FaultScore report
Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2008 Cadillac STS with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 10 worst.
FaultScore 70/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Cadillac STS.
How this is worked out77
Complaints
7
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
70,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
39%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 34,750 mi
Median failure at 30,000 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 13,559 mi
Median failure at 46,000 miles
Median failure at 120,168 miles
Median failure at 140,000 miles
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 24,450 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 146,500 mi
Median failure at 57,000 miles
Median failure at 46,779 miles
Median failure at 46,729 miles
Median failure at 78,000 miles
Median failure at 54,279 miles
Median failure at 190,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 11 mi
Median failure at 104,000 miles
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY HUSBAND BACKED INTO A POST AND IT LUNCHED HIM FORWARD, AS FAR AS THE BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING. HE ENTER A BUILDING THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. HE WAS IN A PARKING LOT.
NHTSA complaint #11172321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS REAR ENDED BY A CAR GOING 40. THE CAR STARTED ON FIRE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND BURNED PRETTY BAD. I HAVE TO GET A NEW CAR DUE TO THE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE FIRE, I'M JUST HAPPY MY KIDS WEREN'T WITH ME AT THE TIME. I HAVE HERNIATED AND BULGING DISCS IN MY CERVICAL AND LUMBAR, WHICH WERE FOUND BY MRI. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR BUT THOUGHT IT IMPORTANT TO LET THE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOW ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10673063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
WAS INVOLVED IN AND ACCIDENT WITH THE FRONT GRILL, RADIATOR, HOOD, AND DRIVER DOOR HAD BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED. AIRBAGS NEVER EJECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10608780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL INTO A GARAGE, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL. THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. MANUFACTURER REPORT 696083 WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #10348830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL INTO A GARAGE, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL. THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. MANUFACTURER REPORT 696083 WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #10348830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
AFTER SPENDING 38 MINUTES WRITING ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH MY AUTO YOUR DEFECTIVE PROGRAM ERASED ALL MY NARRATIVE. I SUGGEST YOU HIRE ONE OF THE SEVERAL THOUSAND CAPABLE PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO WORK TO REPLACE THE INCOMPETENT BUNGLER WHO CREATED THIS ABOMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10326169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ENGINE
Dealership had ownership of car and should have replaced the timing chain before selling car to me, which they did not and after time for repairs to be done before time ran out, I had to pay for repairs, causing me be be out $3000+ dollars for repairs should have been covered by the warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11669621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor message and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the sensor was replaced and reprogrammed on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V108000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact left a message with a service manager at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11470831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor message and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the sensor was replaced and reprogrammed on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V108000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact left a message with a service manager at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11470831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The Cadillac Company sent me a letter several years ago informing me of a premature timing chain wear and the illumination of the Service Engine light. They knew about this defective engine problem but they did not recall the vehicle. Instead they extended the engine warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. I have only 90,000 miles on my vehicle but I've owned it for over 10 years and now the check engine light is illuminated. The Cadillac dealer refuses to extend the warranty. This is a safety issue because if the engine were to fail the driver would also lose power steering and power brakes putting the safety of the vehicle occupants and others at risk. I believe that this vehicle and other GM vehicles with the 3.6 liter engine should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11443623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUDDENLY LOST NAVIGATION SYSTEM, WHICH ALSO SHUT DOWN CLOCK AND OTHER APPLICATIONS WITHIN THAT SYSTEM. HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. CALLED GM CUSTOMER CENTER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A LONG STANDING PROBLEM, SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE UNIT BEING UNABLE TO SYNCHRONIZE WITH NEW SATELLITES FOR GPS. WROTE TO GM HQS, OT A REPLY BACK THAT "IT WAS BEING WORKED", WITH NO EXPECTED DATE FOR A FIX. AFTER DOING ADDITIONAL RESEARCH, FOUND THIS ISSUE HAS INDEED BEEN HAPPENING TO THIS AND SIMILAR CADILLAC SERIES VEHICLES; AND THAT GM HAS NO PLAN FOR A FIX. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT OCCURS RANDOMLY AND IN IN THE WRONG LOCATION AND WRONG SITUATION COULD SUFFICIENTLY DISTRACT DRIVER TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. AT THE LEAST GM SHOULD BE NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM AND POTENTIAL HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11269738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG ALERT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAGS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AS MANY OF THESE BAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. SECOND PROBLEM: WHEN TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, IT KEEPS DINGING AND SAYS PUT CAR IN PARK EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN PARK. THIS DINGING NOISE LASTS MAYBE 10 SECONDS TO A MINUTE. SOMETIMES SHIFTING OR PUTTING FOOT ON BRAKE AGAIN STOPS THE DINGING.
NHTSA complaint #11230433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR BAG ALERT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAGS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AS MANY OF THESE BAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. SECOND PROBLEM: WHEN TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, IT KEEPS DINGING AND SAYS PUT CAR IN PARK EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN PARK. THIS DINGING NOISE LASTS MAYBE 10 SECONDS TO A MINUTE. SOMETIMES SHIFTING OR PUTTING FOOT ON BRAKE AGAIN STOPS THE DINGING.
NHTSA complaint #11230433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THEY TURNED OFF THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT EXCEED 25 MPH. THE FAILURE PRODUCED ERROR CODES 08, 09, 16, 17, 18, AND 19. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11180212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY HUSBAND BACKED INTO A POST AND IT LUNCHED HIM FORWARD, AS FAR AS THE BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING. HE ENTER A BUILDING THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. HE WAS IN A PARKING LOT.
NHTSA complaint #11172321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND IT REMAINS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER A $1000.00 TO FIX IT. THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONERY. MY CAR DOES A HARD JERK WHEN STOPPING ON BRAKES IT JERKS FROM THE REAR END.
NHTSA complaint #11140583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND IT REMAINS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER A $1000.00 TO FIX IT. THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONERY. MY CAR DOES A HARD JERK WHEN STOPPING ON BRAKES IT JERKS FROM THE REAR END.
NHTSA complaint #11140583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY CAR IS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 08V108000, RECALL DATE: 2008-03-11. HOWEVER, MY VIN: [XXX], IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SUMMARY GM IS RECALLING 4,586 MY 2008 CADILLAC STS AND STS-V PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, 'TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS' (TPMS). THE STANDARD REQUIRES AN INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FOR CERTAIN TPMS MALFUNCTIONS. WHEN THE SYSTEM DETECTS A MALFUNCTION, THE LOW TIRE WARNING LIGHT SHOULD FLASH FOR ABOUT ONE MINUTE AND THEN STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF THE IGNITION CYCLE. A DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. INTERMITTENTLY, MY CAR WILL DISPLAY A WARNING WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING THAT ONE OR MORE OF THE TPMS SENSORS HAVE FAILED. THE WARNING PERSISTS UNTIL THE END OF THE DRIVE CYCLE. RESTARTING THE CAR CLEARS THE WARNING. THE CAR IS ALWAYS MOVING WHEN THIS OCCURS. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH TPMS SENSORS THAT HAD WARNINGS. THE REPAIR FACILITY ALSO RESET THE TMPS SYSTEM FOR THE NEW SENSORS TO BE RECOGNIZED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS, EVEN ON THE REPLACED SENSORS. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF AN INVOICE FOR ONE OF THE TPMS SENSORS IN QUESTION. I BELIEVE THAT MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THE DEALER SHOULD REPROGRAM THE SYSTEM TO CORRECT THE ISSUE (AS WITH THE OTHER CARS LISTED IN THE RECALL). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11093168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE SAME CONDITION AS LISTED IN THE: 2007 CADILLAC STS FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP NHTSA CAMPAIGN #14V542000. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP DUE TO THE EXACT SAME CONDITIONS IN THE 2007 MODEL YEAR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11079477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
RECALL.I AM AN ACTIVE DUTY SAILOR AND MISSING SEVERAL NOTICES OF THE INTIAL RECALL.....ENGINE REDUCTION OF POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE...PREMATURE TIMING CHAIN WEAR REPROGRAM ENGINE CONTROL MODULE...WHILE DRIVING THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15MPH....THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY I-10 INTERSTATE...IS THERE AWAY TO REOPEN THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11024670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
RECALL.I AM AN ACTIVE DUTY SAILOR AND MISSING SEVERAL NOTICES OF THE INTIAL RECALL.....ENGINE REDUCTION OF POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE...PREMATURE TIMING CHAIN WEAR REPROGRAM ENGINE CONTROL MODULE...WHILE DRIVING THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15MPH....THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY I-10 INTERSTATE...IS THERE AWAY TO REOPEN THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11024670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RECALL.I AM AN ACTIVE DUTY SAILOR AND MISSING SEVERAL NOTICES OF THE INTIAL RECALL.....ENGINE REDUCTION OF POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE...PREMATURE TIMING CHAIN WEAR REPROGRAM ENGINE CONTROL MODULE...WHILE DRIVING THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15MPH....THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY I-10 INTERSTATE...IS THERE AWAY TO REOPEN THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11024670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
ENGINE BLOCK DETERERATING FROM INSIDE OUT. LEEKING FLUID. ALL SERVICES MADE AND CAR HAS NEVER OVERHEATED. SERVICED BY RELIABLE CADILLAC, ROSEVILLE CA
NHTSA complaint #10984500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
PURCHASED VEHICLE 11- 2011 (65,498) 10-(2012) FIRST CK ENGINE LIGHT ISSUE AND EVERY YEAR SINCE THEN I'VE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE FOR CK ENGINE LIGHT LAST THREE YEARS 2014-THRY-16 NOW 17 THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING OR SITTING WAITING FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO CHANGE THIS IS A ISSUE FOR ME BECAUSE I'M WORRIED ABOUT GETTING REAR ENDED MY VEHICLE IS IN THE KERBECK CADILLAC SERVICE DEALER SINCE 1/19/2017 FOR THE SAME ISSUE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND PARK TO SHIFT I'VE COMPLAIN TO GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CASE NUMBER ON THIS ISSUE , BUT THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THEIR OWN VEHICLE IN THE MEAN TIME I', STILL PAYING FOR A UNSAFE VEHICLE , IF THE MAKER OF THE CAR CAN'T CORRECT THEIR OWN ISSUE THEN WHO CAN, WHY DOES ISSUE HAVE TO FALL IN THE CONSUMER LAP ? WHY DO I HAVE TO DRIVE AND PAY FOR THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. NO-ONE WANTS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE WHY KEEP GIVING ME THAT CT BACK IF THEY CAN'T CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ,THEY KEEP BLAMING IT ON THE MILEAGE THEN WHY SELL THESE VEHICLE WITH THE OUTRAGE PRICE TAGS KNOWING THAT IT THAT BE A SAFETY ISSUE IN A FEW YEARS ONCE THE VEHICLE IS OVER 100,000 MILES I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE YEARS (JUST PUT APPROX ANOTHER 66,000 MILES, SO THEY ARE USING THIS AS EXCUSE THEN DON'T SELL CARS WITH HIGH MILES . THEY SHOULD THINK ABOUT CONSUMER SAFETY NOT JUST THE MONEY. IN THE BEGINNING THE VEHICLE WOULD BE STATIONARY THEN YEARS PASS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION CITY DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10945231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON VEHICLE START SHUTTING DOWN WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A PA INTERSTATE AND ON A CITY STREET THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SERVAL OCCASION , THEN THE PARK TO SHIFT LIGHTS COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME IS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF. AT LEASE THREE TIME THIS YEAR 2016 (APR#7TH OCT 26TH AND NOV 3RD EACH TIME THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, APPROX SIX TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN NOV 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10933939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON VEHICLE START SHUTTING DOWN WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A PA INTERSTATE AND ON A CITY STREET THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SERVAL OCCASION , THEN THE PARK TO SHIFT LIGHTS COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME IS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF. AT LEASE THREE TIME THIS YEAR 2016 (APR#7TH OCT 26TH AND NOV 3RD EACH TIME THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, APPROX SIX TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN NOV 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10933939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V542000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10927880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V542000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10927880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG SENSORS GOING BAD OR CORRODED. SHOULDN'T THEY LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #10920048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AIR BAG SENSORS GOING BAD OR CORRODED. SHOULDN'T THEY LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #10920048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
POWER ASSISTED STEERING FLUCTUATES. SOMETIMES IT WORKS. IT MAY START OR STOP WORKING AT ANY TIME, AND IS INCONSISTENT.
NHTSA complaint #10892914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.