The Cadillac STS spans 2005–2011 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2006, 2005, 2007 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2010, 2011, 2009. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Cadillac STS is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2005 to 2011 across multiple generations.
How to read a Cadillac STS VIN — every digit explained
Every Cadillac STS carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Cadillac and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this STS.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your STS, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Cadillac STS have?
The Cadillac STS has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2005–2011. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2008 Cadillac STS recalls 1
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THESE INDICATIONS OF A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION DO NOT WORK. PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK RECEIVER MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
2007 Cadillac STS recalls 2
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Risk. A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.
2006 Cadillac STS recalls 4
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING, THE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2005 AND ASKED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK FUEL LEVEL TO AVOID THIS CONDITION UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE, OWNER RENOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Risk. A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. WITHOUT THESE FUNCTIONS ENABLED, A PERSISTENT ECM FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A THROTTLE OPENING GREATER THAN COMMANDED BY THE DRIVER AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM ON THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.
2005 Cadillac STS recalls 3
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN IN OR OUT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TOE LINK AND REPLACE AS REQUIRED. IF A TOE LINK IS REPLACED, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING, THE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2005 AND ASKED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK FUEL LEVEL TO AVOID THIS CONDITION UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE, OWNER RENOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Risk. A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.
Best and worst years for the Cadillac STS
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2006, 2005, 2007 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2010, 2011, 2009.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 STS | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2006 STS | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2007 STS | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2008 STS | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2009 STS | Air Bags | Best | |
| 2010 STS | Fuel/propulsion System | Best | |
| 2011 STS | Electrical System | Best |
What are the most common Cadillac STS problems?
The most-reported Cadillac STS problems are Seats (13 reports), Tires (6 reports) and Engine (47 reports) — out of 371 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Cadillac STS specifications & dimensions
The 2011 Cadillac STS measures 196″ long on a 116″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,125 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Cadillac STS window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 116″ (295 cm) |
| Rear track | 62″ |
| Body / trim | Sts 4dr Sedan Awd 3.6 4 |
| Curb weight | 4,125 lb (1871 kg) |
| Front track | 62″ |
| Overall width | 72″ (184 cm) |
| Overall height | 57″ (146 cm) |
| Overall length | 196″ (499 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 52/48% |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Cadillac STS cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the STS holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 104 cu ft of passenger volume and 14 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Cadillac STS tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Cadillac STS get?
The Cadillac STS returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,950/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2011 Cadillac STS (3.6L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $2,950/yr to fuel, emitting 423 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $3,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 STS | 18 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2010 STS | 18 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 STS | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 STS | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 STS | 16 | 25 | $3,300 | 468 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 STS | 16 | 25 | $3,300 | 468 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 STS | 16 | 23 | $3,450 | 494 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl |
The 2010 Cadillac STS (4.6L 8-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $3,450/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $6,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 STS | 15 | 24 | $3,450 | 494 | 5/10 | 4.6L 8-cyl | |
| 2009 STS | 15 | 24 | $4,300 | 494 | 5/10 | 4.6L 8-cyl | |
| 2008 STS | 15 | 24 | $4,300 | 494 | 5/10 | 4.6L 8-cyl | |
| 2007 STS | 15 | 24 | $4,300 | 494 | 5/10 | 4.6L 8-cyl | |
| 2006 STS | 15 | 24 | $4,300 | 494 | 1/10 | 4.6L 8-cyl | |
| 2005 STS | 15 | 23 | $4,300 | 494 | 1/10 | 4.6L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the STS stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this STS's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Cadillac STS have? Power & range
The Cadillac STS is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.6L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | RWD | Regular |
| V8 | 4.6L · 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Cadillac STS cost to own?
A used Cadillac STS sells for a median of about $2,495 for a 2011 — most listed between $1,995 and $5,700, from 46 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 STS | $1,995–$5,700 | 11 | |
| 2009 STS | $3,399–$9,950 | 10 | |
| 2008 STS | $1,500–$6,290 | 9 | |
| 2007 STS | $2,999–$12,000 | 4 | |
| 2006 STS | $2,950–$5,000 | 5 | |
| 2005 STS | $2,000–$2,500 | 3 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a STS is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Cadillac STS tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this STS loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the STS ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Cadillac STS to insure?
A Cadillac STS costs about $1,553 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 8% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (108, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the STS's HLDI loss index. See Cadillac insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Cadillac STS safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the STS yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Cadillac STS last?
A well-maintained Cadillac STS typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Cadillac STS’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this STS’s VIN free →All Cadillac STS model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Cadillac STS — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 STS | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2010 STS | 1 recall | — | |
| 2009 STS | 1 recall | — | |
| 2008 STS | 1 recall | — | |
| 2007 STS | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2006 STS | 4 recalls | — | |
| 2005 STS | 3 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the STS?
By owner-complaint volume, 2006, 2005, 2007 drew the most reports. 2010, 2011, 2009 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the STS have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2005–2011. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the STS get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a STS last?
A well-maintained STS typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the STS reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the STS is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Cadillac STS warranty?
New Cadillac models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Cadillac dealer.
Where is the Cadillac STS made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your STS's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Cadillac may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a STS weigh?
The STS's curb weight is around 4,125 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the STS have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.