VehicleVerdict

2010 Cadillac DTS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Cadillac DTS sits mid-pack among DTS years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (34% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other DTS years?

DTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted355 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 355 complaints2007: 137 complaints2008: 121 complaints2009: 46 complaints2010: 32 complaints2011: 19 complaints
DTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all DTS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Cadillac DTS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1134%
Engine516%
Seats39%
Airbags39%
Fuel System26%
Brakes26%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Steering13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2010 Cadillac DTS have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V355000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 units

Defect

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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

10V553000Electrical SystemNovember 5, 2010 · 13,780 units

Defect

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. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COULD WEAR THROUGH THE LINE, CAUSING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

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 AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

09V480000OtherDecember 17, 2009 · 126 units

Defect

GM IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC DTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL, WHICH LISTS THE PROPER TIRE AND VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION, WAS NOT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE TWO LABELS AFFIXED TO AFFECTED VEHICLES THAT INCORRECTLY DESCRIBE THEM AS AN INCOMPLETE VEHICLE. ONE LABEL IS THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL, WHICH CERTIFIES THAT THE VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS. THE SECOND LABEL IS THE SERVICE PARTS IDENTIFICATION LABEL, WHICH LISTS VARIOUS COMPONENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH TIRES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY INFLATED COULD RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING, PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, AND/OR POOR HANDLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

GM WILL MAIL THE THREE CORRECT LABELS TO OWNERS ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNERS MAY ALSO TAKE THE VEHICLE AND THE LABELS TO A DEALER FOR INSTALLATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR 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 REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 14, 2014

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an oil change and he was informed of an oil pan leak coming from a bolt-on undercarriage causing damage to the engine. The dealer offered to repair the oil leak however, the contact declined.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 13, 2021

2010 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER STATES HEAD REST IS TOO FAR FORWARD FOR HIS WIFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE ADJUSTED THE SEAT FOR DRIVING, THE HEAD REST FORCED HER HEAD DOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE, WAS TO HAVE THE TWO HEAD REST SUPPORTS BENT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · January 1, 1901

SUBJECT VEHICLE READ ENDED SUV THAT WAS STOPPED FOR A STOP LIGHT. VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER WAS BADLY INJURED AND IS STILL IN A COMA. PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE IS STILL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 3, 2014 · crash

I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH COMING TO AN INTERSECTION. TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS RED AND SOME CARS WAITING. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PUT IT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE APPROACHING THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT THE PEDAL WENT SOFT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS DRIVING A 2008 CADILLAC DTS ,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 20, 2010 · crash

2010 Cadillac DTS — common questions

Is the 2010 Cadillac DTS reliable?

It is close to typical for the DTS: 32 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 DTS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), engine (5 complaints), seats (3 complaints).

Does the 2010 Cadillac DTS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Cadillac DTS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac DTS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the DTS years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among DTS years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.