Model year guide

2008 Cadillac STS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Cadillac STS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 61 on record.

2008 Cadillac STS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Cadillac STS at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints50
Combined19 mpg
Typical price$8,303

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Cadillac STS recalls 1

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #08V108000 · 11/03/2008

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 REMAI…

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> .

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Cadillac STS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Cadillac STS MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,650

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Cadillac STS worth?

Low
$4,600
Typical price
$8,303
High
$11,700

From 61 comparable 2008 Cadillac STS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Cadillac STS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,850
Total$25,100
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,303) with the same model 3 model-years older ($4,194), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Cadillac STS trims & engines on record

Trims
V6 · V8 Luxury
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 4.6L 8-cyl

2008 Cadillac STS vehicles on record

Other Cadillac STS model years

2008 Cadillac STS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Cadillac STS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 Cadillac STS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac STS?

Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac STS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Cadillac STS at about 19 mpg combined (16 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2008 Cadillac STS worth?

Comparable 2008 Cadillac STS listings run roughly $4,600–$11,700, typically around $8,303 (from 61 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.