1998 Cadillac Sts problems

General information about Cadillac-Sts
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Cadillac STS (Seville Touring Sedan) is a mid-sized luxury 4-door sedan manufactured and marketed by General Motors from 2004 to 2011 for the 2005 to 2011 model years. A version of the STS was marketed in China as the SLS through 2013.

It was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control.

Origins

The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville, which beginning in 1987 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville Touring Sedan) version.

While smaller than the full-size DTS, the more expensive STS was the flagship sedan of the Cadillac brand.

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Common 1998 Cadillac Sts problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1998 Cadillac Seville STS, several common problems have been identified:

Anti-Theft System Malfunction:
- - Description: The anti-theft system can fail, leading to the vehicle refusing to start.
  - Replacement Cost: $172 - $206.

Heating and Cooling System Issues:
- - Description: A/C or heater malfunctions due to failing door actuators, leading to issues with the heating and cooling system.
  - Diagnosis Cost: $53 - $67.

Ignition Lock Cylinder Problems:
- - Description: Wires in the steering column connecting to the ignition lock cylinder can break, triggering the anti-theft system and causing the vehicle not to start.
  - Replacement Cost: $145 - $173.

Cooling System Leaks and Overheating:
- - Description: Water pump or radiator leaks can lead to engine overheating and potentially a blown head gasket.
  - Repair Costs: Varies depending on the severity of the issue.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
- - Description: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing intermittent engine stalling.
  - Replacement Cost: $218 - $304.

These common problems with the 1998 Cadillac Seville STS highlight various issues that owners may encounter, ranging from electrical and mechanical failures to heating and cooling system malfunctions. Addressing these problems promptly can help maintain the performance and reliability of the vehicle.

Is the Cadillac STS reliable?

The 2006 Cadillac STS receives an average consumer rating of 4.5 overall and a 4.5 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

What does STS stand for in a Cadillac?

The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville, which beginning in 1987 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville Touring Sedan) version. While smaller than the full-size DTS, the more expensive STS was the flagship sedan of the Cadillac brand.

What year was the last Cadillac STS made?

2011

At the heart of Cadillac STS (discontinued in 2011) performance was an advanced 302-hp direct injection V6 engine and Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control, which allowed manual shifting without the use of a clutch pedal.

Is the Cadillac STS front wheel drive or rear wheel drive?

Overview

Model:	Cadillac STS
Body style / driveline:	luxury four-door performance sedan with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Construction:	unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension assembly

Is the Cadillac STS reliable?

The 2006 Cadillac STS receives an average consumer rating of 4.5 overall and a 4.5 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

What kind of engine is in a Cadillac STS?

3.6 L V6

The standard powertrain was a direct-injected 3.6 L V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which in the STS produced 302 hp (225 kW) and 272 lb⋅ft (369 N⋅m) of torque.

When did Cadillac stop making the STS?

2011

What is the top speed of the Cadillac STS?

Performance

0 - 100 kph	8.2 s
Top speed	231 kph (144 mph)

1998 Cadillac Sts car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Sts problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Air bags problems
Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Cadillac Sts vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Cadillac Sts complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Cadillac Sts.

2014-05-30

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-04-01
VIN: 1G6KS54Y8WU
Components: STEERING
Summary: DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS (THANKFULLY BOTH AT SLOW SPEEDS) STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT BE TURNED (LOCKED UP HEADING LEFT). SHE WAS ABLE TO GUIDE VEHICLE TO STOP WITHOUT INJURY. SHE TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND RESTARTED AND STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES ALL CADILLAC MODELS OF THIS VINTAGE AND SOME NEWER ARE EXPERIENCING THIS STEERING PROBLEM. HOWEVER, NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED. THIS IS THE LAST GM PRODUCT WE WILL EVER PURCHASE. *TR

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2011-03-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-02-08
VIN: 1G6KY5492WU
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: THE MAIN AIR BAG FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SET OFF WITH THE CAR RUNNING AND IN PARK. THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING NOR WAS THERE ANY COLLISION TO SET OFF THE AIR BAG. LATER INVESTIGATION BY CADILLAC/GM DETERMINED FAULTY SENSORS THAT CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY IMPROPERLY WHICH CREATED/CREATES A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

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2010-06-22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-06-19
VIN: 1G6KY5494WU
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: AFTER A POLICE STOP FOR HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT INOPERATIVE, I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A 100% FAILURE RATE FOR THIS 3RD BRAKE LIGHT IN CADILLAC VEHICLES. MINE IS A 1998 STS, NOW WITH 80K MILES. IT IS NOT SIMPLY A BULB REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT IS A SEALED LED UNIT AND IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. THE UNIT IS SUBJECT TO WATER DAMAGE. THE PRICE FOR THE PART ALONE IS OVER $800. RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTED ON 1992 - 1997 VEHICLES, AND THEN AGAIN ON 1998 - 2001 CADILLAC VEHICLES WITH 100% FAILURE RATE, NO REPAIR IS POSSIBLE OTHER THAN REPLACING THE $800 PART. THE CADILLAC DIVISION OF GM SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE UNITS. *TR

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Cadillac Sts problems:

1998 STS - are there inherent problems? | Cadillac Owners Forum

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1998-sts-are-there-inherent-problems.35182/

Mar 23, 2005 ... I bought my 98 STS in '01 as a Cadillac Certified used car and have few problems. I agree that you want to do cooling system maintenance: drain ...

1998 Cadillac Seville Problems and Complaints - 73 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1998-cadillac-seville/problems

Problem with your 1998 Cadillac Seville? Our list of 73 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Cadillac Seville.

Thinking about buying a 98-03 STS | Cadillac Owners Forum

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/thinking-about-buying-a-98-03-sts.185764/

Nov 26, 2009 ... The bulk of the problems were covered above: suspension, ABS module, head gasket, occasional oil leaks and oil consumption (yeah is by design, ...

Q&A: Cadillac STS 2000 - Common Problems & Solutions

https://www.justanswer.com/cadillac/7zb47-cadillac-seville-sts-2000-cadillac-seville-sts.html

Sep 6, 2013 ... We have a 2000 Cadillac Seville STS with an overheating problem. We can drive it 16-20 miles with no problem. After - Answered by a verified ...