Post
Research the Car Logo

2007 Cadillac STS

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2007 Cadillac STS is a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and style. Engine options include a 3.6L V6 producing 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, a 4.6L Northstar V8 generating 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque (RWD) or 302 horsepower and 304 lb-ft of torque (AWD), and a high-performance 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8 (STS-V only) that puts out 469 horsepower and 439 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 5L40-E). Many owners appreciate the STS for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available technology. However, some common complaints include electrical gremlins, issues with the suspension, and potential problems with the Northstar V8 engine.

Engine

3.6L V6

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or ticking noise, especially on startup. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to timing chain issues. Can lead to reduced engine performance and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

4.6L Northstar V8

  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and/or coolant mixing with oil. This is a well-known issue with the Northstar engine family.
    • Solution: Head gasket replacement. This is a labor-intensive job and can be very expensive.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs. Some owners report consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or less.
    • Solution: In some cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary, which is a major engine repair. Other solutions include using a thicker oil or monitoring the oil level closely.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $5000+ (piston rings), $50 - $100 (oil change with high-mileage oil)
    • Recalls: None Found

4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8 (STS-V only)

  • Supercharger Intercooler Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, especially under boost. Check engine light may illuminate. The intercooler pump circulates coolant to keep the supercharger cool, and failure can lead to overheating and reduced power.
    • Solution: Replacement of the supercharger intercooler pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Hydra-Matic 5L40-E (All Engine Options)

  • Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, especially when cold. May be accompanied by clunking noises.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may help. In some cases, valve body repair or replacement is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid flush), $800 - $1500+ (valve body)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shaking or shuddering sensation, especially at low speeds and under light throttle.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush with a fluid that contains a friction modifier additive. In more severe cases, torque converter replacement may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid flush), $800 - $1500+ (torque converter replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sagging or sitting low. The air compressor may run constantly or not at all.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shocks Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps. Leaking fluid from the shocks. Warning lights may illuminate.
    • Solution: Replacement of the MRC shocks. These shocks are expensive.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (for all four shocks)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery draining overnight or after a short period of inactivity. This can be caused by a faulty module or accessory that is not shutting off properly.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw. This can involve checking various modules and accessories.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or malfunctioning of the navigation or infotainment system. The screen may go blank or display error messages.
    • Solution: Software update or replacement of the navigation/infotainment unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (software update), $500 - $1500+ (unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Stabilitrak/ABS Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The Stabilitrak or ABS warning lights illuminating. Loss of stability control or ABS functionality.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the underlying cause, which could be a faulty wheel speed sensor, steering angle sensor, or ABS module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Seat Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power seat stops working or only partially functions. Common issues include broken motors, stripped gears or wiring problems.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty component (motor, gear, wiring).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture or condensation forming inside the headlight lenses.
    • Solution: Removing the headlights and resealing them. In some cases, headlight replacement is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (resealing), $300 - $800+ (headlight replacement per headlight)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly. Binding, squealing noises when operating the sunroof.
    • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism. In some cases, sunroof motor or track replacement is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 (lubrication), $300 - $800+ (motor or track replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • HVAC Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises from behind the dashboard. Inconsistent or incorrect temperature control.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty HVAC actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (depending on the location and complexity of the repair)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Cadillac STS has several common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most significant concerns relate to the engine, particularly the Northstar V8 with its head gasket and oil consumption problems. The timing chain issues with the 3.6L V6 can also be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical problems are also common, adding to the potential ownership costs. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly, especially those involving the engine or the magnetic ride control suspension. Overall, the 2007 Cadillac STS can be a comfortable and luxurious car, but it is essential to have it thoroughly inspected before purchase to identify and address any potential problems.

Cadillac, STS
Cadillac STS 2007
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.