Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Cadillac STS. While the driver was driving down a hill into a garage, the brakes failed. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the garage wall. The driver frontal air bag did not deploy. The driver was not injured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. Manufacturer report 696083 was filed. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle will be inspected; however, the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The VIN information was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 20,000.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Cadillac STS. While driving 35 MPH, the contact was involved in a head-on crash and the air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that only the front end was damaged. The vehicle was repaired. The contact informed the dealer that he wanted the vehicle inspected to find out why the air bags failed. The manufacturer was notified. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 10,000.
Air bag on the steering wheel has oozing glue that oozed/leaked out of the airbag and has hardened on outer cover! Lights and radio don't disconnect or turn off when car is turned off and drain battery.
Passenger air bag warning light - dealer will not fix for less than $800.00. Same issue as 2007 Cadillac cts. See below. This was a company car built early for employee evaluation. I am sure it was the same seat system general motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cadillac cts vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which repeated flexing of the passenger sensing system mat in the front passenger seat May cause the mat to kink, bend, or fold. This flexing can break the connections in the mat. If this occurs, the sensor May not detect the presence of a front seat passenger and will disable the air bag.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle causing it to veered off road and crashed into an embankment. The air bags failed to deploy. In addition, the contact stated that the seat belt lock disengaged. The contact and the front passenger sustained permanent brain injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Air bag light constantly stays on, along with the check engine light. Seat belt chime constantly rings with the seat belt connected. Gas low notification light does not come on until on empty. No heated seats. I think the ECM needs to be reset.sun roof goes up but not slides open. Passenger side door won't open.automatic car starter doesn't work. 2 years ago, my son in law, started this car in below zero temp and it started on fire. He put it out and restarted it and it was OK. Something makes noise occasionally for no apparent reason.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac STS years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (57), 2007 (16), 2005 (11), 2008 (11) and 2009 (5) model years. Airbag complaints make up 41% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Cadillac STS airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for any Cadillac STS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac STS airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (6 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (4).
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.