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2008 Cadillac STS problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Cadillac STS is airbags, typically around 45,000 miles. It has 4.2 times the complaints of a typical STS model year.

Year to avoid4.2x the typical complaints
Year score
24/100
Owner complaints
50
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1,037
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
15-20mpg

The worst 2008 Cadillac STS problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    11
  • Engine
    11
  • Electrical
    8
  • Transmission
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Steering
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Locks
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Seat belts
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Cadillac STS

Check engine light 6

Recalls 1

Exterior lightingReported March 11, 2008 · 4,586 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 4,586 my 2008 cadillac sts and sts-v passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, 'tire pressure monitoring systems' (TPMS). The standard requires an indication to the driver for certain TPMS malfunctions. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light should flash for about one minute and then stay on the remainder of the ignition cycle. A driver information center message will also be displayed on the instrument panel.
Risk
These indications of a system malfunction do not work. Premature tire failure could result in a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the remote control door lock receiver module free of charge. The recall began on march 18, 2008. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑982‑2339 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V108000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Cadillac STS

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Cadillac STS 1,037

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,037 bulletins for the 2008 Cadillac STS

2008 Cadillac STS crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Cadillac STS 4-DR w/SABPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.5

2008 Cadillac STS fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylRWD172620
3.6L 6‑cyl4WD172620
4.6L 8‑cylRWD152418
4.6L 8‑cyl4WD142116
4.4L 8‑cylRWD131915

What 2008 Cadillac STS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 27, 2025 · Engine · TX

Dealership had ownership of car and should have replaced the timing chain before selling car to me, which they did not and after time for repairs to be done before time ran out, I had to pay for repairs, causing me be be out $3000+ dollars for repairs should have been covered by the warranty.

Filed Jun 24, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · 57,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor message and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the sensor was replaced and reprogrammed on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V108000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact left a message with a service manager at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2021 · Engine · MA

The Cadillac Company sent me a letter several years ago informing me of a premature timing chain wear and the illumination of the Service Engine light. They knew about this defective engine problem but they did not recall the vehicle. Instead they extended the engine warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. I have only 90,000 miles on my vehicle but I've owned it for over 10 years and now the check engine light is illuminated. The Cadillac dealer refuses to extend the warranty. This is a safety issue because if the engine were to fail the driver would also lose power steering and power brakes putting the safety of the vehicle occupants and others at risk. I believe that this vehicle and other GM vehicles with the 3.6 liter engine should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Filed Oct 20, 2019 · 70,000 miles · PA

Suddenly lost navigation system, which also shut down clock and other applications within that system. Had it checked out at two different dealers, they were unable to find the problem. Called gm customer center and was told this is a long standing problem, something to do with the unit being unable to synchronize with new satellites for GPS. Wrote to gm hqs, ot a reply back that "it was being worked", with no expected date for a fix. After doing additional research, found this issue has indeed been happening to this and similar cadillac series vehicles; and that gm has no plan for a fix. I believe this is a safety issue as it occurs randomly and in in the wrong location and wrong situation could sufficiently distract driver to cause an accident. At the least gm should be notifying owners of the problem and potential hazard.

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Airbags · FL

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 putting foot on brake again stops the dinging.

Filed Feb 15, 2019 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac sts. While driving 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact went to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be diagnosed; however, they turned off the check engine indicator. The contact also stated that the timing chain malfunctioned and the vehicle could not exceed 25 MPH. The failure produced error codes 08, 09, 16, 17, 18, and 19. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2019 · Driver assistance · 210,000 miles · MO · crash

My husband backed into a post and it lunched him forward, as far as the brakes weren't working. He enter a building thank god no one was hurt. He was in a parking lot.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Airbags, Suspension · 190,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed May 10, 2018 · Lights · 57,500 miles · MA

My car is exhibiting the same symptoms as the federal safety agency campaign id: 08v108000, recall date: 2008-03-11. However, my VIN: [xxx], is not included in the recall. Summary gm is recalling 4,586 my 2008 cadillac sts and sts-v passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, 'tire pressure monitoring systems' (TPMS). The standard requires an indication to the driver for certain TPMS malfunctions. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light should flash for about one minute and then stay on the remainder of the ignition cycle. A driver information center message will also be displayed on the instrument panel. Intermittently, my car will display a warning while driving, indicating that one or more of the TPMS sensors have failed. The warning persists until the end of the drive cycle. Restarting the car clears the warning. The car is always moving when this occurs. I have replaced both TPMS sensors that had warnings. The repair facility also reset the tmps system for the new sensors to be recognized. However, the problem still persists, even on the replaced sensors. I have attached a copy of an invoice for one of the TPMS sensors in question. I believe that my car should be included in the recall and the dealer should reprogram the system to correct the issue (as with the other cars listed in the recall). Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 14, 2018 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · FL

The same condition as listed in the: 2007 cadillac sts fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump the federal safety agency campaign #14v542000. I had to replace the fuel pump due to the exact same conditions in the 2007 model year recall.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Cadillac STS before you buy

Compare the 2008 Cadillac STS

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Questions about the 2008 Cadillac STS

Is the 2008 Cadillac STS reliable?

Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 2008 Cadillac STS, 4.2 times a typical STS model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2008 Cadillac STS year score?

The 2008 Cadillac STS scores 24 out of 100 (poor). 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 2008 Cadillac STS?

Airbags, with 11 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles. Next is engine (11).

How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac STS have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

Is the 2008 Cadillac STS safe in a crash?

The 2008 Cadillac STS was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 5 out of 5.

What year does the Cadillac STS have bad airbags?

The Cadillac STS model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (57 complaints), 2007 (16 complaints) and 2005 (11 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac STS get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Cadillac STS range from 15 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 26 highway.

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