Research · Midsize Cars
2010 Cadillac STSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2010 Cadillac STS. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (1) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 Cadillac STS as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2010 – Jun 2016
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Electrical system1
- Structure1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Exterior lighting1
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 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report
“FUEL LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD TO TOW TO DEALER DUE TO FREIGHTING EXPERIENCE OF POSSIBLE FIRE AND INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. DEALER STATED COST WOULD BE A MIN. 1000 DOLLARS WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE FUEL TANK TO ACCESS PROBLEM AND STATED A TWO DAY WAIT ON PARTS TO REPAIR ..CAR HAS 16000 MI ON IT. WHAT A TRIAMINIC EXPERIENCE.”
Electrical system
1 report
“PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP FAILED AFTER CONDENSATION BUILD UP IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I HAVE THE HID HEADLAMPS AND CHANGED THE BULBS CHECKED ALL THE FUSES AND RELAYS BUT IT STILL WILL NOT WORK CONSISTENTLY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND IT WAS NOT COVERED AS BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AT 53000 MILES. THE COST IS $1695 THEY SAID THE LIGHT FAILED BECAUSE THE SEAL IS BAD AND THIS ALLOWED CONDENSATION TO BUILD UP. I CHECKED AROUND AND NOTICED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR CADILLAC SRX 2010 MODEL YEAR AND NEW OWNERS. SINCE THE PROBLEM IS SO WIDE SPREAD IT SEEMS MORE LIKE AN ENGINEERING DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED EITHER BY A RECALL OR AN EXTENSION IN THE WARRANTY. SEEMS UNFAIR TO MAKE THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS.”
Structure
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 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 · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular 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 29, 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 | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| STS AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| STS Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| STS AWD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 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 2010 Cadillac STS as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 5661
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.
2010 STS questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Cadillac STS have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 Cadillac STS problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (1), electrical system (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Cadillac STS get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Cadillac STS at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026