Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 | −46% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2010 | 22 | −29% | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2009 | 35 | 1.4× | 2 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2008 | 86 | 3.0× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2007 | 97 | 3.4× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2006 | 255 | 9.3× | 4 | Headlight | Avoid |
| 2005 | 9 | −71% | — | Steering | Good |
| 2004 | 7 | −86% | — | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median DTS year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Cadillac DTS problems
Latest Cadillac DTS recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
General motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dts and Buick lucerne vehicles equipped with v8 engines. The starter or alternator cable is in contact with the power steering return line.
Remedy: Dealers will secure and if necessary reroute the lines to prevent contact. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 19, 2010.
Electrical system
GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; Saturn outlook; and model year 2009…
Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently…
Equipment › Other › Labels
GM is recalling model year 2010 Cadillac dts vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims". The tire and loading information label, which lists the proper tire and vehicle loading information, was not installed on the vehicle.
Remedy: GM will mail the three correct labels to owners along with installation instructions. Owners May also take the vehicle and the labels to a dealer for installation. This service will be performed free of charge.
Electrical system
GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, Saturn outlook; and my 2008 Buick enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners May contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or http://www.Cadillac.com;…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Cadillac DTS should you avoid?
2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 — these years have the most complaints relative to other DTS years at the same age, led by lights problems in the 2006.
What is the best year for the Cadillac DTS?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other DTS years at the same age, followed by 2005 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Cadillac DTS problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (177), lights (102) and engine & cooling (96). Electrical complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the Cadillac DTS had?
6 recalls across 2004–2011. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Cadillac DTS recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.