2004 Cadillac DTS Problems & Complaints

Better than average86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the DTS at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2004 Cadillac DTS with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 86% fewer than a typical DTS model year at the same age, making the 2004 one of the better DTS years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (2 complaints, typically around 100,000 miles).

7complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Cadillac DTS problems

  • Electrical system~100,000 miles
    229%
  • Steering~91,000 miles
    114%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~56,000 miles
    114%
  • Air bags~100,000 miles
    114%
  • Engine & cooling~100,000 miles
    114%
  • Wheels & tires
    114%
  • Other / not specified~45,000 miles
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Cadillac DTS complaints by model year

20042005200620072008200920102011792559786352216
Owner complaints per model year, Cadillac DTS. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best DTS years: 2004, 2005, 2011. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Cadillac DTS a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 DTS rates better than average: 86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the DTS at the same age. It is one of the best DTS years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac DTS?

The electrical system — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac DTS have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Cadillac DTS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac DTS?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2005 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. See the full Cadillac DTS years comparison.

At what mileage do 2004 Cadillac DTS problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.