Most common 2011 Cadillac STS problems
Share of the 7 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 2011 Cadillac STS owners say
Electrical 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 updated 10/17/2017
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 …
2011 Cadillac STS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Cadillac STS a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 STS rates average: 27% fewer complaints than 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 2011 Cadillac STS?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and seat belts (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac STS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Cadillac STS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 50% 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.