DecodedCars2011 Cadillac STS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD 3.6 4, 4dr Sedan RWD 3.6
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,973–4,125 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Cadillac STS is a midsize car offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,125 lb (4dr Sedan AWD 3.6 4).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 9% worse than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
- Engine dropped: 4.6L 8-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 STS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD 3.6 4 | 196.5 in | 72.4 in | 57.5 in | 116.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,125 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD 3.6 | 196.5 in | 72.4 in | 57.5 in | 116.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,973 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 423 |
| STS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Cadillac STS.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Cadillac STS (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 BMW 5 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Porsche Panamera | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac STS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Cadillac STS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Cadillac STS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 59,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac STS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other STS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →