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2007 Cadillac STS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Cadillac STS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “StabiliTrak activation and deceleration during turns.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Cadillac STS.

Reported to NHTSA

StabiliTrak activation and deceleration during turns

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

5 NHTSA complaints · 2007-07 → 2014-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640139
“THIS ONE SEEMED TO BE THE MOST DANGEROUS. ON RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE OCCASIONS WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN ON DRY PAVEMENT AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEED AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE MESSAGE OR TRACTION ACTIVE MESSAGE WOULD BE DISPLAYED ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10196143
“THERE ACTUALLY IS NO INCIDENT YET. THE DATE IS BOGUS SO I CAN PROCESS THIS. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH CADILLLAC'S STABILITRAK SYSTEM. APPROXIMATELY 80% OF THE TIME WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS ONLY THE SYSTEM ENGAGES. APPROXIMATELY 50% THE CAR DECELERATES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10234098

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlamp assembly condensation and fogging

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2018-05

“2007 CADILLAC STS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE COMPOSITE HEADLAMPS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WOULD FOG UP. THERE WAS TWO INCHES OF WATER BUILT UP IN THE ASSEMBLY DUE TO CONDENSATION. *JS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11096309
“THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A MAJOR FOGGING ISSUE WHICH LEADS TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY BOTH FOR THE DRIVER OF THE CAR AND FOR OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THIS ISSUE IS BEING REPORTED IN STS AND CTS CADILLAC FORUMS AT LEAST AS FAR BACK AS 2008”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664003
“#1 THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN CHICAGO ON DECEMBER 22, 2009. THE ODOMETER READ 29,832 MILES. WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVEN BACK TO MARYLAND, A MARYLAND VEHICLE INSPECTION WAS REQUIRED. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED THE INSPECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10505058

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential seal failure causing brake lock-up

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2008-02 → 2008-06

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC CTS V-SERIES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN WET CONDITIONS, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE TURNED LEFT AND STRUCK A CURB. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10219373
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL SEAL DID NOT MEET GM'S SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2007 MODEL STS. THE VEHICLE DRAGGED DURING ACCELERATION. WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE DIFFERENTIAL JAMMED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10220798
“I WAS LEAVING GREENVILLE, S.C.AND THE LEFT SIDE BRAKES LOCK AND PULLED ME INTO THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC AND I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THE CAR FREE ROLLED FOR A SHORT DISTANCE WHILE I GOT BACK IN MY LANE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10231488

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank leak under recall campaign 14V542000

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2018-11

“NHTSA CAMPAIGN #14V542000, RECALL ID #226957 - FUEL SYSTEM ISSUES, EFFECTIVE 03/12/2015. NOTIFIED BY CREDIT KARMA ON SUNDAY, 11/04/2018. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2011. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK THE NIGHT BEFORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150999
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V542000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10694064

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window spontaneous shattering

VISIBILITY

2 NHTSA complaints · 2007-11 → 2008-01

“07 CADILLAC STS - REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON TURNPIKE. NOTHING STRUCK THE GLASS. THE NOISE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD AND I ALMOST WENT OUT OF CONTROL. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS SHOULD REALLY BE A GM RECALL AND NOT A TSB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10216336
“THE REAR WINDOW OF MY CADILLAC STS SHATTERED WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. NOTHING STRUCK THE WINDOW; IT SHATTERED OF ITS OWN ACCORD. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10210375

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger air bag warning light from sensing system fault

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2007-08 → 2019-09

“PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT - DEALER WILL NOT FIX FOR LESS THAN $800.00. SAME ISSUE AS 2007 CADILLAC CTS. SEE BELOW. THIS WAS A COMPANY CAR BUILT EARLY FOR EMPLOYEE EVALUATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809840
“WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND EXIT THE CAR RE-ENTER RE-SEAT MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER(WIFE) SEVERAL TIMES. SOMETIMES THE ERROR GOES AWAY AND SOMETIME IT DOES NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10515284
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN SOMEONE OF A HEAVIER WEIGHT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10199013

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall or no-start from electrical system fault

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2006-12 → 2016-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903056
“10/27/06 MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS & REFUSAL TO EXCEED 40MPH, DUE TO LOW VOLTAGE/LOW AMPS ON BATTERY CAUSING COMMUNICATION ERRORS W MULTI MODULES, NEW BATTERY INSTALLED. SUMMERS 2008 & 2010 REFUSAL TO TURN OVER EVEN W KEYFOB IN SLOT, TOWED, NEW BATTERY INST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10578248
“VEHICLE FAILED TO START THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW AND HAD COMPLETE SHUT OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ONCE. SINCE THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, CADILLAC DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE WITHOUT REPRODUCING PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10175876

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration resulting in crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-02 → 2014-06

“I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. I STARTED GOING UP THE DRIVEWAY, I FELT THE CAR LURCH FOREWARD. I THOUGHT I WAS SLAMMING ON THE BRAKE, BUT HIT THE GAS INSTEAD. THE CAR CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE MOVING THE CONCRETE BLOCK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I BROKE MY NECK AT C4 AND C5”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10597698
“MY WIFE WENT TO THE LOCAL GAS STATION AND AS SHE WAS PULLING IN SHE MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN PAST THE PUMPS TO PARK. SHE HIT THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SPED UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10533919
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AS SHE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10380134

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

21 crashes 1990–2024

How the 21 occupant deaths break down

18

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

21

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Cadillac STS reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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