2011 Cadillac Sts Problems
Used CADILLAC STS shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 7 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Cadillac Sts has 7 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2011 Cadillac Sts Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2011 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. 2 trims analysed.
2011 Cadillac Sts Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Cadillac STS 4 DR AWDOfficial 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 2011 Cadillac Sts has 7 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Sts
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 7
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Cadillac Sts problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Brake System, 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 7 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 1 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.
- 7 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 1 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 2011 Cadillac Sts complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac Sts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 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 2011 Cadillac Sts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The steering wheel became uncontrollable while idle and can't turn the steering wheel without picking up speed. While stopped you can't turn the steering wheel, it's like trying to turn it while the engine is off.
WE OWN A 2011 CADILLAC STS. RECENTLY MY WIFE WAS LEAVING FOR WORK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT THE HOUSE SHAKE. MY WIFE WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE PEDAL WAS SO HARD SHE COULD NOT PRESS THE PEDAL DOWN. TO AVOID A CRASH SHE PUT THE CAR INTO DRI…
2011 CADILLAC STS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. *SMD UPDATED 09/17/15*LJ UPDATED 09/21/15.*JB UPDATED 09/22/15*JB
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 W…
WHEN I BACKED OUT OF MY CARPORT AND APPLIED MY BRAKES IT WOULDN'T STOP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T MAKE THE CAR DO IT AGAIN. THE BRAKES WHEN I BACK UP STILL DOES NOT STOP MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY, UNTIL I STEP ON BRAKES 3 OR 4 TIMES. THIS IS FRIGHTENING. THE …
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 T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 48 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND SHOULDER ATTACHMENT DEVICE SEPARATED WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANT TO MOVE FORWARD INTO THE DEPLOYE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Cadillac Sts.
Safety recalls
2011 Cadillac Sts recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 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
2011 Cadillac Sts buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Cadillac Sts reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 7 owner complaints, 1 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 2011 Cadillac Sts?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (3 complaints). #2: Brake System (2 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Cadillac Sts?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Cadillac Sts?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Cadillac Sts, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 7 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Cadillac Sts have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2011 Cadillac Sts in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2011 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 Electrical Faults 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 2011 Cadillac Sts based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
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.