2008 Cadillac STS recalls and problems

The 2008 Cadillac STS has 1 safety recall and 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

6 / 2

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Cadillac STS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Cadillac STS recalls

Recall 08V-108: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 11, 2008 · 4,586 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light should flash for about one minute and then stay on the remainder of the ignition cycle. A driver information center message will also be displayed on the instrument panel.

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.

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://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

2008 Cadillac STS problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	11
Electrical System	9
Engine	9
Power Train	6
Vehicle Speed Control	5
Steering	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4
Fuel/Propulsion System	4
Unknown or Other	4
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Wheels	2

Most reported parts

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Cadillac STS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jun 27, 2025

Dealership had ownership of car and should have replaced the timing chain before selling car to me, which they did not and after time for repairs to be done before time ran out, I had to pay for repairs, causing me be be out $3000+ dollars for repairs should have been covered by the warranty.

Exterior Lighting · at 57,000 miles · reported Jun 24, 2022

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…

Engine · reported Dec 13, 2021

The Cadillac Company sent me a letter several years ago informing me of a premature timing chain wear and the illumination of the Service Engine light. They knew about this defective engine problem but they did not recall the vehicle. Instead they extended the engine warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. I have only 90,000 miles on my vehicle but I've owned it for over 10 years and now the check engine light is illuminated. The Cadillac dealer refuses to extend the warranty. This is a safety issue because if the engine were to fail the driver would also lose power steering and power brakes…

Unknown or Other · at 70,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2019

Suddenly lost navigation system, which also shut down clock and other applications within that system. Had it checked out at two different dealers, they were unable to find the problem. Called GM customer center and was told this is a long standing problem, something to do with the unit being unable to synchronize with new satellites for GPS. Wrote to GM hqs, ot a reply back that "it was being worked", with no expected date for a fix. After doing additional research, found this issue has indeed been happening to this and similar cadillac series vehicles; and that GM has no plan for a fix. I…

Air Bags · reported Jul 9, 2019

Air bag alert says service air bags this should be covered as many of these bags have been recalled. Second problem: when turning off the ignition, it keeps dinging and says put car in park even though it is in park. This dinging noise lasts maybe 10 seconds to a minute. Sometimes shifting or putting foot on brake again stops the dinging.

Other Cadillac STS years

2011 2010 200920082007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Cadillac STS years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Cadillac STS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Cadillac STS: 08V-108 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Cadillac STS?

Owners report air bags problems most often (11 reports), followed by electrical system (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,500 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.