Major Problems with Cadillac STS Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used Cadillac STS to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

Custom-fit Add-ons

Torque wrench
Mechanic tool set
Tool box

Best and Worst Years for Cadillac STS

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Cadillac STS.

Model Year	Complaints
2011 STS	6
2010 STS	4
2009 STS	13
2008 STS	47
2007 STS	49
2006 STS	134
2005 STS	96

Worst 3 Cadillac STS complaints

2006 Cadillac STS ENGINE Victims: 3 Mileage: 60000 miles

2006 Cadillac STS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Victims: 2 Mileage: 69000 miles

2006 Cadillac STS AIR BAGS Victims: 2 Mileage: 70000 miles

Browse Cadillac STS complaints by category

Problems with AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Cadillac STS owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
AIR BAGS since may 2015 going down the road the air bag light comes on then again in june 2015 going down...	84 ~ 66641 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM dash lights fail to come up upon start - sporadic in march 2013 chronic in november to present back up...	55 ~ 62575 miles
ENGINE vehicle detects fault and displays message to service stability control system. specific problem not yet diagnosed. within a few moments...	43 ~ 89769 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM fuel leaking onto exhaust system had to tow to dealer due to freighting experience of possible fire and injury to...	30 ~ 81534 miles
POWER TRAIN the car simply made a grinding sound and i lost all control of the vehicle. i could not steer brake...	26 ~ 78003 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL driving home on the interstate at the posted 70 mph speed my electronic stability light goes off and the cars...	24 ~ 67159 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL driving home on the interstate at the posted 70 mph speed my electronic stability light goes off and the cars...	19 ~ 55645 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER air bag sensors going bad or corroded. shouldn't they last the life of the vehicle?...	16 ~ 73563 miles
STEERING the car simply made a grinding sound and i lost all control of the vehicle. i could not steer brake...	15 ~ 60967 miles
SEATS tl* the contact owns a 2007 cadillac sts. the contact stated that when an occupant was seated in the front...	12 ~ 58805 miles
SERVICE BRAKES when i backed out of my carport and applied my brakes it wouldn't stop. i took it to the dealership...	12 ~ 85771 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING dash lights fail to come up upon start - sporadic in march 2013 chronic in november to present back up...	11 ~ 42360 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. while driving approximately between 55-60 mph on normal road conditions the "engine"...	10 ~ 38260 miles
WHEELS i purchased a 2009 sts in august of 2014. i am having a problem with the wheel bearing hubs going...	8 ~ 58064 miles
SUSPENSION in cold weather car will not take off from the start and the motor bogs down and will not move...	7 ~ 61388 miles
SEAT BELTS tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac cts. while traveling approximately 48 mph the driver crashed into the front passenger's...	7 ~ 55636 miles
EQUIPMENT on sept 17 2009 as i rolled to a stop in a parking lot i applied the brake and the...	7 ~ 11738 miles
SEAL > AXLE SHAFT > AXLE ASSEMBLY tl*the contact owns a 2007 cadillac sts. the contact stated that the differential seal did not meet gm's specifications for...	7 ~ 48975 miles
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS purchased as a "program car" 5/21/08 with 7017 miles on odometer auto has been a constant source of trouble which...	6 ~ 28677 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE passenger side headlamp failed after condensation build up in the headlight assembly. i have the hid headlamps and changed the...	5 ~ 76930 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE the engine shut off when i was driving on a side street at 20 mph and also shut off 5...	5 ~ 53634 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN purchased as a "program car" 5/21/08 with 7017 miles on odometer auto has been a constant source of trouble which...	5 ~ 14712 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES purchased as a "program car" 5/21/08 with 7017 miles on odometer auto has been a constant source of trouble which...	5 ~ 90112 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 2009 cadillac sts lost all or most brake fluid. this car has slightly over 22000 miles. multiple warnings on panel....	4 ~ 19463 miles
GLASS, SIDE/REAR > VISIBILITY the rear window of my cadillac sts shattered while it was parked in my garage. nothing struck the window it	4 ~ 32196 miles
SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE > FRONTAL > AIR BAGS tl*the contact owns a 2007 cadillac sts. the contact stated that the passenger side air bag works intermittently when someone...	4 ~ 36606 miles
DIFFERENTIAL UNIT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN 2006 cadillac sts four wheel drive v8. the rear differential lock-up without warning going at 65 mph on i-94 eb...	4 ~ 20500 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING timing chain failures under 30 000 miles are prevalent on many gm 3.6l motors and they have sent out a...	3 ~ 55333 miles
TIRES tl*the contact owns a 2006 cadillac sts. the contact stated that the vehicle fails to operate properly while driving in...	3 ~ 15000 miles
SIDE/WINDOW > AIR BAGS october 8 2006 i was involved in an accident in my 2006 cadillac sts where a truck crossed the median...	3 ~ 31000 miles
CRUISE CONTROL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2011 cadillac sts. consumer writes in regards to cruise control activated on its own. smd updated 09/17/15lj updated 09/21/15.*jb updated	2 ~ 29500 miles
PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS > TIRES tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. the contact stated while driving various speeds the power steering would suddenly...	2 ~ 78000 miles
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM sudden failure h2505 electronic brake and traction control module 2006 cadillac sts alll wheel drive 50799 miles repaired at dealer.	2 ~ 80400 miles
12V/24V/48V BATTERY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. the contact stated that the battery was replaced twice within the past...	2 ~ 9773 miles
HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2007 cadillac sts. consumer writes in regards to defective composite headlamps. *ld the consumer stated the headlamp assembly would fog	2 ~ 7500 miles
ROTOR > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. during inspection a technician stated that all brake pads and rotors needed	2 ~ 25700 miles
PADS > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. during inspection a technician stated that all brake pads and rotors needed	2 ~ 29450 miles
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL tl*the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. the contact stated that as he was driving 13 mph his accelerator pedal...	2 ~ 8927 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i have a 2008 cadillac sts and i cant read the dash instruments in the daylight the dealer says there...	2 ~ 5 miles
VISIBILITY purchased as a "program car" 5/21/08 with 7017 miles on odometer auto has been a constant source of trouble which...	2 ~ 31980 miles
STRUCTURE 2007 cadillac sts bought as a demo in florida in april with about 3 500 miles on it: i told...	2 ~ 19228 miles
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM 2008 cadillac seville with several problems. consumer states that these are some of the problems. moldings were not installed check...	2 ~ 50000 miles
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl*the contact owns a 2006 cadillac sts. while driving 2 mph the contact accidentally touched the off button for the...	2 ~ 4900 miles
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle failed to start three times since purchased new and had complete shut off at highway speeds once. since this...	2 ~ 7950 miles
SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY > VISIBILITY while driving @ appx 50 mph on april 13 2006 with the roof closed and the air conditioning on sun...	2 ~ 30534 miles
ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY > AIR BAGS tl* the contact owns a 2007 cadillac sts. the contact stated that when an occupant was seated in the front...	1 ~ 169000 miles
INFLATOR MODULE > PASSENGER SIDE > FRONTAL . this is my first time owning a cadillac and i must say i absolutely love it! it is a...	1 ~ 65000 miles
TREAD/BELT > TIRES 2007 cadillac sts. consumer writes in regards to a thumping and tugging sound from the front tires. *tgw the dealer	1
VISIBILITY/WIPER tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed the side...	1 ~ 95000 miles
REAR > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac sts. when attempting to accelerate the contact heard a clicking sound near the...	1 ~ 172900 miles
SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac sts. the contact stated that while driving 72 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled....	1 ~ 82100 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE passenger front door will intermittently not open when using exterior door handle. does not matter if door is unlocked with	1 ~ 60000 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC sudden failure h2505 electronic brake and traction control module 2006 cadillac sts alll wheel drive 50799 miles repaired at dealer.	1 ~ 50799 miles
FRONT > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac sts. the contact was driving approximately 2 mph in reverse when the contact...	1 ~ 27400 miles
AXLE ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac sts. the contact stated the vehicle as being inspected by the dealer for...	1 ~ 53027 miles
DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN daughter driving on concrete hi-way at 50 mph. hears noise by passenger side rear tire area. rear end locks as...	1 ~ 62000 miles
COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING car stopped running while traveling on a freeway doing 70 mph with no warning. total loss of power a/c brakes	1 ~ 57233 miles
INTERIOR LIGHTING i have a 2008 cadillac sts and i cant read the dash instruments in the daylight the dealer says there...	1 ~ 10 miles
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC tl*the contact owns a 2005 cadillac sts. while driving 15 mph the sybilla track light illuminated and the rear of...	1 ~ 50880 miles
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT 2007 cadillac sts bought as a demo in florida in april with about 3 500 miles on it: i told...	1
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 2006 cadillac sts does not set air bag to on when a person who weighs less than 103 pounds sits...	1
RACK > RACK AND PINION > STEERING i bought a 2005 sts cadillac from oakland automall two weeks later as i was entering the freeway and i...	1 ~ 12910 miles
AUTOMATIC (ASC) > ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL this one seemed to be the most dangerous. on random and unpredictable occasions while making a sharp turn on dry...	1 ~ 500 miles
WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES > FRONT > SEAT BELTS tl*the contact owns a 2007 cadillac sts. the contact stated that the passenger side air bag works intermittently when someone...	1 ~ 10 miles
EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl*- the contact was driving when she lost consciousness for about 30 seconds. the contact believed that loss of consciousness...	1 ~ 14895 miles
SEAT HEATER/COOLER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS dt*: the contact stated while driving at 45 mph smoke was detected inside the vehicle. fifteen minutes later the vehicle...	1 ~ 14000 miles
UNDERBODY SHIELDS > FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE the air dam shield on a 2005 cadillac sts keeps falling down and dragging on the pavement. the car was...	1
EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING dt: purchased a new vehicle that had an odd smell but soon became overpowered with its strong odor. consumer's wife...	1 ~ 200 miles

FAQ

What year Cadillac STS is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 7 years, Cadillac STS models of 2010, 2011, 2009 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for Cadillac STS?

Cadillac STS models of 2006 and 2005 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...