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2008 Cadillac STSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 50 owner complaints about the 2008 Cadillac STS, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2008 Cadillac STS
60
CarFlaw IndexSolid year34% below the STS median · #3 of 8 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints5010 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage45kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 27, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Cadillac STS has problems

50 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags113
Engine90
Electrical system81
Power train60
Steering50
Vehicle speed control51
Fuel/propulsion system40
Electronic stability control (ESC)31
Service brakes, hydraulic32
11 other systems171

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2008 Cadillac STS recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other STS year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the STS median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2008 Cadillac STS safety ratings

2008 Cadillac STS 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2008 Cadillac STS frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2008 Cadillac STS side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What STS owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

AIR BAG ALERT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAGS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AS MANY OF THESE BAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. SECOND PROBLEM: WHEN TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, IT KEEPS DINGING AND SAYS PUT CAR IN PARK EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN PARK. THIS DINGING NOISE LASTS MAYBE 10 SECONDS TO A MINUTE. SOMETIMES SHIFTING OR…
Complaint 11230433 · Jul 9, 2019
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND IT REMAINS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER A $1000.00 TO FIX IT. THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONERY. MY CAR DOES A HARD JERK WHEN STOPPING ON BRAKES IT JERKS FROM THE REAR END.
Complaint 11140583 · Oct 16, 2018 · 190,000 miles
THE INFORMATION WINDOW UNDER MY SPEEDOMETER WARNED ME TO CHECK THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. IT THEN WENT OFF ABOUT 2 DAYS LATER. I WARNED ME AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF APRIL, BEGINNING OF MAY AND MAY 22ND. I DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR TODAY (5/23) SO I DON'T KNOW IF THE WARNING IS STILL ON. IF IT IS I WILL WRITE…
Complaint 10721164 · May 23, 2015 · 45,000 miles

Own a 2008 STS?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.