Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 …
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 NHTSA 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.
I was stopped at a red light and was rear ended by a car going 40. The car started on fire in the rear of the vehicle and burned pretty bad. I have to get a new car due to the significant damage resulting from the fire, I'm just happy my kids weren't with me at the time. I have herniated and bulging discs in my cervical and lumbar, which were found by mri. Not sure what happened with this car but thought it important to let the general public know about it.
The vehicle experiences a Shift-to-Park malfunction in which it does not consistently recognize that it is in Park, despite being physically shifted into the Park position. When this occurs, the vehicle may fail to shut down properly or behaves as if it is not securely in Park. The condition is reproducible and occurs during normal use. The issue first appeared in approximately mid-2024 at an estimated mileage of 80,000-85,000 miles and continues to occur. No crash or collision has occurred. However, the defect involves core powertrain and electrical systems and presents safety concerns related to reliable gear recognition and vehicle shutdown. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
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.
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.
Traveling 81 north in northeast pennsylvania, rounding turn car stalled. I lost complete control of the vehicle which caused me to slam into a guard rail and the car went down an embankment and into a boulder. Air bags never deployed. Passenger and I were severely injured and had to be pulled out of the vehicle. Although we were both buckled in, the seatbelts flew off upon impact. This car should be recalled, it is very dangerous and should not be on the road (its a death trap).
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac STS years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (23), 2006 (21), 2007 (11), 2008 (8) and 1999 (6) model years. Electrical complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Cadillac STS electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (6 mentions), followed by the ignition (3).
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.