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
- 86
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 86 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 255 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 86 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
45% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show 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, 2020-03-11
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
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, 2009-02-16
Engine
16% · 14 reportsShow 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, 2024-08-26
Fuel/propulsion system
9% · 8 reportsExterior lighting
8% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing turn signal and tail lights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the headlights were projecting too much heat and caused the plastic covers to burn and melt from the inside.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-17
Email forwarded about concerns on GM cadillacs, the turn signal will not turn off unless the vehicle makes a 90 degree turn, was told by dealer that this problem can not be repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-01-08
Seat belts
7% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing front.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
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2008-09-12Electrical system08V441000 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…
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…
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2010-06-11Electrical system10V240000 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…
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…
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2014-09-23Electrical system14V355000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Cadillac DTS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 39 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V441000 · Electrical system
- Recall 10V240000 · Electrical system
- Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system
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 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac DTS have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.