Cadillac STS Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 20, 2026 · 430 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 430 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Cadillac STS, across 14 model years (1998–2011). The 2006 model year has the most complaints (139). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Peak: 2006, with 139 complaints
1998: 3199831999: 131999132000: 122000122001: 122001122002: 7200272003: 8200382004: 7200472005: 10120051012006: 13920061392007: 522007522008: 502008502009: 152009152010: 4201042011: 720117

n = 430 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Cadillac STS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical STS year: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2006 STS: 139 complaints, 4 recalls
  2. 2005 STS: 101 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2007 STS: 52 complaints, 2 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 1998 STS: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2010 STS: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2002 STS: 7 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Cadillac STS problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags problems102721
Electrical System83136
Engine5184
Power Train4353
Fuel/propulsion System3370
Engine and Engine Cooling32102
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2683
Steering25103
Vehicle Speed Control2598
Exterior Lighting21110
Suspension1782
Service Brakes1675
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15102
Seats1440
Seat Belts1175
Structure1151
Equipment963
Fuel System, Gasoline950
Wheels952
Visibility830
Tires751
Latches/locks/linkages520
Traction Control System331
Electronic Stability Control220
Equipment Adaptive/mobility110
Interior Lighting110
Parking Brake110
Service Brakes, Electric110
Visibility/wiper110

Cadillac STS problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Cadillac STS model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2011 STS70—Electrical System
2010 STS40—Electrical System
2009 STS150—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2008 STS501—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2007 STS522—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2006 STS1394—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2005 STS1013—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2004 STS70—Air Bags
2003 STS80—Electrical System
2002 STS70—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2001 STS120—SteeringAbout as many complaints as other years
2000 STS121—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
1999 STS130—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
1998 STS30—Air Bags

More from Cadillac: all Cadillac models · Cadillac VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Cadillac STS years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2005 (101), 2006 (139), 2007 (52), 2008 (50) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical STS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Cadillac STS?

Air Bags, with 102 complaints across 7 model years.

How many recalls does the Cadillac STS have?

7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.