STS (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LH2
4.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LLT
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Cadillac STS Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LC3
4.4L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
3.4-V6-Gas
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Cadillac STS, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2005-2011 Cadillac STS
On a used 2005-2011 Cadillac STS, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (99), the electrical system (89) and the engine (65). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 65 owner complaints on the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS about the fuel system, all engines combined.
Recalls (6)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD.
CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL LOW INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE WARNING CHIME.
Show 1 older recall
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND A 3.6L V6 ENGINE, THE TORQUE MONITORING FUNCTIONS OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) ARE NOT ENABLED. THESE FUNCTIONS CAN LIMIT ENGINE SPEED AND TORQUE IF UNUSUAL ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE FAILURES OCCUR.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2011 Cadillac STS complaints?
Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS have?
NHTSA has 366 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2011 Cadillac STS?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2005-2011 Cadillac STS vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Cadillac STS?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the STS?
The 2011 Cadillac STS received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 366 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.