104,000 miles - total brake line failure when driving on street at 35 MPH. Managed to pull over then got car to goodyear. Brake fluid drained out completely because of brake line tapping against transmission casing over time. Casing was dented in several places. Was 5 minutes away from getting on freeway at 70 MPH. Could have been deadly. See this same design flaw of the line placement has been reported by others. God is good and was watching over me for sure.
The worst 2002 Cadillac STS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes3
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes3
- Driver assistance1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Cadillac STS 77
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
What 2002 Cadillac STS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving every shuts down have to pull over to shift into neutral or park to restart car.
I have read about the gm recall. I had a 2002 cadillac. The car died two days in a row while I was driving. Complete electrical shutdown. I called gm. They said take to the dealer immediately. The dealer "repaired the ignition". They told me they had seen the problem before. They said there was a flaw in the ignition switch. Mine happen at low speed but they said it could have happen anytime. I no longer have the car.
Car starts to shakes in frontend of car at 50 to 70 MPH. System stability notification comes on. Have had it checked and mechanics can not find anything wrong. New tires and calibration does not help.
I have a 2002 cad. Sts with 81,000 miles. About 2weeks ago the warning light stating check brake fluid. I checked it and added some. It did it again a week later but the brakes almost failed. I took it to a gmc dealer who told me the brake line broke because it was rubbing on the transmission. He told me he had never seen this happen before. I also have a friend who worked as service manager for a gmc dealer and he stated he had never seen that happen. He gave me a phone at gmc to call. The # 800‑458‑8006 they gave me a service #. I received a call back from 866‑790‑5700 x21073. After 2 days the man told me they could not help me cause the vehicle was 8 years old and had 81,000 miles. They were not concerned about the safety issue.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 cadillac sts. The contact felt that the vehicle was not braking properly while driving 15 MPH. She took the vehicle to a repair shop and the mechanic found holes in the brake line that were three inches apart, which rubbed against the housing for the transmission. The contact called the manufacturer and they stated that she must take the vehicle to a dealer to confirm that the failure existed. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, but the contact does not know if she will be responsible for the repairs. She believes that it is a manufacturer defect that should be recalled. The current and failure mileages were 66,700.
Northstar engine block is leaking oil. Potential engine fire via engine oil drip to exhaust system.
Compare the 2002 Cadillac STS
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Questions about the 2002 Cadillac STS
Is the 2002 Cadillac STS reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2002 Cadillac STS, fewer than a typical STS model year.
What is the 2002 Cadillac STS year score?
The 2002 Cadillac STS scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac STS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Cadillac STS?
Brakes, with 3 complaints. Next is driver assistance (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac STS have?
No recalls on record.
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