1st Generation (2005—2011) STS Problems

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This generations ranks 26th out of 42 Cadillac generations in reliability and is one of the safer bets out there. Owners have the most complaints about the electrical (36%), engine (24%), and the airbags & seat belts (12%). We've listed some of the most recent complaints below, see them all on CarComplaints.com.

  1. Timing Chains Stretch 1 complaints at an average of 81,323 miles in the 2005 Cadillac STS.
  2. A/c Condenser Leak 1 complaints at an average of 105,633 miles in the 2006 Cadillac STS.
  3. Battery Drains After Car Is Shut Off 4 complaints at an average of 103,471 miles in the 2006 Cadillac STS.

What STS Year is Most Reliable?

Generations are a good baseline for prediciting reliability, but there will almost always be year-to-year differences. We've calculated a reliability score for each model year within this generation, but we've based that score on how the model year compares to all Cadillac model years.

Watch out for the 2005 model year which has the highest PainRank™ score in this generation.

Year Complaints Recalls TSBs PainRank (?)
2011 2 0 721 0.63
2010 0 0 737 0.0
2009 0 0 716 0.0
2008 3 1 685 1.24
2007 3 2 608 0.7
2006 10 4 506 3.08
2005 7 3 419 3.99

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