Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2000 Cadillac STS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
15
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 13% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 7% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 7% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 7% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 7% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS ARE LOOSE AND CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD.
Consequence
SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED STEERING INPUT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CHECK AND ADJUST THE VEHICLE TOE-IN AND TIGHTEN THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING BACKSEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO FOUND BATTERY WIRES UNDER BACK SEAT HAD BEEN RUBBING DUE TO MOTION OF BACK SEAT, AND THIS WAS CAUSE OF FIRE. REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK”
“2000 STS CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING AT A STOP. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT GM WITH NO RESULTS,CAN'T EVEN GET ANYONE TO RETURN MY CALLS. ALSO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH OR OVER. I HAVE REPLACED ALL TIRES,ROTORS,BRAKES, YET IT STILL HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS HAVING AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE OIL PAN GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM TO REPLACE THE OIL GASKET AT A COST OF $2100 BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY. ALSO BOTH TURN SIGNAL SWITCH HAS…”
“2000 STS CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING AT A STOP. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT GM WITH NO RESULTS,CAN'T EVEN GET ANYONE TO RETURN MY CALLS. ALSO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH OR OVER. I HAVE REPLACED ALL TIRES,ROTORS,BRAKES, YET IT STILL HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING…”
“LTR TO SECY MINETA RE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IN A 2000 CADILLAC VIN [XXX], SEAT BELT UNLATCHED DURING A CRASH ON DECEMBER 15, 2001 REQUESTING A DEFECT INVESTIGATION, S10-040521-004. *LA THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED WHEN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE COVER BROKE APART. RECEIVED…”
The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Cadillac STS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the STS years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among STS years belongs to 1998.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.