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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-CADILLAC-STS
2008 · cadillac

cadillac STS problems

1 safety recall. 50 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
8 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
8 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
6 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
5 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
5 reports · avg $700
moderate
brakes
3 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 STS · 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…
12/13/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11443623.0
2008 STS · brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC STS. DURING INSPECTION A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ALL BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 28900.
12/10/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10295247.0
2008 STS · 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…
12/08/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10933939.0
2008 STS · powertrain
OWN A 2008STS V --ON MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOP,THE CAR LOST POWER WITH NO ERROR MESSAGES,AND FULL ELECTRICAL POWER.WOULD SURGE TO ABOUT 3 MPH--GOT TO A SPOT WHERE I COULD TURN CAR OFF.STARETED IT UP AND THE CAR WAS FINE.DEALER UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBELM.FEEL ITS UNSAFE TO…
12/01/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10294126.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 08V108000 11/03/2008

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

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> .

Common questions

Is the 2008 Cadillac STS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Cadillac STS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Cadillac STS?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 8 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac STS has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Cadillac STS?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 50 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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