac is the car to have and the STS is the best of the best.....

I agree...little to no problems here. Best car I have ever owned.:bouncy: Have to go DRIVE now.................:getaway:

My GOD man.....change that avatar picture......your previous one was much better.:D

continued.....try again.

My GOD man.....change that avatar picture......your previous one was much better.:D

How about THIS one??

How about THIS one??

Who is that. It kinda looks like Tori Spelling... or some stange xxx xx xxxx.....:drinker

Who is that. It kinda looks like Tori Spelling... or some stange man in drag:drinker

DDDDooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Go to the pic thread in the lounge and look at the last page.

DDDDooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Go to the pic thread in the lounge and look at the last page.

It is the avatar pic.....this one is much better.
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9354
execpt her eyes are closed.

I withdraw my previous comment. Pic just doesnt look good small!

It is the avatar pic.....this one is much better.http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9354

Same one only cropped. Hold on I'll put up a better one of her....

Waiting


impatiently



still



longing to go drive my car......

Much Better!!!!

Much Better!!!!

Or this.....


ok hijack of thread complete.

also much better.

my apologies to you and her......

ok, goodnight have to drive...to get back on topic......my PERFECT STS.....bye

had one problem since I purchased, and that was my battery kept dying. Found out how to turn car off properly and have had no more problems.


I F_CKING LOVE THIS RIDE. Not as much as my Vette, but almost.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/827000-827999/827470_2.jpghttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/827000-827999/827470_4.jpg

had one problem since I purchased, and that was my battery kept dying. Found out how to turn car off properly and have had no more problems.


I F_CKING LOVE THIS RIDE. Not as much as my Vette, but almost.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/827000-827999/827470_2.jpghttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/827000-827999/827470_4.jpg

Hi cmicasa,
you got the right car comination.

Love the grill and the wheels you have on your STS. Can you post some better pics of it????
What did you paid for the grill and the wheels/tires? Are these 19s?

This month the new STS (export models) arrive here in germany (I´m german)
and I buy a STS to replace my 00 DTS.

Thanks

Harry

All of the looks and compliments really add to a wonderful ownership experience. Cadillac is the car to have and the STS is the best of the best.....

Looks and compliments won't help much if you're being driven nuts while driving the car, and having to deal with repeated trips to the dealership to fix numerous issues.
With GM's past track record for first year product efforts, I can't believe there's anybody buying the STS. It's practically a given that next year's STS will be a much better car than this year's.

Looks and compliments won't help much if you're being driven nuts while driving the car, and having to deal with repeated trips to the dealership to fix numerous issues.
With GM's past track record for first year product efforts, I can't believe there's anybody buying the STS. It's practically a given that next year's STS will be a much better car than this year's.

:sneaky: I do not think anyone has been driven "nut's" by the STS. As I and others have said on this post, my STS is near perfect. The STS is rock soild and the ride is so silent that I heard a f--ing nose hair hit the carpet! My first year SRX is also extremly reliable and an awesome car.

Don't be bashing GM for first year model issues espicially when you do not even own the product. I had fewer problems with my first year Cadillac's then I have had with any other car I owned. GM deserves credit for that.

PS- Every car maker in the world will tweak a new design in year 2 &3. SHould we all wait ? That is a personal choice , but I and the other real Cadillac fans on this site are enjoyiing a great car with the STS and really enjoying all of the on lookers wishing they could get out of their BMW /M-B /Acura lease so they could get the STS....:thumbsup:

Had the 05 STS since November. No problems at all. Travels great, the ride is fun, and the performance is fun to play with. I have had more problems with my 03 Escalade than this "first edition." I am not sure what your criticisms of first year cars are but the STS for the most part does not fit your category. I would have rather had a vette but in order to maintain domestic harmony the STS wins and we are really happy with it.

Looks and compliments won't help much if you're being driven nuts while driving the car, and having to deal with repeated trips to the dealership to fix numerous issues.
With GM's past track record for first year product efforts, I can't believe there's anybody buying the STS. It's practically a given that next year's STS will be a much better car than this year's.

I don't have a single complaint with my STS.

The years of production have nothing to do with reliability. I owned 2 Crown Vics, a Mercury Grand Marquis and a Lincoln Town Car prior to my STS. All of these cars had been in production for MANY years and I had far more problems/complaints with them. In fact, my 2003 Town Car (which I only owned for a little over a year) is the reason I switched to Cadillac. It was underpowered, handled like shit, had terribly uncomfortable seats that provided no support, an air conditioner that couldn't keep you comfortable whenever the outside temperature was above 85 and NUMEROUS mechanical problems. These included minor things like two bad power window motors, a bad truck release motor and a bad load leveling system. I also had numerous minor problems like rattles and other annoyances. The kicker, however, was when a whining from the rear of the car turned out to be bad wheel bearings at just over 10,000 miles. Both the wheel bearings and rear axles ended up having to be replaced due to overheating and pitting.

I stayed away from GM for quite awhile because I am not a fan of front wheel drive. The STS became available at just the right time for me and if it is any indication of where GM is headed, they are definitely back on the right track!

I think most every luxury manufacturer except for probably Lexus right now is having serious difficulty with problem free integration of all these features into their latest and greatest vehicles, the STS is no exception, and when you combine that with the fact its a first year production, I think you are bound to just run into things here and there. With that in mind, picking one up in the second or third year is still probably the best advice, as many of the 06's will probably still be built before some of the issues have been resolved.

Well I took car out this afternoon with my son...he drove. We went down a local bumpy road to help determine rattling. The one in the rear deck I believe was caused by a cable to release trunk hood. After moving it around a bit I no longer heard it again. As for the other rattles I believe Don in an earlier post hit on the head. It's possible all the "other" rattles are all coming from the headliner. If I press against the liner the rattling seems to go away. It may be the culprit for all the other noises. I will take car into dealer and continue hunting the source of my gremlins. I update next week.

Steve

I think most every luxury manufacturer except for probably Lexus right now is having serious difficulty with problem free integration of all these features into their latest and greatest vehicles, the STS is no exception, and when you combine that with the fact its a first year production, I think you are bound to just run into things here and there. With that in mind, picking one up in the second or third year is still probably the best advice, as many of the 06's will probably still be built before some of the issues have been resolved.

When did Lexus become such a trend setter. Besides there little SC400, they are boring cars. Toyota has had a lot of problems with there cars, its just does not get mainstream. They had to extend the warranty on there V6 engine for sluding of the oil ports, because they made the ports to small. That included 1.6 million vehicles.

Everyone has problem, even the Japanese and Korean brands.

Looks and compliments won't help much if you're being driven nuts while driving the car, and having to deal with repeated trips to the dealership to fix numerous issues.
With GM's past track record for first year product efforts, I can't believe there's anybody buying the STS. It's practically a given that next year's STS will be a much better car than this year's.

GM has moved up there build quality. We are no longer seeing the problems that use to plague GM.

I have found that most people that are complaining about squeaks and rattles and make a big deal about minor things, usually could not afford the car in the first place. How many times have u heard this. "Do you know how much I paid for this car." Everone at the dealer knows the price of the vehicle.

Number one, DG2: what makes you think I don't own the product? I have a GM car now and there's been one in my driveway for the better part of 30 years!
Number two, wick05: what makes you think that just because someone is picky, that they "usually could not afford the car in the first place"?

That's ridiculous.

Looks like (based on this forum alone) that the STS has some annoying bugs to work out, and I agree that next year's model will have all the appropriate software and electronic hardware updates. Every customer who unfortunately has to return to the dealer for repairs will contribute to improvements in next year's STS.

(I love Amanda Bynes.)

:2thumbs: My 05 STS has been 100% trouble free. This is probably the best Cadillac I have owned since I began driving them in 1989. Fast quite and comfortable.

When did Lexus become such a trend setter. Besides there little SC400, they are boring cars. Toyota has had a lot of problems with there cars, its just does not get mainstream. They had to extend the warranty on there V6 engine for sluding of the oil ports, because they made the ports to small. That included 1.6 million vehicles.

Everyone has problem, even the Japanese and Korean brands.

Pay attention to the POST. I said nothing about how unexciting or exciting Lexus vehicles are. The cold hard fact is their cars are RELIABLE, argue that fact and even the most fervent GM fan will tell you its an excercise in futility, I owned an LS430... I KNOW. The engine sludge problem is always the crux of those who want to paint Toyota as an "evil" poor quality manufacturer, but quite honestly, Toyota's response to that problem was to be expected when their products had already proven themselves so well in the past. And 1.6 million is a drop in the bucket in comparison to every major recall the big three and the germans have made in the past year, even on a per manufacturer basis.

I wholeheartedly agree their cars are about as exciting as turkey without stuffing, but that does not negate the point they are reliable and solidly built vehicles... God forbid you DO run into a problem, a good Lexus dealer will bend over backwards to make sure its fixed correctly. It all goes into the cost of the car.

Sometimes I wonder why I even repeat myself... :bighead:

The sludge problem is quite nasty, without question, but the LS, GX, LX, and SC are unaffected. Toyota made a pretty good, honest effort of taking care of people affected by it (unlike Chrysler), so its a wash.

Number one, DG2: what makes you think I don't own the product? I have a GM car now and there's been one in my driveway for the better part of 30 years!
Number two, wick05: what makes you think that just because someone is picky, that they "usually could not afford the car in the first place"?

That's ridiculous.

Mr Katshot, the reason I made the statement I did is do to the fact that under your screen name it say's you own a 1995 FTS. I am sure it was suppose to be STS but either way you do not own the new STS which is a entirly differnt animal then the fine car you own.

I consider myself to be one picky SOB when it comes to perfection in anything I buy. The only thing that I could complian about on my new 1SG STS 4 is that the heated seats do not turn on when remote starting the car from 250 feet away. That is one heck of a testimate to how good the STS is. As I said in my other post, it is damn near perfect !

I live in metro New York and drive this car 100 miles per day. The roads are rough , full of big pot holes and I am telling you the STS is drum tight ! No rattles, No squeeks , No Problems. There is nothing like leaving Manhattan late at night and getting on an open Long Island expressway and punching the fantastic Northstar past 100mph. The STS begs to go faster !

General Motors was able to get out of their own paradiam with the Cadillac comeback. They did everything right and they desrve much praise. Boy does GM need more praise these day's!! :thumbsup:

Pay attention to the POST. I said nothing about how unexciting or exciting Lexus vehicles are. The cold hard fact is their cars are RELIABLE, argue that fact and even the most fervent GM fan will tell you its an excercise in futility, I owned an LS430... I KNOW. The engine sludge problem is always the crux of those who want to paint Toyota as an "evil" poor quality manufacturer, but quite honestly, Toyota's response to that problem was to be expected when their products had already proven themselves so well in the past. And 1.6 million is a drop in the bucket in comparison to every major recall the big three and the germans have made in the past year, even on a per manufacturer basis.

I wholeheartedly agree their cars are about as exciting as turkey without stuffing, but that does not negate the point they are reliable and solidly built vehicles... God forbid you DO run into a problem, a good Lexus dealer will bend over backwards to make sure its fixed correctly. It all goes into the cost of the car.

Sometimes I wonder why I even repeat myself... :bighead:

So you are saying that a GM dealer will not bend over backwards to help there customers? I have seen a lot of tickets where the dealer has eaten repairs, discounted repairs, warrantied repairs that they should of made the customers pay for. People walk into a Foreign car compaines service department and expect to pay. They walk into a american company, no matter which brand. You tell them maintenance is due and they through a fit.

I am not trying to paint Toyota as an "evil company" I think there products are boring. The only major recall GM has had in a while was, tailgate straps on pick-ups, 2nd row middle seat belts/ They have not had a major component recall in how long?? BUt by no means do I think GM is flawless. GM's modo is Too little Too late. They hit the trends right as they leave.

So you are saying that a GM dealer will not bend over backwards to help there customers?

The ones that do are few and far between, when they do they are usually exceptional, but frankly the dealers are often the weakest link between Cadillac and its customer.

Ive said it many times, I do NOT expect some of my favorite vehicles like the STS, Range Rover, E55AMG and others to be WITHOUT PROBLEMS, these are EXTREMELY technologically advanced automobiles and well, stuff just breaks, plain and simple. The three brands I mentioned are also NOTORIOUS for absolutely DIPLORABLE dealership tactics and customer DIS-satisfaction, and all of them are hurting and trying to rectify the problem.

Cadillac dealers attached to Chevy and Buick shops are almost always the worst, and the few times Ive had to deal with them it was like pulling teeth.

The ones that do are few and far between, when they do they are usually exceptional, but frankly the dealers are often the weakest link between Cadillac and its customer.


Know that I can agree with. Dealers can offer customers payment assistance if the vehicle has been in the shop for over 15 days. But you rarely see it happen, the dealer acts like you dont deserve it.

In the same aspect most of the time, customers are asking for outragous requests. Had a customer request a buy back for there Suburban because the tires were cupped. 1st time the truck had ever been there. Got to talking with the guy. Found out all he wanted was new tires. If he would of just asked for them. It would of been 1,2,3. But he comes in barking buy back. I have found that if you ask for it directly then usually you can get it. Just be up front.

Ive said it many times, I do NOT expect some of my favorite vehicles like the STS, Range Rover, E55AMG and others to be WITHOUT PROBLEMS, these are EXTREMELY technologically advanced automobiles and well, stuff just breaks, plain and simple. The three brands I mentioned are also NOTORIOUS for absolutely DIPLORABLE dealership tactics and customer DIS-satisfaction, and all of them are hurting and trying to rectify the problem.


You would not believe hoe much technology goes into some of these new vehicles. Take something as simple as the Equinox or the Malibu. Its unreal how much technology are in thoses. They process faster than a Tech 2 can read.

Know that I can agree with. Dealers can offer customers payment assistance if the vehicle has been in the shop for over 15 days. But you rarely see it happen, the dealer acts like you dont deserve it.

In the same aspect most of the time, customers are asking for outragous requests. Had a customer request a buy back for there Suburban because the tires were cupped. 1st time the truck had ever been there. Got to talking with the guy. Found out all he wanted was new tires. If he would of just asked for them. It would of been 1,2,3. But he comes in barking buy back. I have found that if you ask for it directly then usually you can get it. Just be up front.

Yup, thats true. Customers can be as assholish as some of the dealerships. I fully agree with this, some customers are absolutely UNREASONABLE when it comes to service requests.

I was very disappointed when I took my 2001 STS to the dealer for terribly pitting in my xenon light covers. I took care of my car and wanted a remedy for this problem. I just wanted a remedy, not something ridiculous. When THEY said there was NO WAY they could polish down the plastic or otherwise fix the lights I came back and said "Ok, can we please see about replacing the entire assembly then? This is a hazard and at least 30 percent of my usable light is being wasted in the reflection on this pitting". NOPE NO CAN DO, I am not one to sit there and fight either. I got rid of the car soon thereafter and that was a real shame because it had some issues, but it wasnt terrible.

Pay attention to the POST. I said nothing about how unexciting or exciting Lexus vehicles are. The cold hard fact is their cars are RELIABLE, argue that fact and even the most fervent GM fan will tell you its an excercise in futility, I owned an LS430... I KNOW. The engine sludge problem is always the crux of those who want to paint Toyota as an "evil" poor quality manufacturer, but quite honestly, Toyota's response to that problem was to be expected when their products had already proven themselves so well in the past. And 1.6 million is a drop in the bucket in comparison to every major recall the big three and the germans have made in the past year, even on a per manufacturer basis.

I wholeheartedly agree their cars are about as exciting as turkey without stuffing, but that does not negate the point they are reliable and solidly built vehicles... God forbid you DO run into a problem, a good Lexus dealer will bend over backwards to make sure its fixed correctly. It all goes into the cost of the car.

Sometimes I wonder why I even repeat myself... :bighead:


Checking the NHTSA web site for complaints I found 22 complaints against
Lexus and 9 against Cadillac.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/
Apparently "even Lexus" doesn't make everyone happy.

Checking the NHTSA web site for complaints I found 22 complaints against
Lexus and 9 against Cadillac.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/
Apparently "even Lexus" doesn't make everyone happy.

For 2005

For 2005

Still the rule of the voices of the few applies here. The majority of LS series owners are happy with their cars and rarely take them in for service. We all know the hell that jworkmans and others on this very board have had to go through getting their STS's fixed. I could easily put together a group of people from this board alone that have been dissatisfied with their cars, while that task would be much more difficult at the LS board.

I mean, thread headings like the one above should be justification enough of that. If you go to say ClubLexus.com and search through the first two pages of LS430 posts, the worst you will find is as usual, a bad dealership experience. I dont see anyone completely disgruntled with their car. Its a real shame too because the STS is really twice if not three times the car the LS is when you factor in the character of the STS.