Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac STS vs FORD F 150
How the Cadillac STS and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac STS vs FORD F 150: The STS averaged 53 complaints per year over 7 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The F-150 had 330 crash-related complaints and 151 recalls, versus 47 and 10 for the STS. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac STS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac STS
The Cadillac STS is a luxury sedan that averaged about 53 complaints per year over seven years, with air bags, electrical system, engine, and power train as the most common trouble spots. Owners report persistent air bag warnings, sporadic electrical glitches like dash lights failing and power windows acting up, and timing chain wear on the 3.6L engine. The complaint pattern suggests a car that can be pleasant to drive but demands attention to aging electronics and mechanical wear.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated roughly 1,162 complaints per year over ten years, with power train and electrical system issues dominating. Owners frequently describe transmission problems such as limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures, as well as electrical faults like rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. The volume of complaints and recalls indicates a truck with widespread, recurring problems that can affect daily use and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac STS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 371 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac STS
- 01AIR BAGS101
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
- 03ENGINE47
- 04POWER TRAIN44
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM31
Owners report the service air bag light staying on, sometimes requiring them to shut off the car and reseat themselves and passengers to clear the error. This matters because a persistent air bag warning may mean the system is disabled and won't deploy in a crash.
Complaints include dash lights failing to come on, backup sensors malfunctioning, power windows moving on their own, and a hard brake pedal that made stopping difficult. These electrical gremlins can affect safety and are often intermittent, making them hard to diagnose.
The 3.6L engine has reports of timing chain failure under 30,000 miles, with GM acknowledging premature wear under certain driving conditions and extended oil change intervals. A failed timing chain can cause major engine damage, so buyers should check for service records.
Owners describe a shift-to-park malfunction where the car doesn't recognize it's in Park, and the gear shifter can lock in Park. This can prevent the car from shutting down properly or moving, leaving you stranded.
“. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME OWNING A CADILLAC AND I MUST SAY I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! IT IS A 2007 STS SO IT IS OLDER BUT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH ONLY AROUND 65,000 MILES ON IT. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN VERY RECENTLY DISAPPOINTED BY THE SERVICE RESPONSE FROM MY AIRBA…”
“WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND EXIT THE CAR RE-ENTER RE-SEAT MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER(WIFE) SEVERAL TIMES. SOMETIMES THE ERROR GOES AWAY AND SOMETIME IT DOES NOT. THIS CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS THE 20…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission issues like limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These problems can happen while driving and have led to near collisions, making them a serious safety concern.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission operation and a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can disable safety features and lead to costly repairs.
Owners report a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to explode outward, with no external impact. This is a severe safety hazard because it can happen unexpectedly and shower glass into the cabin.
While specific complaint text isn't provided, exterior lighting is a top component with many complaints, suggesting frequent bulb failures or wiring issues that can affect visibility and safety.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac STS — 10 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module…
The risk: If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
The risk: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-9…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 4,586 MY 2008 CADILLAC STS AND STS-V PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, 'TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS' (TPMS). THE STANDARD REQUIRES AN INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FOR CERTAIN TPMS MALFUNCTIONS. WHEN THE S…
The risk: THESE INDICATIONS OF A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION DO NOT WORK. PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK RECEIVER MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://W…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
The risk: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-9…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac STS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Cadillac STS has far fewer issues per year (about 53 complaints annually) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162 complaints annually). In practice, this means the STS owner may deal with fewer overall problems, but the F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity and a wider range of reported failures, including serious transmission and electrical defects.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Cadillac STS has 371 in 7 years, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the F-150.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden power loss, whereas STS power train complaints center on shift-to-park recognition issues.
- The STS has air bag complaints as its top category, with warnings that may disable the system, while the F-150's top category is power train, with more crash-related complaints (330 vs 47).
- Both have electrical issues, but the F-150 includes a rear window defroster short that shattered glass, a severe safety defect not reported for the STS.
- Check for a persistent air bag warning light; if it stays on, the air bags may not deploy in a crash.
- Listen for timing chain rattle on start-up and ask for proof of oil changes, as the 3.6L engine is prone to premature timing chain wear.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission limp mode, stuck gears, or delayed engagement, which are common lead frame and transmission complaints.
- Inspect the rear window defroster operation and look for any signs of overheating or prior shattering, as a short can cause the glass to explode.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the F-150's transmission and air bag recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the air bag system on the STS and the transmission on the F-150 before purchase.
- Ask for maintenance records, particularly oil change intervals for the STS and transmission service for the F-150.
- Test all electrical features: windows, lights, backup sensors, and defroster, noting any intermittent failures.
- During a test drive, simulate parking and shifting to Park on the STS, and accelerate to highway speeds on the F-150 to check for limp mode.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac STS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac STS vs FORD F 150
- Cadillac STS total complaints
- 371
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Cadillac STS total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Cadillac STS avg complaints/year
- 53.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac STS
- Cadillac STS top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN