2008 Cadillac DTS Problems
- Complaints
- 86filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,376miles, 68 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 2008 Cadillac DTS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, particularly a fuel pump relay and rear fuse block that overheat and melt, and intermittent dashboard illumination that leaves the instrument panel unreadable. Engine oil leaks and complaints about headlamp and bulb-socket failures also appear, with most reports arriving between roughly 70,000 and 120,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Fuel pump relay and rear fuse block overheating
- 15 complaints (17%)
- median 98,500 mi at 9.3 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2020
Owners describe a no-start or crank-but-will-not-fire condition traced to a burned fuel pump relay and melted fuse block under the rear seat. Several say the relay or fuse box became hot to the touch and gave off a burning smell, and one had the fuse block replaced twice. Some report the engine cutting off while driving, with loss of power steering and power assist for the brakes. Mostly reported between about 75,000 and 110,000 miles, sometimes not long after purchase of a used car.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump relay and rear fuse block have been replaced, and pull the rear seat cushion to inspect the fuse block for discoloration or a burned smell. A no-start that clears after the car sits is a common sign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In nov. Of 2016, my DTS was parked and after attempting to start, it would not turn over as if were out of gas. I had to have it towed to repair facility. It was diagnosed and determined that the problem was caused by the fuel pump relay, which had shorted. Further investigation revealed that the actual cause was the fuse block (rear seat). …”
NHTSA complaint #10945398, filed 2017-01, 108,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10919910, filed 2016-10, 85,753 miles - Engine
Engine oil leaks and oil smoke
- 11 complaints (13%)
- median 92,000 mi at 13.1 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2024
Owners report oil spots under the car, oil leaking onto the exhaust and alternator, and white smoke from the passenger side of the engine bay after stopping. Some mention the oil pan, crankcase, or transmission area as the source, and several say the leak was costly enough that they considered engine replacement. Dealers and independent shops variously identified the oil pan gasket or crankcase, and in some cases no repair was made. Mostly reported between about 62,000 and 115,000 miles.
What to check: Look for fresh oil residue on the oil pan, exhaust, and alternator, and check the ground where the car is parked. Ask for service records showing whether the oil pan gasket or rear main area was addressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 miles“I bought the car with 69k miles in may of 2016 and now its has 80k miles feb 2017 and I have an oil leak that is leaking on the drive side of the oil pan from the front to the back and its leaking on the the exhaust the runs from the front of the engine that is bolted on the the oil pan and I am worried that it is going to catch on fire and I see that this problem is on a lot of this cars and with lower miles then mine I think GM should recall it because less then 100k miles and to have an oil leak that leaks about 1 quart every 1500 miles or …”
NHTSA complaint #10957126, filed 2017-02, 79,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Dashboard lights too dim or intermittent
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 27,000 mi at 2.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2018
Complaints describe instrument cluster lighting that goes dim or shuts off while driving, especially in daylight with the headlights on, so the speedometer cannot be read. Owners say dealers could not duplicate the problem or called it a normal characteristic, and in some cases no repair was made. Reported from very low mileage up to about 100,000 miles, often in bright daylight or at night.
What to check: Check the cluster brightness in daylight with the headlights on and watch for flicker during a test drive; ask whether the cluster or dimming module was ever diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The dash lights are intermittent, or very dim. The brightness does not come on for miles at a time. You cannot see the speedometer to see how fast you are going. It is a safety issue. In motion, city streets and on the highway. Have reported this to Cadillac and have had it to the Cadillac dealer. They say there is nothing wrong. I have had it to earnhardt Cadillac scottsdale, az. So far no fix. This has been going on for years. After the warranty stopped I did not go back to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11063720, filed 2018-01, 27,000 miles“Dash lighting is dimmed when ever headlights are on during daylight hours. Automatic system does not return panel light levels to daylight brightness. This makes the dash invisible in bright daylight. Condition exists until the sun is high in the sky. Dealer says this is a design issue! Owners manual says that parade dimming capability in car electronic is intended to prevent this from happening. This is a major safety hazzard. I have taken the car to the dealer several times, they have no cure. I have called the customer assistance number. …”
NHTSA complaint #10380678, filed 2011-02, 200 miles - Air bags
Airbags not deploying or deploying unexpectedly
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 100,865 mi at 6.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2016
Owners report airbags that did not deploy in collisions, and one describes the side curtain airbags deploying without an impact at low speed. Some complaints link a no-deploy event to a module or sensor that needed replacement, and a few mention a recall notice with parts unavailable at the time. Reported from about 30,000 to 140,000 miles, usually following a collision or sudden deployment.
What to check: Ask whether recall 14V355000 was performed and check that the airbag warning light behaves normally at startup; a shop can scan for stored airbag codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were hit in right side by a driver who pulled out from a stop sign and crossed two lanes hitting our car in the passenger side on the fender and front door. Air bags did not deploy causing injury to head and neck.”
NHTSA complaint #10655316, filed 2014-11, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact crashed into cement wall as a result. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 111,730.”
NHTSA complaint #10560782, filed 2014-01, 111,730 miles - Engine
False low oil pressure warning
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 95,000 mi at 12.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2024
Complaints describe a recurring "engine oil pressure low, stop vehicle" message even though the oil level and condition are fine, and in one case the sensor and connector were replaced without curing it. Owners describe the warning returning every few minutes while driving. Reported around 75,000 to 140,000 miles.
What to check: Watch the message center during a test drive for oil pressure warnings, and confirm the oil level and pressure sensor readings with a mechanic.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car gives off false oil pressure information on cars message center. I replaced the sensor as discribed, verified my oil level, cleaned the connector to oil pressure sensor and still every 2 or 3 mintues I get engine oil pressure low, stop vehichle. When I stop the oil level is great and the oil is very clean. This has been going on for over 3 months. If the oil pressure was low the engine would have siezed up by now. This is ongoing issue with these 08 Cadillac DTS 4.7l northstar engines.”
NHTSA complaint #11338907, filed 2020-07, 138,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the vehicle was diagnosed with an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11611001, filed 2024-08, 85,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection check the rear fuse block and fuel pump relay under the back seat, look for engine oil leaks and smoke, and confirm any open recalls were completed. Service records showing the fuse block, relay, and oil pan work already done are worth asking for.
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 86 consumer complaints for the 2008 Cadillac DTS. 68 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,376 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 915 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). 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 system39 45%
- Engine14 16%
- Fuel system11 13%
- Exterior lighting7 8.1%
- Air bags6 7.0%
- Other or unknown6 7.0%
- Seat belts6 7.0%
- Steering5 5.8%
- Body and structure5 5.8%
- Brakes4 4.7%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Electronic stability control (3), Engine cooling (2), Suspension (2), Transmission and drivetrain (2), Wheels (2), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Took my vehicle in for safety recall 14299 nothing was done to the switch they just put something on the key and 2 small key rings and told me that nothing else was to be put on the key ring. In my opinion the repair was not done what is stopping the key switch from shutting off as a mechanic nothing was done.”
NHTSA complaint #10652415, filed 2014-11, 106,000 milesEngine: “Oil smell fumes comining from the heater vents. So bad at times we had to get out of the car. Have taken the car to two different Cadillac dealers and have been told they could not find anything. I have had the engine light come on code p0411 and it went out. Took it to the delear and they reset the computer. On march 2nd the light came on again and went out the next day. I was told next time the I got the smell to go directly to any GM delear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575477, filed 2014-03, 62,000 milesFuel system: “After parking my car in the garage,approximately 3 weeks later,I went to start my car,but it would not start,it would crank over good ,but would not start. I proceeded with my own assumptions and found a pin(#30)on the fuel pump relay was burnt,I had an electrical diagnosis performed on the wiring and the fuel pump,both passed okay,I was told the fuse block was bad,(which I suspected),which I had previously ordered from the Cadillac dealer. On installing the new fuse block,the problem was solved.”
NHTSA complaint #10680243, filed 2015-01, 84,000 milesExterior lighting: “There is a 41 inch brake light installed on the trunk lid which costs $223.75 to replace. It would have been no big deal, but, as I was replacing it, I noticed it was never properly fitted to the trunk at the factory, which caused the original damage, broken completely through in the middle, and several cracks, not working. To bolt on a new one improperly fitted will cause the same damage because the hard plastic is under heavy stress when tightened down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10625835, filed 2014-08, 4,572 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 68 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 100,000 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 2008 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 | — | — | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2008 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
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 2008 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 2008 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. 915 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 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.
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 2008 Cadillac DTS?
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, particularly a fuel pump relay and rear fuse block that overheat and melt, and intermittent dashboard illumination that leaves the instrument panel unreadable. The issues reported most often: Fuel pump relay and rear fuse block overheating; Engine oil leaks and oil smoke; Dashboard lights too dim or intermittent.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Cadillac DTS have?
NHTSA recorded 86 consumer complaints for the 2008 Cadillac DTS as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Cadillac DTS is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 39 complaints (45% of the total), followed by engine with 14.
Has the 2008 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 2008 Cadillac DTS get?
The EPA rates the 2008 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 2008 Cadillac DTS reported?
Among the 68 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,376 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 100,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.