Cadillac DTS Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 527 consumer complaints across the 8 model years of the Cadillac DTS (2004–2011) that have at least 5 complaints. 2006 has the most, with 255. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (177 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All DTS model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 | 67,720 | 2 | 1,154 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 22 | 60,277 | 3 | 1,119 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 35 | 54,000 | 2 | 961 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2008 | 86 | 85,376 | 3 | 916 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 97 | 57,500 | 3 | 843 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 255 | 65,962 | 4 | 723 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 9 | 54,871 | 0 | 128 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 7 | 73,612 | 0 | 88 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system177 33%
- Exterior lighting102 19%
- Engine80 15%
- Steering56 10%
- Brakes34 6.4%
- Air bags34 6.4%
- Seats27 5.0%
- Fuel system25 4.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2007: “To:NHTSA good morning! Emailing to form a complaint of wheels factory Cadillac chrome that are rusty and chipping of of wheels on the inside,the outside is shiny.I think there is a possibility in time they could cause a problem.I realize my car is a 2007 Cadillac is a 2007 but when I was looking to purchase a used Cadillac they all seemed to have this rust problem...”
NHTSA complaint #11232173, filed 2019-07, 77,000 miles2008: “Lower engine oil leak. I understand that this is a common problem dating back a number of years and Cadillac has not rectified the problem and has not issued a recall. I am forced to install a new engine because the problem is so costly to resolve. Approximately $4,500. Is there any class action against Cadillac or is there any relief available.”
NHTSA complaint #11111504, filed 2018-07, 90,000 miles2006: “I bought this car, and the steering wheel controls(audio/cruise control) have not worked, prior owner was advised to replace the bcm. Front driver's headlight intermittently goes on and off when driving. The steering wheel switch to adjust the height, angle, and settings for each driver also are not working. Apparently these are known issues. I had similar issues with my 2000 chevy impala, and my 2004 chevy impala ss.”
NHTSA complaint #11398595, filed 2021-03, 58,000 milesOther Cadillac models
3,265 complaintsCadillac Deville
2,708 complaintsCadillac CTS
2,219 complaintsCadillac Escalade
1,723 complaintsCadillac Seville
793 complaintsCadillac Escalade ESV
529 complaintsCadillac Catera
463 complaintsCadillac STS
423 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology