Research · Midsize Cars
2011 Cadillac STSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac STS. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and service brakes (2). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
7
Top: electrical 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 2011 Cadillac STS as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2013 – Jan 2025
- Electrical system3
- Service brakes2
- Steering1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Exterior lighting1
- Seat belts1
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
Electrical system
3 reports
“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 DRIVE TO KEEP IT FROM GOING INTO THE STREET. ONCE SHE WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE STREET SHE PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT RESPONDING. THATS WHEN OUR HOME BECAME OUR CAR STOPPER. I DROVE THE CAR AFTERWARDS AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL HARD AND WOULD NOT HOLD THE CAR FROM MOVING WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO GEAR. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD TAKE AT LEAST 3 TO 4 HOURS LABOR TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THAT AT $149.99 PER HOUR. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD A VEHICLE IN EARLIER SAYING THE SAME THING AND THEY PRETTY MUCH REPLACED ALL OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE CAR AT THE COST OF OVER $3900.00. THAT IS CRAZY TO ME SO I WENT THROUGH THE CAR MYSELF. I REPLACED ALL BRAKES AND ROTORS, REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID AND BLEED THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM. ALL THAT FOR THE NEXT DAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAVE SINCE TRACED THE ELECTRICAL SIDE…”
Service brakes
2 reports
“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 DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT MY BRAKES. *TR”
Steering
1 report
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-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 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg 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
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Cadillac STS as of Oct 29, 2026.
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.
2011 STS questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac STS have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Cadillac STS problems?
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), service brakes (2), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Cadillac STS get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Cadillac STS at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026