VehicleVerdict

2008 Cadillac STS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median STS year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 14 STS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (12), engine (11), and airbags (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

77

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other STS years?

STS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted197 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 16 complaints2000: 15 complaints2001: 17 complaints2002: 10 complaints2003: 15 complaints2004: 9 complaints2005: 145 complaints2006: 197 complaints2007: 67 complaints2008: 77 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 9 complaints
STS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all STS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Cadillac STS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1216%
Airbags1114%
Engine1114%
Transmission68%
Other56%
Speed Control56%
Steering56%
Tires & Wheels45%
Fuel System45%
Brakes45%
Lighting34%
Suspension23%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Latches & Locks23%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2008 Cadillac STS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V108000LightingMarch 11, 2008 · 4,586 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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> .

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 5, 2015 · crash · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT ONLY THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 8, 2009 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 19, 2017

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 19, 2017

“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. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 17, 2010 · crash

2008 Cadillac STS — common questions

Is the 2008 Cadillac STS reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 14 STS years. It is one of the STS years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 STS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), engine (11 complaints), airbags (11 complaints).

Does the 2008 Cadillac STS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Cadillac STS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac STS years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.