Most common 2010 Cadillac DTS problems
Share of the 22 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 →
2010 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 › 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.
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.
What 2010 Cadillac DTS owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started and shut off immediately. The contact stated she smelled a burning plastic odor coming from the rear seats. The contact stated that upon lifting the rear middle seat, she noticed that fuses had melted in the fuse box. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
I was traveling on Stevenson expressway at 55 mph when the fuel pump relay overheated and melted, which burned up the REC (Rear Electrical Electrical Center /fusebox). When the fuse pump relay overheated it shut fuel down going to the fuel pump, which caused the engine to stall. When the engine stalled the car cut off, causing me to loose power steering. Because I was traveling in the middle lane of a three lane expressway at a high rate of speed, the vehicle started deaccelerating and I couldn't control the vehicle with no power steering, I couldn't get over to the shoulder. This nearly caused a wreck putting me in harm, because vehicles around me were accelerating at 55 to 70mph. All I could do is put my flashers on. Coast to a stop, and hope no one rear ended me, which nearly occurred. …
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an oil change and he was informed of an oil pan leak coming from a bolt-on undercarriage causing damage to the engine. The dealer offered to repair the oil leak however, the contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that there was an internal leak in the vehicle, but was uncertain of its origin and what part was affected from the failure. There was a presence of a constant intermittent fluid leak. The dealer (medina auto mall 3205 medina rd, medina, oh 44256 [phone]) was notified and inspected the vehicle, but did not provide a specific diagnosis. The vehicle was also inspected by an independent mechanic. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V553000 (electrical system). The contact was uncertain if the manufacturer had a repair solution. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
Seats
Head restraint cannot be adjusted, which causes a driving hazard. Positioned too close to my head when I sit up straight, the head restraint causes my head to point toward my lap . If I position the seats back so that I can look straight ahead with my head erect, the seat back does not touch my shoulders and upper back and I have to hold tightly to the steering wheel to steady myself to be able to control the car, which is both distracting and very tiring. I am 5'9", 133 #, slightly built in the shoulders. My husband has more shoulders and has no problem. Our 2006 Cadillac DTS had adjustable headrests, which we adjusted each time we used one of the front seats. …
2010 Cadillac DTS. Consumer states serious design flaws in vehicle the consumer stated the head rest on the passenger side was very uncomfortable. The consumer was unable to adjust the head rest, which was tilted forward which made sitting all the way back in the seat impossible. The consumer returned to the dealership and the mechanic turned the head rest backwards so that it would not strike the passenger's head. Also, the rear seat belts were difficult to fasten. The dealership did confirm there was a design flaw with the rear seat belts. The mounting brackets for the seat belts were not long enough. The consumer stated the dealer agreed to reimburse him for the cost of extending the shank of the seat belt and securing the head rest that had to be turned backwards so the front seat passenger could sit in the vehicle comfortably. Updated 04/17/12.
2010 Cadillac DTS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Cadillac DTS a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 DTS rates average: 29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the DTS at the same age. 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 2010 Cadillac DTS?
The electrical system — 10 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery › cables. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and seats (3).
How many recalls does the 2010 Cadillac DTS have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 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 2010 Cadillac DTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 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.