2008 Cadillac DTS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 254 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 86 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: electrical system — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
REAR PASSENGER FUSE BLOCK (P/N 19116816) GETS MELTED BY A FAULTY FUSE PUMP RELAY BURNING UP DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. FUEL PUMP PUTTING A LOT OF RESISTANCE ON THE WIRING, RELAY WON'T BLOW, BUT IT MELTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200311
MY 2008 CADALLIC DTS WAS TRYING TO START ON ITS ON. THE KEYS WERE ON THE TABLE AND THE SPARE KEY HANGING ON THE KEY RACK. IN DOING SO IT CAUSED MY CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE WHICH CAUGHT MY GARAGE ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090216
16% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240826
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
REAR PASSENGER FUSE BLOCK (P/N 19116816) GETS MELTED BY A FAULTY FUSE PUMP RELAY BURNING UP DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. FUEL PUMP PUTTING A LOT OF RESISTANCE ON THE WIRING, RELAY WON'T BLOW, BUT IT MELTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200311
6% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CADILLAC WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN REAR ENDED BY SEMI-TRUCK GOING POSSIBLY 40MPH CAUSING THE CADILLAC TO CRASH INTO THE CAR IN FRONT AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130626
SAFETY TIMELINE
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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, SI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WW
Campaign 08V441000 — check if this car was fixed
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 E
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEE
Campaign 10V240000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Cadillac DTS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V441000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V240000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Cadillac DTS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac DTS?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac DTS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.