2001 Cadillac Sts Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Cadillac Sts, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering317.6%
- Brakes211.8%
- Engine211.8%
- Driver assistance211.8%
- Body & structure211.8%
- Seat belts15.9%
- Tires & wheels15.9%
- Electrical15.9%
- Fuel system15.9%
- Interior & seats15.9%
- Exterior lighting15.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE REAR SEAT CUSHION ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S SERVICE MANUAL. THE PLASTIC REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME CRACKED AND FAILED NEAR THE CLIPS. THE DEALER ORDERED THE REAR SEAT FRAME; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS. THE REAR SEAT CANNOT BE USED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200. UPDATED 05/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT, E-BRAKE WHICH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE UPPER COWL ENGINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE BODY PANEL OVER THE RADIATOR WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE PLASTICS FASTENERS ON THE LOWER FRONT DEFLECTOR OR SPLASH SHIELD. UPDATED 05/28/08
1.CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT END, CONTINUOUS PLAY IN FRONT END. 2.HIGH SPEED SHAKE OR VIBRATION. 3.REPEATED DEALER FIXES FAIL TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE REAR SEAT CUSHION ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S SERVICE MANUAL. THE PLASTIC REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME CRACKED AND FAILED NEAR THE CLIPS. THE DEALER ORDERED THE REAR SEAT FRAME; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS. THE REAR SEAT CANNOT BE USED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200. UPDATED 05/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT, E-BRAKE WHICH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE UPPER COWL ENGINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE BODY PANEL OVER THE RADIATOR WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE PLASTICS FASTENERS ON THE LOWER FRONT DEFLECTOR OR SPLASH SHIELD. UPDATED 05/28/08
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE REAR SEAT CUSHION ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S SERVICE MANUAL. THE PLASTIC REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME CRACKED AND FAILED NEAR THE CLIPS. THE DEALER ORDERED THE REAR SEAT FRAME; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS. THE REAR SEAT CANNOT BE USED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200. UPDATED 05/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT, E-BRAKE WHICH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE UPPER COWL ENGINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE BODY PANEL OVER THE RADIATOR WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE PLASTICS FASTENERS ON THE LOWER FRONT DEFLECTOR OR SPLASH SHIELD. UPDATED 05/28/08
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CRUISE CONTROL, SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER BEING SET. *TR
2001 CADILLAC STS WITH STABILITY SYSTEM CONCERNS CUSTOMER STATES THAT ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASE THE PROBLEM STARTED**CC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD A SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET. BRACKET IS A POT METAL PIECE AND IN MY ANECDOTAL RESEARCH, IT HAS FAILED WITH EXCESSIVE FREQUENCY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE REAR SEAT CUSHION ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S SERVICE MANUAL. THE PLASTIC REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME CRACKED AND FAILED NEAR THE CLIPS. THE DEALER ORDERED THE REAR SEAT FRAME; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS. THE REAR SEAT CANNOT BE USED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200. UPDATED 05/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT, E-BRAKE WHICH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE UPPER COWL ENGINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE BODY PANEL OVER THE RADIATOR WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE PLASTICS FASTENERS ON THE LOWER FRONT DEFLECTOR OR SPLASH SHIELD. UPDATED 05/28/08
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CALLER DOES NOT HAVE A DEFECT IN VEHICLE. HE HAS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THE BACK SEAT BELT. HE CALLER SAID THAT WHEN HE PUT GRANDCHILD, WHO IS HANDICAPPED, IN THE CHILD SEAT AND TRIED TO USE THE SEAT BELT IT WOULD NOT STAY TIGHT. THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE BECAUSE THE CHILD WAS GETTING BIGGER AND HEAVIER. THE CALLER SAID IT WAS NOT A RATCHET SEAT BELT SYSTEM. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR FREE. HE WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT MAKE THE RATCHET SEAT BELT SYSTEM FOR THAT VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC STS EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE RADIAL TIRES, SIZE T125/70R/16 AND DOT: HYW6H5D2100E4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE HAD EXPLODED WHILE IN THE TRUNK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DECLINE TO REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE REAR SEAT CUSHION ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S SERVICE MANUAL. THE PLASTIC REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME CRACKED AND FAILED NEAR THE CLIPS. THE DEALER ORDERED THE REAR SEAT FRAME; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS. THE REAR SEAT CANNOT BE USED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200. UPDATED 05/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT, E-BRAKE WHICH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE UPPER COWL ENGINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE BODY PANEL OVER THE RADIATOR WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE PLASTICS FASTENERS ON THE LOWER FRONT DEFLECTOR OR SPLASH SHIELD. UPDATED 05/28/08
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SRS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING AND SWOOSHING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS BROKEN. THE TECHNICIANS ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE A LETTER INDICATING THAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THAT YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BUT DID NOT WANT TO PROVIDE THAT IN WRITING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. HE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE REAR SEAT CUSHION ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S SERVICE MANUAL. THE PLASTIC REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME CRACKED AND FAILED NEAR THE CLIPS. THE DEALER ORDERED THE REAR SEAT FRAME; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS. THE REAR SEAT CANNOT BE USED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,200. UPDATED 05/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT, E-BRAKE WHICH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE UPPER COWL ENGINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PLASTIC FASTENERS ON THE BODY PANEL OVER THE RADIATOR WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE PLASTICS FASTENERS ON THE LOWER FRONT DEFLECTOR OR SPLASH SHIELD. UPDATED 05/28/08
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALER TRIED TO REPLACE THE BALLAST, BUT THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT FIT. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER IS PLANNING TO MANUFACTURE A SPECIAL PART OF THEIR OWN DESIGN IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 4/06/2006 - *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .