1998 Cadillac STS

○ Not enough data
1998 Cadillac STS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:21.581Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1998: 3 complaints 1998 3 1999: 13 complaints 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 101 complaints 2006: 139 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 15 complaints 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints
1998: 3 complaints 1998 3 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 101 complaints 2005 2006: 139 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2007 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 15 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011
1998: 3 complaints 1998 3 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 101 complaints 2005 2006: 139 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2007 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 15 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011

1998: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19983
199913
200012
200112
20027
20038
20047
2005101
2006139
200752
200850
200915
20104
20117

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Steering

1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-30

Exterior lighting

1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-22

Air bags

1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-29

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Cadillac STS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 1 report on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 1998 Cadillac STS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Cadillac STS?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac STS have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.