Most common 2008 Cadillac DTS problems
Share of the 86 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac DTS complaints by model year
Best DTS years: 2004, 2005, 2011. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →
2008 Cadillac DTS recalls (3)
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
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…
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;…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Cadillac DTS:
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In a letter dated August 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population.
What 2008 Cadillac DTS owners say
Electrical system all 39 →
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Alternator Not Charging" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the alternator and exhaust manifold. The alternator was replaced. However, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed a trail of oil leak in the driveway. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
On 9/4/15 @ approx 5:45 p.m, vehicle would not start - it acted like there was no fuel getting to the injectors. Three hours later I tried to start the car and it started just fine; took it for a drive around the block w/o any issues. On 9/7/15 the problem resurfaced; I had the car towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed the problem on 9,/8/15, to be a bad fuel pump relay. Car worked fine for one day; on 9/9/15 the problem resurfaced once again - if the car sat off for a couple of hours the problem would go away. I took the car to the Buick GMC dealer and they diagnosed the root cause to be a bad fuse box assembly ($318 part). The fuel pump relay got hot enough to melt the hard plastic of the fuse box assembly, and there are burn marks on the body of the fuel pump relay - I have the old parts and pictures of same. …
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, it was discovered that engine oil had leaked onto the hot surface in the engine compartment. The leaking oil also caused damage to the alternator. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Alternator Not Charging" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the alternator and exhaust manifold. The alternator was replaced. However, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed a trail of oil leak in the driveway. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
Rear passenger fuse block (p/n 19116816) gets melted by a faulty fuse pump relay burning up due to a faulty design within the fuel pump system. Fuel pump putting a lot of resistance on the wiring, relay won't blow, but it melts. Without correcting this, the fuse box will be affected once the fuse pump relay overheats and eventually melts and burns. Car was stationed. This is unsafe by any means. The fire could have spread and caused the seats to burn and worse, it's right by the gas tank.
Fuel pump relay melted replaced rear fuse box and relay tried to start vehicle on 6 June 2016 vehicle would not start at all. Had vehicle towed in to diagnose $81.99 just purchased about 6 months ago. Purchased a warranty but this problem was not covered. I have never had this experience with a vehicle. After extensive reading I find this is a problem with a variety of Cadillac vehicles. I had to pay $796.43, parts were $397.51.this should have never happen and could have caused major damage. Since Cadillac know this is a problem I feel I should be reimbursed for my suffering and pain. This problem could have resulted in a fire starting in the seat area. I probably would not have known until it was to late.
2008 Cadillac DTS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Cadillac DTS a good car?
Based on 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 DTS rates avoid: 3.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the DTS at the same age. It is one of the DTS years we suggest avoiding. 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 2008 Cadillac DTS?
The electrical system — 39 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the engine & cooling (16) and fuel & propulsion system (11).
How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac DTS have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Cadillac DTS, the most recent from June 23, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2008 Cadillac DTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 25% 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.