Engine
3.6L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 100 of 101 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 77 of 101 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
23 complaint records3 fire reports3 crash reports
"WAS DRIVING LOW BEAM LIGHTS WENT OUT SMELLED WIRES BURNING LEFT SIDE WIRE HARNESS WAS MELTING I WAS ON MY WAY HOME ON HIGHWAY 51 NORTH AT AROUND D 10:45 IN THE EVENING..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
22 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"WITHOUT WARNING MY TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING . I CAN MOVE THE GREER WITH OUT IT COLLECTING ANY GREER . NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT NOTHING . I PULLED THE PARKING LOT AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT STREET ...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
19 complaint records1 crash report
"WENT OUTSIDE TO DRIVE THE CAR BEGIN TO DRIVE OFF AS I WAS DRIVING A BIG BALL OF SMOKE CAME OUT THE TAIL PIPE AND SOUNDED AS IF SOMETHING BROKE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. THE CAR WOULD NOT RE START. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE07037 opened Jul 2007 | closed Dec 2007 | Power Train | FAILURE OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL - led to recall 07V589000 ODI EVALUATED TWO DIFFERENT ALLEGED DEFECTS INVOLVING REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS DURING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL TO ADDRESS ONE OF THE DEFECT CONDITIONS AND ODI HAS OPENED AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO CONTINUE ITS INVESTIGATION OF... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07V589000 | Power Train | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK. | Normally free |
| 06V125000 | Suspension | CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD. | Normally free |
| 06V020000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL LOW INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE WARNING CHIME. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008145 2008-05-01 | Other | 1,825 | Certain vehicles fail to conform with CMVSS 118 - Power-operated Roof Panels. The subject vehicles may exhibit a condition where the sunroof can be closed after the ignition is turned off and the doors are opened. |
| 2007417 2007-12-19 | Powertrain | 20,052 | On certain vehicles, the drive axle differential seal may leak (note that all-wheel drive vehicles have two seals). Reduced lubrication may cause the differential to become noisier. |
| 2006086 2006-04-19 | Suspension | 613 | On certain vehicles, an inadequate weld could cause the left or right rear suspension toe link assembly to separate. |
| 2006016 2006-01-23 | Fuel System | 1,137 | On certain vehicles, fuel starvation may cause the engine to stall when fuel level is less than ¼ tank. This condition occurs without the illumination of the Fuel Level Low indicator light or the warning chime. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP5601C Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| PIP4964F May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099. | |
| PIP5358D Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| PIT5074Q Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723J Oct 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIT5099H Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 02-00-89-002X Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| PIT3271P Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 01-06-01-011P Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 24-NA-141 Jul 2024 | Power Train | GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. | |
| 16-NA-383 Jun 2024 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 08-07-30-035H May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 09-00-89-008G May 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. | |
| 13-08-116-001J Apr 2024 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 10-08-45-001H Mar 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. | |
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 16-NA-338 Feb 2024 | Power Train | This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper... | |
| 18-NA-099 Jan 2024 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 02-08-42-001J Jan 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Power Train | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| PIP5601B Jan 2024 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. | |
| PIT5074P Dec 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| 23-NA-219 Dec 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories. | |
| 03-00-91-001I Nov 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns. | |
| PIP4964E Oct 2023 | Electronic Stability Control | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099. | |
| 01-06-01-011O Oct 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 02-00-89-002W Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| 10-00-89-006J Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| PIT5099G Sep 2023 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 07-08-49-020R Sep 2023 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide. | |
| 23-NA-153 Sep 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| PIP5628G Aug 2023 | Engine | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIP5358C Jul 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| 01-06-01-011N Jun 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 13-08-116-001I Jun 2023 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 02-00-89-002V Jun 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only). | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 19-NA-219 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| PIP5628F Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| 08-07-30-035G Apr 2023 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 19-NA-219 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| PIP5628E Feb 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| 02-00-89-002U Jan 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only). | |
| 09-00-89-008F Dec 2022 | Equipment | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. | |
| PIP5540J Dec 2022 | Visibility | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. | |
| 21-NA-124 Dec 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set. | |
| 16-NA-338 Dec 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper... | |
| PIT3271N Nov 2022 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 20-NA-138 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. |
Showing 60 of 574 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Cadillac STS →