Research · Midsize Cars
2009 Cadillac STSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2009 Cadillac STS. Most complaints involve air bags (5) and electronic stability control (esc) (4). The EPA rates it 17–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
15
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Cadillac STS as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
15 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2010 – Apr 2026
- Air bags5
- Electronic stability control (esc)4
- Steering3
- Engine2
- Service brakes2
- Electrical system1
- Exterior lighting1
- Traction control system1
- Vehicle speed control1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
5 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
4 reports1 crash
“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... 400 TO FIX. PURCHASED IN MARCH OF 2018 WITH 93K MILES. CURRENTLY AT 104K.”
Steering
3 reports1 crash
“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 AND MOISTURE. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE BODY SHOP THE NEW HEADLIGHTS HAVE HAD THAT SAME PROBLEM. THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT, AND THERE IS A MESSAGE DISPLAYED INDICATING THEY NEEDED SERVICE. IT WAS NEVER ADDRESSED BY THE BODY SHOP. ALSO PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE STEERING HAD AN ISSUE CAUSING PAIN TO MY SHOULDER. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS WRONG AFTER THE STEERING SERVICE LIGHT REMAINED AFTER A GEAR REPLACEMENT AND THE SAME ISSUE CAUSED PAIN. TIME PASSED AND THE SHOULDER GOT WORSE. THERE HAS BEEN 2 WHEEL SENSORS WITH ISSUES. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SPECIAL WARRANTY FOR THE TIMING BELT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. I AM ALSO NOW HAVING ISSUES WITH THE COMPUTER SCREEN. I CANNOT CHANGE THE TIME ANYMORE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| STS AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| STS Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| STS AWD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Cadillac STS as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 5098
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2009 STS questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Cadillac STS have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Cadillac STS problems?
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (5), electronic stability control (esc) (4), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Cadillac STS get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Cadillac STS at 17–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026