VehicleVerdict

2011 Cadillac DTS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2011 Cadillac DTS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

19

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other DTS years?

DTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted355 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 355 complaints2007: 137 complaints2008: 121 complaints2009: 46 complaints2010: 32 complaints2011: 19 complaints
DTS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all DTS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Cadillac DTS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System632%
Engine526%
Fuel System211%
Airbags211%
Steering211%
Body & Structure15%
Latches & Locks15%

Does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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. Me and my family got stuck on the side of the highway instead of church…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2026

“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. HOWEVER I DO KNOW THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL HARD ENOUGH WITH MY FACE AND CHEST TO BEND THE STEERING WHEEL. I RECEIVED A SEVERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 14, 2012 · crash

“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. Me and my family got stuck on the side of the highway instead of church…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 5, 2026

“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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 7, 2014 · crash

2011 Cadillac DTS — common questions

Is the 2011 Cadillac DTS reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 DTS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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.