Before you buy
This 2009 Cadillac Sts has 15 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Cadillac Sts Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2009 Cadillac Sts trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2009 Cadillac Sts Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Cadillac Sts has 15 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Sts
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 15
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Cadillac Sts problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Cadillac Sts?
This CADILLAC STS year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Cadillac Sts
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Cadillac Sts, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The CADILLAC STS has 15 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.
- 15 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2009 Cadillac Sts complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Cadillac Sts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Cadillac Sts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The known timing chain issue GM done a warranty for to fix it but won’t fix it now. My car is running sluggish because of it and had numerous times that it wouldn’t go up to the speed limit almost caused accidents because of it and I’m afraid to even drive it anymore knowing that…
WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF WATER WILL CAUSE THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER TO ENGAGE AND IT DOES NOT GO OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS SAT FOR A LONG AMOUNT OF TIME. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. FIRST THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN YOU LOSE POWER. 3RD ROW LED TAILLIGHT OUT... …
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.
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 AN…
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 VEHICL…
TAKATA RECALL. PASSENGER SEAT, PASSENGER DETECT SENSOR (PPS) STOPPED WORKING. NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE. PASSENGER PRESENT LIGHT SAYS, PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF. AIR BAG DASH LIGHT ALWAYS ON. I CHECKED WIRING UNDER THE SEAT AND CAN NOT VISUALLY SEE ANY DAMAGE TO THE WIRING GOING TO THE SEA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE STABILITY SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING DRIVING. THE VEHICL…
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 …
I PURCHASED A 2009 STS IN AUGUST OF 2014. I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE WHEEL BEARING HUBS GOING BAD. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT. THE FRONT LEFT SIDE HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICE IN A 13 MONTH PERIOD. UNFORTUNATELY THE PART ONLY HAS A 1 YEAR WARRANTY. I'VE ALSO HAD THE RIGHT REAR CHAN…
STARTED CAR TO PULL OUT OF GARAGE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED AND NEW MODULE NEEDS CHANGING AT COST OF $900.00.
SINCE MAY 2015, GOING DOWN THE ROAD THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON, THEN AGAIN IN JUNE 2015 GOING DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN AND STAYS ON. ONCE AGAIN , IN JULY LIGHTS COMES BACK ON AND STAYS ON HAS NOT GONE OUT AS OF 21 JULY 2015.. WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN 2014 WITH ONLY 1…
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY STIFF AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. ON THE (DIC) DRIVERS INFORMATION CENTER THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED " SERVICE STEERING SYS" WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR AND LET IT COOL DOWN, NORMAL STEERING RETURNED. THIS PRO…
THE CAR SIMPLY MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I COULD NOT STEER, BRAKE OR ACCELERATE. THE GEARS WERE CORRODED AND AS A RESULT THE GEAR SHIFT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THE CAR HAS 47,000 AND IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND I WAS TOLD THAT GM DID NOT PUT A …
2009 CADILLAC STS LOST ALL OR MOST BRAKE FLUID. THIS CAR HAS SLIGHTLY OVER 22000 MILES. MULTIPLE WARNINGS ON PANEL. DEALER FOUND THAT THE LEFT REARF BRAKE CALIPER WAS LEAKING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE AT THE POINT WHERE THE BRAKE HOSE CONNECTS. CALIPER AND HOSE WERE REPLACED UNDER WA…
ON SEPT 17, 2009 AS I ROLLED TO A STOP IN A PARKING LOT, I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE CAR, WHICH WAS FOUR FEET FROM A BRICK BUILDING, SUDDENLY LURCHED AHEAD. THE CAR HIT THE BRICK WALL, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT RETURN TO IDLE UNTIL I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHAT HAD HAP…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Cadillac Sts.
Safety recalls
2009 Cadillac Sts recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Cadillac Sts. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Cadillac Sts buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Cadillac Sts reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 15 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. This CADILLAC STS year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Cadillac Sts?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #2: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (4 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Cadillac Sts?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Cadillac Sts?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Cadillac Sts, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 15 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Cadillac Sts have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2009 Cadillac Sts in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2009 Cadillac Sts?▾
This CADILLAC STS year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Sts reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Cadillac Sts based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.