2009 Cadillac STS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2009 Cadillac STS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
15 complaints4 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
The known timing chain issue GM done a warranty for to fix it but won’t fix it now. My car is running sluggish because of it and had numerous times that it wouldn’t go up to the speed limit almost caused accidents because of it and I’m afraid to even drive it anymore knowing that it’s a time bomb waiting to happen that could blow up on the highway that can cause accidents.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting
When driving in rain the smallest amount of water will cause the reduced engine power to engage and it does not go off until the vehicle has sat for a long amount of time. Extremely dangerous. first the ABS light comes on and then you lose power. 3RD row led taillight out... 400 to fix. purchased in march of 2018 with 93K miles. Currently at 104K.
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering
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…
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 the repairs were done by the body shop the new headlights have had that same problem. The airbags never came out, and there IS a message displayed indicating they needed service. It was never addressed by the body shop. Also prior to the incident the steering had an issue causing pain to my shoulder. The diagnosis was wrong after the steering service light remained after a gear replacement and the same issue caused pain. Time passed and the shoulder got worse. There has been 2 wheel sensors with issues. The dealer never told me that there was a special warranty for the timing belt when I bought the car. I am also now having issues with the computer screen. I cannot change the time anymore.
- Service brakes · Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 2009 cadillac STS. While driving approximately 15 mph, the traction control failed and the ABS warning indicator illuminated. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle continued moving forward. The contact crashed the front driver's side of the vehicle into a ditch. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 cadillac STS. While driving approximately 15 mph, the traction control failed and the ABS warning indicator illuminated. When the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle continued moving forward. The contact crashed the front driver's side of the vehicle into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed to rimrock cadillac GMC (located at 840 shiloh rd, billings, mt 59106, (406) 651-5000). The dealer diagnosed that the traction control needed to be serviced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Air bags
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 the seat buckle sensor.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Service brakes
Vehicle detects fault and displays message to service stability control system. specific problem not yet diagnosed. Within a few moments, the display states that engine power IS reduced. this causes a very unsafe condition as the vehicle slows to 10-15 mph. pressing gas pedal causes transmission…
Vehicle detects fault and displays message to service stability control system. specific problem not yet diagnosed. Within a few moments, the display states that engine power IS reduced. this causes a very unsafe condition as the vehicle slows to 10-15 mph. pressing gas pedal causes transmission to downshift to lower gear slowing vehicle further. cannot safely maneuver in traffic, brakes require much higher pedal pressure due to low vacuum boost after engine power reduced. insufficient warning that this IS happening. problem IS not with engine or powertrain, but engine power IS cut (engine runs very rough as a result) in response to detected stability system error. engine runs fine if turned off and restarted. no overheating, oil level IS fine, gasoline IS good, no external problems. after restarting car drives fine initially, event recurs within 1 mile. very difficult to try to justify this kind of intentional vehicle control behavior. extremely poor design that causes an unsafe condition when a stability system error IS detected.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2009 cadillac STS. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would decelerate independently and the stability system warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and waited a few minutes before resuming driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Wheels
I purchased a 2009 STS in august of 2014. I am having a problem with the wheel bearing hubs going bad. I have replaced both front. The front left side has been changed twice in a 13 month period. Unfortunately the part only has a 1 year warranty. I've also had the right rear changed in may of 2015…
I purchased a 2009 STS in august of 2014. I am having a problem with the wheel bearing hubs going bad. I have replaced both front. The front left side has been changed twice in a 13 month period. Unfortunately the part only has a 1 year warranty. I've also had the right rear changed in may of 2015 and now it's june 2016 and has gone bad. I have no extended warranty,i'm just curious why this particular part went bad in the time frame that it did? I called the salesman at the dealer about the first incident to see if he could do something to help with the repair since it was about 6 months after I purchased the car. I actually bought it at thomson and mcconnell cadillac in cincinnati, ohio, of course he told me that he wished there was something he could do. I won't go there again. I have about or close to 90,000 miles on it at this time. I have never had to have this type of repair on any vehicle in my life. My previous vehicle was a 2006 escalade platinum and the only major thing that had to be replaced was a water pump. I wished I had kept it because it was faithful and paid for. Now I have a 6 year loan on a car that keeps repeating the same mechanical malfunctions along with some other things. With the age of the car at this point I do expect to have to replace some parts, but the same part that seems like it's going to be a yearly thing IS ridiculous. I am very disappointed in cadillac motors corp... This IS my third caddy. I also have a 1999 catera, but I won't even get into the problems that I've had with that one. The appearance of these cars look very stylish inside and out, but the problems that go along with it IS not worth it in my opinion. I will never buy another cadillac ever, even if I was to hit the powerball and was able to buy a new one off of the floor with a warranty. This IS my vent on how I feel. Sorry cadillac motors and thomson and mcconnell
- Air bags
Started car to pull out of garage airbag light came on. Took to dealer who said airbags are disabled and new module needs changing at cost of $900.00.
- Air bags
Since may 2015, going down the road the air bag light comes on, then again in june 2015 going down the road the light comes on again and stays on. once again , in july lights comes back on and stays on has not gone out as of 21 july 2015.. we brought the car in 2014 with only 19,000 miles, the…
Since may 2015, going down the road the air bag light comes on, then again in june 2015 going down the road the light comes on again and stays on. once again , in july lights comes back on and stays on has not gone out as of 21 july 2015.. we brought the car in 2014 with only 19,000 miles, the car now only has 32,500 odd miles on it. We need to know if it has a recall , do not feel safe driving it as of now... We do see that there are recalls for the years off 2000-2008...
- Steering
While driving on the freeway all of a sudden the steering got extremely stiff and I lost my power steering. on the (dic) drivers information center the message displayed " service steering sys" when I stopped the car and let it cool down, normal steering returned. this problem keeps…
While driving on the freeway all of a sudden the steering got extremely stiff and I lost my power steering. on the (dic) drivers information center the message displayed " service steering sys" when I stopped the car and let it cool down, normal steering returned. this problem keeps returning every day or two. At slow speed its almost impossible to turn, as when parking. I looked on line and found out this isn't an uncommon problem in both the 2009 CTS & STS cadillac's. now I have to take the cart to the dealer to have it repaired and my question IS will the repair be covered as the car has only 36,000 miles on it as a factory related problem as I'm out of the 5 year warranty. I have had cadillac's since 1970 and never had a steering problem with any of them most had well over 200,000 on them with never any steering problems. this I have to add I have never had so many minor problems with any car I've owned as with this cadillac especially with so few miles on it and now that the 5 year warranty IS off these repairs are at my expense don't think I will ever buy another cadillac or any gm car again if these repairs are not done at the factor's expence. *js
- Power train · Steering
The car simply made a grinding sound and I lost all control of the vehicle. I could not steer, brake or accelerate. The gears were corroded and as a result the gear shift had no control over the car. The car has 47,000 and IS only 5 years old and I was told that gm did not put a sealant on the…
The car simply made a grinding sound and I lost all control of the vehicle. I could not steer, brake or accelerate. The gears were corroded and as a result the gear shift had no control over the car. The car has 47,000 and IS only 5 years old and I was told that gm did not put a sealant on the undercarriage and as a result water and ice and all other weather affected the gears and literally rusted out. I am also told by the dealer that when they rebuild the transmission, they will now put that sealant where it should have been. To me this IS a serious issue. They know this IS a problem and are now going to be sure a sealant IS part of the fix. I am fortunate that I was just getting back on a major highway when this occurred. If I had been doing 75 miles an hour in heavy traffic I truly believe I would have been killed. The car just stopped in its tracks and I had no control. Finally, I got the car to stop going backwards when I placed on the emergency brake. I have also been told that I am the third low mileage car that has been identified with this defect. Anyone living in wet and snowy climates IS at serious risk. An investigation of the AWD gm vehicles IS warranted. Meanwhile, I have a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty that expired in march and so gm does not believe they should fix this problem on their nickel. I believe there are going to be some serious accidents soon and want them to recall the cars to have the sealant placed on their vehicles and to check for corrosion. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2009 cadillac STS lost all or most brake fluid. This car has slightly over 22000 miles. Multiple warnings on panel. Dealer found that the left rearf brake caliper was leaking fluid under pressure at the point where the brake hose connects. caliper and hose were replaced under warranty. my…
2009 cadillac STS lost all or most brake fluid. This car has slightly over 22000 miles. Multiple warnings on panel. Dealer found that the left rearf brake caliper was leaking fluid under pressure at the point where the brake hose connects. caliper and hose were replaced under warranty. my concern now IS that if this IS a widespread problem it may cause accidents when all brakes fail with no fluid left in the master cylinder reservoir. that IS a very dangerous situation and, hopefully, it IS a problem that IS not widespread. *Tr
- Equipment
On sept 17, 2009 as I rolled to a stop in a parking lot, I applied the brake and the car, which was four feet from a brick building, suddenly lurched ahead. the car hit the brick wall, and the engine did not return to idle until I took my foot off the brake pedal. what had happened IS this: the…
On sept 17, 2009 as I rolled to a stop in a parking lot, I applied the brake and the car, which was four feet from a brick building, suddenly lurched ahead. the car hit the brick wall, and the engine did not return to idle until I took my foot off the brake pedal. what had happened IS this: the floor mat which has no restraints, had crept up causing a lower foldover, and pushed up sufficiently to cause a foldover of the upper part of the mat . this created a three layer thickness of the floor mat entrapped between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. my correction of this failure has been to store the floor mats in the trunk ii.e., not use them. the manufacturer's remedy has been to issue replacement mats, but they also have no restraints and are identical in form, texture, and pliability as the original mats. all other remedies have been denied by the manufacturer and the manufacturer's selling agent (dealer). incidentally, the floor mats for this car (cadillac STS) are identical in form, texture, and pliability as those in the cadillac DTS. the DTS has oem restraints, the STS has none. I believe the STS IS the only car in the 2009/2010 gm stable that lacks restraints. my request to install restraints by gm and/or the gm selling again has been denied by gm and gm selling agent. . with the exception of the foregoing, all of the various communications with gm and gm selling agent(s) has been unproductive. I believe an advisory of this floor mat issue needs to accompany the sale of this particular car model. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006293This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted andnot start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel injection system. This Preliminary information instructs the dealer ofa repair kit they received that will prevent this issue when installed correctly.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10254209Magnetically Controlled Suspension Electrical Connector Not Seated.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
Every Cadillac STS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.