2008 Cadillac STS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Cadillac STS has a Caution verdict, with 50 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 67, ranking 3rd worst of 7 model years. Engine problems lead at 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 STS years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 50
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Cadillac STS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine16 (32%)
- Airbags11 (22%)
- Electrical System9 (18%)
- Brakes6 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (12%)
- Other5 (10%)
- Steering5 (10%)
- Fuel System4 (8%)
- Structure & Body2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the engine warning light illuminating during normal highway driving with dealers unable to duplicate the failure.
- A sudden, unexpected acceleration from 50 mph to 90 mph was reported while passing, with the brake pedal sticking to the floor before the vehicle finally slowed.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a head-on crash at 35 mph and in a separate frontal collision with severe front-end damage.
- Owners describe brake failure on a downhill grade that caused loss of control, and worn brakes years later that let the car lunge forward into a stationary object.
- One owner reported an electrical fire in the rear of the vehicle after being rear-ended, causing significant damage.
- Wheel rims reportedly cracked repeatedly after hitting potholes or speed bumps, with six rims replaced on one vehicle.
2008 Cadillac STS recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V108000Mar 11, 2008Electrical System4,586 vehicles
Exterior lighting
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.
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> .
2008 Cadillac STS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,850
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other STS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Cadillac STS reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a Caution verdict for the 2008 STS, with 50 complaints and a complaint index of 67. It ranks 3rd worst among the 7 STS model years covered.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac STS?
- Engine issues account for 32% of complaints, followed by airbags at 22% and electrical system problems at 18%, according to NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2008 Cadillac STS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2008 STS, campaign 08V108000, covering a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) issue affecting 4,586 vehicles. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2008 STS compare to other STS years?
- The 2008 STS is worse than 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011, which have lower complaint indexes and better verdicts including Good and Best. It is better than 2005 and 2006, both rated Avoid with higher complaint indexes of 83 and 100.
- At what mileage do 2008 Cadillac STS engine problems typically appear?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 80,000 miles for engine-related failures in the 2008 STS.