2009 Cadillac STS

2009 Cadillac STS

The 2009 Cadillac STS is a midsize luxury sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8, and a 5.7-liter V8. The STS was also available with either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.

Owners of the 2009 Cadillac STS have reported a number of issues with their vehicles, including:

Engine

3.6L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. This can lead to a loss of engine power, rough idling, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. This can lead to severe engine damage if not repaired promptly.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L V8

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some STS models with the 4.6L V8 engine have been reported to consume excessive amounts of oil. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Monitor oil consumption and add oil as needed. In severe cases, the engine may need to be rebuilt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L V8

• Valve Seat Recession
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve seats in the 5.7L V8 engine can become recessed, causing the valves to not seal properly. This can lead to a loss of compression and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the valve seats.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip when shifting gears, causing a loss of power and drivability.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter may fail, causing the transmission to shudder or vibrate. This can also lead to a loss of power and drivability.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch may fail, causing the vehicle to be unable to move. This can also lead to a loss of power and drivability.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: The control arm bushings can wear out, causing the suspension to become loose and unstable. This can lead to poor handling and increased tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The strut mount can fail, causing the strut to become loose and unstable. This can also lead to poor handling and increased tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain prematurely, even when the vehicle is not in use. This can lead to the vehicle being unable to start.
  • Solution: Test the battery and electrical system for a parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to not charge. This can lead to the vehicle being unable to start.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles can break, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlights may accumulate condensation, which can impair visibility at night.
  • Solution: Replace the headlights or use a dehumidifier to remove the moisture.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Panel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument panel may fail, causing the gauges and displays to not work properly.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat motor may fail, causing the seat to not move properly.
  • Solution: Replace the seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2009 Cadillac STS has received mixed reviews from owners. Some owners have reported experiencing a number of serious issues with their vehicles, while others have been very satisfied with their STS. The severity and cost of the problems can vary widely, so it is important to do your research before purchasing a used STS.