2011 Cadillac DTS
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260420
Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 of 16 total reports mention: engine.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120915
Also filed under STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY NOTICED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210105
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181129
3 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260902
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140908
2 of 16 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 20190107
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. I
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC A
Campaign 10V553000 — 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
2011 Cadillac DTS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V553000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 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 2011 Cadillac DTS?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have?
2 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.