Model year

2011 Cadillac STS

Sedan, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 11, 2013 to Jan 4, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints7Below the median 2011 sedan
Severity index14.32011 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2011 Cadillac STS peaked in 2014, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.5220132201520172019202120232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

43% of complaints about the 2011 Cadillac STS name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
3
Brakes
2
Lighting
1
Seat belts
1
Steering
1
Speed control
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2011 Cadillac STS

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2011 Cadillac STS

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jan 4, 2025Failure Nov 22, 2024East Cleveland, OHSteering

    The steering wheel became uncontrollable while idle and can't turn the steering wheel without picking up speed. While stopped you can't turn the steering wheel, it's like trying to turn it while the engine is off.

    NHTSA complaint 11634057
  2. Filed Oct 4, 2016Failure Sep 1, 2016Hampstead, NCElectrical system, Service brakes

    WE OWN A 2011 CADILLAC STS. RECENTLY MY WIFE WAS LEAVING FOR WORK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT THE HOUSE SHAKE. MY WIFE WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE PEDAL WAS SO HARD SHE COULD NOT PRESS THE PEDAL DOWN. TO AVOID A CRASH SHE PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE TO KEEP IT FROM GOING INTO THE STREET. ONCE SHE WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE STREET SHE PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT RESPONDING. THATS WHEN OUR HOME BECAME OUR CAR STOPPER. I DROVE THE CAR AFTERWARDS AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL HARD AND WOULD NOT HOLD THE CAR FROM MOVING WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO GEAR. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD TAKE AT LEAST 3 TO 4 HOURS LABOR TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THAT AT $149.99 PER HOUR. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD A VEHICLE IN EARLIER SAYING THE SAME THING AND THEY PRETTY MUCH REPLACED ALL OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE CAR AT THE COST OF OVER $3900.00. THAT IS CRAZY TO ME SO I WENT THROUGH THE CAR MYSELF. I REPLACED ALL BRAKES AND ROTORS, REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID AND BLEED THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM. ALL THAT FOR THE NEXT DAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVE SINCE TRACED THE ELECTRICAL SIDE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THE VACUUM BRAKE ASSIST FUSE UNDER THE HOOD WAS BLOWN. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUSE BUT AS SOON AS YOU HIT THE BRAKE IT BLOWS THE FUSE AGAIN.

    NHTSA complaint 10913653
  3. Filed Aug 3, 2015Failure Aug 3, 201559,000 milesSaint Augustine, FLCruise control

    2011 CADILLAC STS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. *SMD UPDATED 09/17/15*LJ UPDATED 09/21/15.*JB UPDATED 09/22/15*JB

    NHTSA complaint 10744288
  4. Filed May 21, 2015Failure Dec 1, 201220,000 milesPoquoson, VAElectrical system

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILED TO FUNCTION, AND THE BACK UP SENSORS CHIMED WITHOUT ANY OBJECT BEHIND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 7/29/15*CN UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN

    NHTSA complaint 10717697
  5. Filed Aug 23, 2014Failure Jun 12, 201238,000 milesAshdown, ARService brakes

    WHEN I BACKED OUT OF MY CARPORT AND APPLIED MY BRAKES IT WOULDN'T STOP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T MAKE THE CAR DO IT AGAIN. THE BRAKES WHEN I BACK UP STILL DOES NOT STOP MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY, UNTIL I STEP ON BRAKES 3 OR 4 TIMES. THIS IS FRIGHTENING. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT MY BRAKES. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10627767
  6. Filed Mar 17, 2014Failure Mar 11, 201353,000 milesHampton, VAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    DASH LIGHTS FAIL TO COME UP UPON START - SPORADIC IN MARCH 2013, CHRONIC IN NOVEMBER TO PRESENT BACK UP SENSORS MALFUNCTIONING - JANUARY 2014 TO PRESENT POWER WINDOWS GO UP AND DOWN - SPORADIC JAN 2014 CD/RADIO VOLUME EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH AND THEN RE-ADJUSTS ITSELF HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN THEY SHOULD BE ON - 2 OCCURRENCES - FEBRUARY 2014 2 EMISSION WARNING FROM ONSTAR DENIED BY DEALER - JAN - 03/2014 ALARM COMING THROUGH REAR-VIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY - VERY, VERY LOUD AND PERSISTENT - FEBRUARY 2014 I REPORTED SEVERAL OCCURRENCES IN 2013. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE REPORTED CHRONIC OCCURRENCES AGAIN IN NOVEMBER, DECEMBER AND JANUARY AND FEBRUARY - TOLD COULD NOT DIAGNOSE COMPLAINED TO CORPORATE WHO OFFERED TO HAVE CAR DIAGNOSED FOR 99.00; THEN CHARGED ASSIGNED WERE 99.00 PER SYMPTOM - GREAT WAY TO DETER A CUSTOMER TOLD BY CORPORATE THIS PAST WEEK THAT THEY DID NOT SAY THAT AND THAT THE CAR WAS UNFIXABLE. ALSO TOLD I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND ANY CHARGES WERE NOW ON ME. CAN'T FIX SOMETHING NO ONE CAN/WILL ACKNOWLEDGE EXISTS IF CONSUMER DOESN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PURSUE THE MATTER. REFUSAL TO OFFER ANY OTHER SUPPORT FROM CORPORATE. I HAVE SENT IN 3 LETTERS TO CORPORATE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10572730
  7. Filed Jan 11, 2013Failure Oct 24, 2012LOS Angeles, CASeat beltsCrash2 injured

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 48 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND SHOULDER ATTACHMENT DEVICE SEPARATED WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANT TO MOVE FORWARD INTO THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN RIGHT ANKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 01/23/13 *BF....UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF AN INVESTIGATOR WITH THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL SUBMITTED THIS COMPLAINT FORM, NOT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 2/4/2013 *JS UPDATED 2/7/2013 *JS

    NHTSA complaint 10492235
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

1,235 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • PIP4902W Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT3271Q Apr 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • PIP6104 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
  • PIP4902V Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIP4902U Jan 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • 25-NA-156 Jun 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
  • 00-06-01-026R Jun 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
  • PIT5214G Nov 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of Genera…
  • 23-NA-153 May 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
  • 13598 Sep 9, 2025 · Other
    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
  • PIP4902T Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIC5650M Aug 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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, B306…
  • PIP4902S Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIP4964F May 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099. Technician will need to perform an i…
  • PIP5358D Feb 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessm…
  • 22-NA-074 Jan 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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.
  • 21-NA-043 Jan 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
  • PIT5962B Dec 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
  • PIT5074Q Dec 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 probin…
  • 21-NA-043 Nov 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
  • PIP6015 Oct 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
  • 04-06-01-029K Oct 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
  • 10-00-89-009F Oct 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
  • 07-00-89-037T Oct 2, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • 01-06-01-011Q Oct 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
  • 20-NA-132 Oct 3, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
  • 23-NA-219 Sep 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
  • 20-NA-138 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
  • 04-06-04-051J Sep 27, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
  • 04-06-04-051J Sep 27, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
  • PIP4723J Oct 25, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 Rec…
  • 08-07-30-026I Sep 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 v…
  • 18-NA-146 Sep 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
  • 02-00-89-002X Sep 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
  • 18-NA-073 Aug 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
  • 24-NA-174 Aug 27, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
  • 05-03-08-002J Aug 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
  • 05-03-08-002J Aug 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
  • PIT5099H Sep 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 pressu…
  • PIT5099H Sep 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 pressu…
  • PIT3271P Sep 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 …
  • PIC5650L Sep 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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, B306…
  • 16-NA-222 Aug 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
  • 09-06-04-026Y Aug 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
  • 07-06-01-016J Aug 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
  • 05-06-04-022V Aug 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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.
  • 01-06-01-011P Aug 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
  • 01-00-89-010S Aug 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
  • 00-06-01-012N Aug 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
  • 18-NA-306 Aug 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
  • General Communication Aug 26, 2024 · Service Campaign
    Vehicle 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 …
  • PI0754G Jul 31, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
  • 24-NA-141 Jul 24, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GM 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 ca…
  • PIP5569B Aug 13, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel…
  • 16-NA-158 Jul 26, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
  • 99-04-20-002O Jul 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
  • 16-NA-383 Jun 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This 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 reduc…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.