DecodedCars2008 Cadillac STS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Cadillac STS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 26 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 STS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 STS →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $3,350 | 444 |
| STS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $3,350 | 444 |
| STS | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| STS AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Cadillac STS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Cadillac STS (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Cadillac STS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Cadillac STS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Cadillac STS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 96,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Cadillac STS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other STS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →