Most common 2011 Cadillac DTS problems
Share of the 16 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 →
2011 Cadillac DTS recalls (2)
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.
What 2011 Cadillac DTS owners say
Electrical system
Car power shut off while driving on the highway to church and almost got in an accident. Pulled to the side and smelled smoke. Lifted the back seat and opened the fuse box and looked. Lifted the fuel pump fuse and it was burnt. Me and my family got stuck on the side of the highway instead of church and spending time on a holiday.
2011 Cadillac DTS. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement parts not available to complete recall. The consumer stated he decided not to comply with the recall, due to the fact Chrysler is not providing a proper safety fix. However, he did remove the additional keys. Updated 07/08/15.
Engine & cooling
Car power shut off while driving on the highway to church and almost got in an accident. Pulled to the side and smelled smoke. Lifted the back seat and opened the fuse box and looked. Lifted the fuel pump fuse and it was burnt. Me and my family got stuck on the side of the highway instead of church and spending time on a holiday.
Hit a truck pulling a lowboy trailer stopped at a stop light.. Due to a concussion, I do not remember the details of the crash. However I do know that the air bag did not deploy and I hit the steering wheel hard enough with my face and chest to bend the steering wheel. I received a severe concussion, five broken ribs and facial lacerations due to hitting the steering wheel. Due to my injuries I was in intensive care and the hospital for nine days and spent 20 days in a rehabilitation facility. I am home now, still in pain and moving around with the help of a walker. I have owned cadillacs for the last 30 years. I will never drive another one. If this happened once, what is to say it won't happen again. Except this time to a family of four, instead of a widow traveling alone. I have photos of the damaged vehicle if they are needed.
Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion. Bruising on my torse from what I believe was from the seatbelt. Car is totaled and no inspection has been done by a service center. Insurance will be doing a valuation of the value only. No warning lights or messges were visible prior to the accident.
I was driving sw on design and did not see a stop sign at the intersection of dragon, in dallas, texas. As a result, my 2011 Cadillac DTS collided into (t-boned) a 1995 or 1996 Nissan maxima. I was traveling 25-30 miles per hour at impact and never saw the collision coming. Prior to the accident, my vehicle had not been in any collisions. The collision caused significant damage to both vehicles the front of my vehicle and the driver's side of the Nissan). Both airbags deployed in the Nissan, but my DTS airbags did not deploy. Both dallas police officers responding to the scene, indicated they "could not believe the airbags did not go off." neither can I and I believe the NHTSA should investigate why this occurred. My vehicle is presently at sewell collision center, 6303 cedar springs road, dallas, tx [phone] [redacted].
2011 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 2011 Cadillac DTS a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 DTS rates better than average: 46% 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 2011 Cadillac DTS?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and air bags (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Cadillac DTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 22% 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.