Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2011 Cadillac DTS with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 9
Against the median year of the Cadillac DTS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2011 Cadillac DTS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
631.6%
Engine & Cooling
526.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 73,000 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
210.5%
Median failure at 126,000 miles
Steering
210.5%
Median failure at 66,082 miles
Airbags
210.5%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi
Doors, Latches & Locks
15.3%
Body & Structure
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,400 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
220.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
110.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
440.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
110.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
220.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2012peak 6Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2011 Cadillac DTS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2014246186,013 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: For each key, dealers will install two key rings and modify the key ring opening shape. Note: Until the correction is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring.
Recall 2010385161 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, the starter or alternator cable may contact the power steering return line. If either the starter or alternator cable contacts the power steering return line, the cable could wear through the line, cause a power steering fluid leak and a loss of power steering assist. The contact may also wear the cable protective wrap, conduit, and wire insulation, so there is metal to metal contact. This could result in battery drain and if arcing occurs due to engine vibration and roll, it may burn a hole in the return line and allow power steering fluid to leak and potentially ignite, resulting in a possible engine compartment fire. Correction: Dealers will secure and, if necessary, reroute the lines to prevent contact.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 30,000 milesDesoto, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
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 (214) 956-3600 [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10681946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSarasota, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 2/27/15
NHTSA complaint #10631586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,400 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10475508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,400 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10475508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fresno, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #11732561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11732561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION 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.
NHTSA complaint #11732561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesRichton Park, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY NOTICED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RIZZA CADILLAC BUICK GMC (8425 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487; (708) 429-6600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR MAIN SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #11386616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesMiami, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AFTER A CHECK AND RESET. THE CAR HAS A LOST OF POWER AND RUNS REAL SLOW THAN ITS LIKE THE PROBLEM NEVER EXISTED. THIS IS THE CODE I KEEP GETTING. P0420 CODE BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER
NHTSA complaint #11165569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesGretna, LA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EDDIE TOURELLE'S NORTHPARK HYUNDAI (953 HIGHWAY 190 N, COVINGTON, LA 70433, (985) 801-7000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RUBBER ON THE OIL PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesAlbany, NY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PAN GASKET AND MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10825447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2011 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL. *SMD 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. *JB UPDATED 07/08/15.
NHTSA complaint #10723998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesDesoto, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
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 (214) 956-3600 [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10681946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10638462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Valley City, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10638136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RYE, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10633735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSarasota, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 2/27/15
NHTSA complaint #10631586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tannersville, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FOB FROM THE IGNITION, THE DOORS WOULD FAIL TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10631458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tannersville, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FOB FROM THE IGNITION, THE DOORS WOULD FAIL TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10631458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,720 milesDallas, TX
STEERING
STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED IN THE MOST HIGHEST POSITION. IT CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED TO ANY OTHER POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #10621379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,444 milesHoffman Estates, IL
STEERING
THE POWER STEERING GEAR HAS BEGUN LEAKING, THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT BUT THERE IS A LEAK OF POWER STEERING FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10584656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,400 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10475508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,400 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10475508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.