Cadillac STS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Cadillac STS model year (2005–2011) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Cadillac STS Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 110 complaints
28 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 175
3 recalls · 86 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 99
2 recalls · 28 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 36
Best Cadillac STS Years to Buy
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 5
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 6
0 recalls · 11 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 11
Found the right year? Verify that specific STS with a free VIN report.
Cadillac STS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 0 | 6 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 0 | 11 | — | — | 11 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 1 | 28 | — | — | 31 | Good |
| 2007 | 2 | 28 | 1 | — | 36 | Good |
| 2006 | 3 | 110 | 28 | — | 175 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 3 | 86 | 2 | — | 99 | Caution |
All 7 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Cadillac STS Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder STS models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year STS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Cadillac STS if possible. It has 3 recalls, 110 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 175 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year STS to buy?+
The 2011 Cadillac STS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 0 recalls and 5 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which STS has the fewest problems?+
The 2011, 2010, 2009 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Cadillac STS Research
Check a Specific Cadillac STS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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