Most common 2009 Cadillac STS problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac STS complaints by model year
Best STS years: 2002, 1999, 2003. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005, 2008, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2009 Cadillac STS owners say
Air bags
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. …
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.
Stability & traction control
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. …
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, [phone]). 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.
Brakes
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, [phone]). 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.
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. …
2009 Cadillac STS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Cadillac STS a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 STS rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the STS at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Cadillac STS?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the stability & traction control (5) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 Cadillac STS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Cadillac STS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac STS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 1999 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2005, 2008 and 2007. See the full Cadillac STS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Cadillac STS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.