2008 Cadillac DTS

○ Not enough data
2008 Cadillac DTS
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:00:38.375Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Cadillac DTS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 255 complaints 2006 2007: 97 complaints 2007 2008: 86 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2011
2008: 86 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20047
20059
2006255
200797
200886
200935
201022
201116

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 45%

45% of complaints: electrical system — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20200311

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, 20090216

ENGINE 16%

16% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing turn signal and tail lights.

FIRE
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, 20181017

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. *KB

NHTSA ODI report, 20080108

SEAT BELTS 7%

7% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20080612 — EA (closed 20080908)

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 20080912 — electrical system

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

R 20100611 — electrical system

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

R 20140923 — electrical system

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 (39 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 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac DTS have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.