2007 Cadillac DTS Problems
- Complaints
- 97filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles, 74 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl FWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Cadillac DTS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2007 Cadillac DTS most often write about electrical and lighting trouble — headlights that flicker or quit, and melted headlight housings from bulb heat — along with heated seats that stop working and engine oil leaks. Complaints span low to very high mileage, and in several cases dealers were unable to duplicate the problem or said no repair was available.
- Exterior lighting
Headlights flicker, quit, or housing melts
- 9 complaints (9%)
- median 60,500 mi at 6.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2022
Complaints describe headlights that flicker and then go dark while driving at night, sometimes needing a restart or a cycle of the light switch to come back on. Some owners report a turn signal or daytime running lamp bulb overheating and melting the headlight housing so it no longer holds the bulb, and one describes a cracked rear window brake light. Dealers typically quoted a full headlight assembly replacement, and in one case offered to cover only part of the cost. Reported from roughly 12,000 to 127,000 miles, often on night or highway driving; the melting bulb complaints cluster at 36,000-39,700 miles.
What to check: Test both headlights on a dark road and ask whether the assemblies or ballasts have ever been replaced. Look inside the housings for scorching or a loose bulb socket.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The issue was regarding the failure of the ballasts in the hid headlights which, per ntsb and other websites, has been a significant issue with this and other GM models. The issue seems to be diagnosed generally as water backing down the headlight assembly into the ballast causing the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10785963, filed 2015-10, 64,000 miles“While driving on the interstate at night at 70 MPH, both headlights flickered then turned off. The lights came back on after cycling to automatic light control switch off then back on. A few minutes later, they turn off again. This dangerous situation has repeated numerous times tonight.”
NHTSA complaint #10562144, filed 2014-01, 127,120 miles - Engine
Engine oil leaks and oil consumption
- 10 complaints (10%)
- median 76,000 mi at 8.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2020
Owners report oil on the ground or under the car, oil burning smells, and in some cases smoke from the engine area where oil reaches the exhaust manifold. Several were told the oil pan gasket, crankcase seals or other lower engine seals needed replacement, and one was told the engine needed to be resealed. Complaints describe the leak recurring and repairs quoted in the thousands of dollars. Mostly reported between 55,000 and 160,000 miles, with several complaints at 92,000 miles or more.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for fresh oil residue on the pan, bellhousing and exhaust manifold; ask whether any oil pan or seal work has been done and how much oil the car uses between changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Excessive engine oil leaks and usage.parked and driving.I have been informed by several mechanics that this is a very typical problem with the northstar engine but I dont believe it should be so.the estimated cost to attempt a fix runs up into the $1000s of dollars .I think that general motors should be at minimum partially responsible for this defect!”
NHTSA complaint #10825901, filed 2016-02, 155,560 miles“I was blown away to find oil under my 07 DTS Cadillac, then to learn it's common. Thinking it was a drain plug or oil filter changed the oil. No such luck, it's the engine lower end leaking. Thinking it wasn't so bad to not drive I watched the oil level closely. I noticed oil film covering the right rear quarter panel and rear trunk lid and a drippy coating of oil under the car. This makes it a danger to the highways and other cars by leaking a quart every hundred miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10513789, filed 2013-05, 92,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal to the floor / brake vibration
- 9 complaints (9%)
- median 30,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2022
Some owners report the brake pedal traveling to the floor with little or no braking, in one case traced to a low brake fluid level in the reservoir. Others describe vibration or shaking through the wheel or pedal under braking, especially on long downgrades where the transmission does not hold the car back in Drive. Several had rotors refinished or replaced without a lasting fix, and one was told to use the lower gear ranges for engine braking. Reported from around 4,000 to 54,500 miles for pedal and rotor problems, with vibration complaints often on downhill runs.
What to check: Check brake fluid level and condition, look for pedal firmness at a stop, and feel for vibration through the wheel or pedal during a downhill stop; ask when the fluid and rotors were last serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Bought car 2/7/2007. At 4000 miles ,had vibration, rotors were rusty and out of round, refinished rotors, then;a week later ,vibrated when apply brakes,lug nuts loose,tires out of bal.- dealer had lug nuts tightened and ,force bal.tires. At 5513 miles still a vibration;- dealer put on new tires, 6 months later made a noise, felt loose in front , took to dealer they removed and replaced r.axle brakes vibrating again 5 months later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10254772, filed 2009-01, 4,000 miles“In traffic..truck in front of me, applied brakes and did not have any.,.stepped on gas and had no response..swerved to avoid crash..drifted into a parking lot and car came to a stop after several minutes started car and slowly drove home. As car unable to go more than 20 MPH..not the first time..twice before...was driving and again no brakes...gas pedal not responsive...no warning lights on dash at any time. Taken to dealer twice...they could not find anything wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10231520, filed 2008-06, 14,500 miles - Seats
Heated/cooled seats quit, melted connector
- 10 complaints (10%)
- median 71,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2023
Complaints describe front heated and cooled seats working intermittently and then stopping altogether. Owners who looked into it report a wiring connector or control module under the passenger seat that had overheated and melted, with burned wires and a plug stuck in the module; one mentions replacement of that connector. Some report difficulty getting a dealer to diagnose the problem. Reported between roughly 40,000 and 93,000 miles, typically after several years of use.
What to check: Operate both heated and cooled seat settings through a full cycle and ask for a look at the connector and module under the passenger seat for discoloration or a burnt smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After researching my heater/cooler problem in my seats I find the Cadillac needs to be held responsible for the problem that has exists for a long time and even after consulting authorized Cadillac dealeships I have been given the run around because they could not find the problem! I just want Cadillac to fix my current heat/cooler problem in my seats!”
NHTSA complaint #10783125, filed 2015-10, 80,000 miles“The front heated/cooled seats were working intermittently, while driving, since january 2017. Two weeks ago they stopped altogether. Upon investigation I had to remove the passenger seat in order to inspect the control module. I found two wires burned and the large plug stuck in the control module pin area. I'm waiting on some parts before I can proceed with the possible repair. There should be an immediate recall to have GM repair this problem at no cost to the consumer. It is definitely a fire hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10957315, filed 2017-02, 40,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist drops out
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 58,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2007–2019
Complaints describe the steering wheel becoming very hard to turn, in a couple of cases briefly during or after driving through water, and in one case a power steering hose was replaced. Others report low power steering fluid with the problem returning after fluid was added. An early complaint describes a serpentine belt and pulley failure that left the car without steering assist at low speed. Spread from about 5,000 to 98,650 miles, with several reports in the 37,000-82,000 mile range.
What to check: Check the power steering fluid level and look for leaks at the hoses and rack, and ask whether the pump, hoses or belt have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since this first indecent I find ever time it rains if I go thru a puddle of water and turn left or right that the power steering will go out for several seconds before you can recover. Today we have heavy rain and at one turn it nearly resulted with me hitting a semi truck that was in a merge lane and as I made my turn onto the highway steering again out, I could not complete the turn which pointed me at the far lane and the oncoming mammoth truck as I jerked the wheel the steering regained and I jolted back into my lane. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637539, filed 2014-09, 98,650 miles“The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10650323, filed 2014-10, 37,000 miles
Buying note. Look closely at the lighting and the small electrical items on a 2007 DTS, since those draw the most complaints, and get a pre-purchase inspection that includes lifting the car to check for engine oil leaks. Ask for service records showing whether the ignition-related recalls have been completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 97 consumer complaints for the 2007 Cadillac DTS. 74 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,500 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 843 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system28 29%
- Exterior lighting14 14%
- Brakes13 13%
- Engine13 13%
- Other or unknown8 8.3%
- Steering8 8.3%
- Air bags7 7.2%
- Seats7 7.2%
- Engine cooling5 5.1%
Also reported: Suspension (5), Body and structure (4), Wheels (4), Tires (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Engine failure do to poor design and oil leaks. I had this happen on the highway witch is very dangerous. The whole engine needs recalled. The electrical system is a night one my fuse box's needed replaced because a fuse burned out, witch melted a good portion of it. Major fire hazard!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11323116, filed 2020-05, 11,200 milesExterior lighting: “My lens covering is discoloring and has become clouded over. This was brought to the dealers attention under warranty. He said this is not covered. How can this be when now the headlights are significantly less effective through this cloudy lens. Other Cadillac owners in the dealer hear my conversation and they had the same problem. They had the lens replaced at a cost of over $350. A blind eye seems to be a true safety issue that should be a recall item.”
NHTSA complaint #10447358, filed 2012-02, 50,000 milesBrakes: “We have an approximately 14 miles downhill run from the ski slope to I-95. The DTS does not compression brake. Cruise control will not hold a downhill speed. So I am on the brakes most of the way down. Halfway down the hill the front end starts to shake violently I am guessing the front brakes are warped from the constant use. I make it down the hill and drive onto I-95s. After 30 or so miles the brakes cool and no more vibration. This is not the first time. I asked the Cadillac dealer how to put it into compression braking and they said I cannot do that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10946916, filed 2017-01, 38,000 milesEngine: “While sitting at a complete stop engine very rapidly became hot turning on engine overheat indicator. There as been oil appearing in my driveway the last 3 days. After research I found there is a very well known issue with this model for a crankshaft leak. Afraid this could lead to engine failure or fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10763738, filed 2015-09, 60,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 74 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 92,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Cadillac DTS. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTS · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Cadillac DTS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTS FWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| DTS FWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Cadillac DTS 2006–2011, Chevrolet Impala 2006–2014, Cadillac Deville 2000–2005 +3 more
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…
- 10V240000Jun 4, 2010Electrical systemCovers: Cadillac DTS 2006–2009, Buick Lucerne 2006–2009, Hummer H2 2006–2009 +15 more
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…
- 08V441000Aug 28, 2008Electrical systemCovers: Cadillac DTS 2006–2008, Buick Lucerne 2006–2008, Hummer H2 2006–2008 +13 more
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…
Recall details for the 2007 Cadillac DTS → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 843 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk…
Other model years of the Cadillac DTS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 | 67,720 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 22 | 60,277 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 35 | 54,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2008 | 86 | 85,376 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 97 | 57,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 255 | 65,962 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 9 | 54,871 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 7 | 73,612 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Cadillac DTS model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Cadillac DTS?
Owners of the 2007 Cadillac DTS most often write about electrical and lighting trouble — headlights that flicker or quit, and melted headlight housings from bulb heat — along with heated seats that stop working and engine oil leaks. The issues reported most often: Headlights flicker, quit, or housing melts; Engine oil leaks and oil consumption; Brake pedal to the floor / brake vibration.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Cadillac DTS have?
NHTSA recorded 97 consumer complaints for the 2007 Cadillac DTS as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Cadillac DTS is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 28 complaints (29% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 14.
Has the 2007 Cadillac DTS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Cadillac DTS get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Cadillac DTS (DTS, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Cadillac DTS reported?
Among the 74 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,500 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 92,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.