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2009 Cadillac STSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2009 Cadillac STS, most often about the air bags. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

2009 Cadillac STS
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints154 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage80kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Cadillac STS has problems

15 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 bags52
Electronic stability control (ESC)41
Steering31
Engine20
Service brakes21
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Traction control system11
Vehicle speed control10
Wheels10
4 other systems41

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

0 recalls

2009 Cadillac STS recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2009 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

2009 Cadillac STS safety ratings

2009 Cadillac STS 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2009 Cadillac STS frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2009 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.

MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY TRACTION CONTROL FAILED. THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON AND THERE IS A FAULTY CODE. THE VEHICLE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL IT TO TURN. I WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE FENCE. THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT ADDRESSED BY THE BODY SHOP OR REPAIR SHOP.
Complaint 11290251 · Dec 20, 2019 · 80,000 miles
THE CAR TRACTION CONTROL FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HAD THE SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM COME ON. THE ABS LIGHT WAS LIT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR TURN EASILY. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE DITCH. THIS VEHICLE HAD HEADLIGHTS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT WITH BULBS POPPING OUT INSIDE AND MOISTURE. AFTER…
Complaint 11271159 · Oct 26, 2019 · 90,000 miles
TAKATA RECALL. PASSENGER SEAT, PASSENGER DETECT SENSOR (PPS) STOPPED WORKING. NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE. PASSENGER PRESENT LIGHT SAYS, PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF. AIR BAG DASH LIGHT ALWAYS ON. I CHECKED WIRING UNDER THE SEAT AND CAN NOT VISUALLY SEE ANY DAMAGE TO THE WIRING GOING TO THE SEAT CUSHION SENSOR OR…
Complaint 11043604 · Nov 5, 2017 · 145,000 miles

Own a 2009 STS?

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