2008 Cadillac DTS

Routine

Owners filed 86 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Cadillac DTS years to avoid. Which Cadillac DTS years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
85,753 milesMedian miles at failure

68 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Cadillac DTS problems

36 of the 86 complaints (42%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System31
140
Engine11
010
Seat Belts4
001
Structure › Body · body and frame3
202
Steering3
100
Exterior Lighting · headlights3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control3
000
Air Bags · airbags3
202
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

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 BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Electrical System08V441000
Filed Aug 28, 2008857,735 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.

Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

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://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 202485,000 milesNC

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. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 15, 2024TX

Tire size: 235/55R17 99H In February 2022, I purchased a set of 4 Yokahama tires from Discount Tire Co., located at 2707 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230. The mileage on the car was approx. 89,000. In February of 2024, my mechanic notice tread lifting on the tires, so I took the car to Discount Tire Co., located at 1755 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227, and the service tech told me that I had not been rotating the tires property, which was what was causing this issue. I assured him that I had been rotating the tires. The tech said to let them rotate them again and the tire tread would "smooth out" over time. Mileage on the car at that time was approx. 118,000. In August of 2024, my mechanic again noticed the continued tread lifting on the tires. My mechanic stated that it appeared the tires had "dry rot". When I told him that Discount Tire had said it was from incorrect tire rotation, my mechanic said that what was happening to the tread could not possibly be from bad tire rotation. Further, he told me this type of tread lifting was dangerous for me to continue to drive on these tires. So, I took the car to Discount Tire Co., located at 3118 Goliad Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223. After explaining what my mechanic had just diagnosed, I requested the warranty that I purchased extra for all 4 tires be used to replace them. The manager at Discount Tire refused to replace my tires under warranty, which clearly appear to be defective. Mileage on the car at this point is approx. 126

Engine
Filed May 14, 2023AZ

I have a very bad oil leak in my vehicle, which Is creating a mess and alot of smoke.

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 12, 202287,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Alternator Not Charging" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the alternator and exhaust manifold. The alternator was replaced. However, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed a trail of oil leak in the driveway. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

EngineFire
Filed Feb 11, 2022115,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, it was discovered that engine oil had leaked onto the hot surface in the engine compartment. The leaking oil also caused damage to the alternator. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 202192,000 milesNV

DECEMBER 16 2020 NHTSA ID NUMBER 11383838 OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND POWER STEERING PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE FOLLOWING STOP ON DRIVEWAY.

Engine
Filed Dec 16, 202092,000 milesNV

OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE TRANSMISSION AND POWER PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN STOPPED ON DRIVEWAY.

Engine
Filed Nov 20, 202092,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. ALSO, UPON COMING TO A STOP, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 2020100,000 milesMS

REAR FUSE BLOCK FUEL PUMP RELAY SHORTED OUT MELTED FUSE BLOCK...COULD CATCH BACK SEAT ON FIRE AND VERY CLOSE TO GAS TANK.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 20, 2020168,000 milesIN

MY WINDSHIELD WASHER SPRAYER JUST STOPPED WORKING AND NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON WITH THIS YEAR VEHICLE. I JUST BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT EVEN REGISTER IT AT THE BMV. JUST WANTING TO KNOW IF ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS MADE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 12, 2020138,000 milesVA

THE CAR GIVES OFF FALSE OIL PRESSURE INFORMATION ON CARS MESSAGE CENTER. I REPLACED THE SENSOR AS DISCRIBED, VERIFIED MY OIL LEVEL, CLEANED THE CONNECTOR TO OIL PRESSURE SENSOR AND STILL EVERY 2 OR 3 MINTUES I GET ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW, STOP VEHICHLE. WHEN I STOP THE OIL LEVEL IS GREAT AND THE OIL IS VERY CLEAN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. IF THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE SIEZED UP BY NOW. THIS IS ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE 08 CADILLAC DTS 4.7L NORTHSTAR ENGINES.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 11, 202077,800 milesNY

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. WITHOUT CORRECTING THIS, THE FUSE BOX WILL BE AFFECTED ONCE THE FUSE PUMP RELAY OVERHEATS AND EVENTUALLY MELTS AND BURNS. CAR WAS STATIONED. THIS IS UNSAFE BY ANY MEANS. THE FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD AND CAUSED THE SEATS TO BURN AND WORSE, IT'S RIGHT BY THE GAS TANK.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 2020NE

MY 2008 CADILLAC DTS WOUDL NOT START, I FOUND THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO BE BURNT. I REPLACED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR 150 MILES, SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. REPLACED THE RELAY AGAIN IN ORDER TO GET HOME. I THEN REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, SAME THING HAPPENED. THEN I RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE REAR SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FUEL PUMP RELAY KEEPS BURNING UP UNDER THE REAR SEAT, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. IT WILL CONTINUE TO BURN UNTIL YOU REMOVE IT.

Engine
Filed Dec 27, 201995,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL SPOTS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GUYS BUICK GMC TRUCK (1316 N MILDRED ST, RANSON, WV 25438) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE CRANK CASE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A $100 VOUCHER TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 20, 2019219,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT SMELLED A ROTTING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE RADIO REMAINED IN VALET MODE. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ACTIVATE CORRECTLY AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE TO FULL CAPACITY. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LES STANDFORD CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 21730 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 48124, 313-444-7537), BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 219,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 13, 201969,303 milesAZ

CAR STOPPED OPERATING ALL OF A SUDDEN. BATTERY CHARGING ISSUE.

Wheels › Rim
Filed Nov 8, 201975,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME ON THE RIMS PEELED AND BUBBLED, CAUSING THE TIRES TO CONSTANTLY LOSE AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WONDERLAND TIRE (616-399-3070, LOCATED AT 12671 JAMES ST, HOLLAND, MI 49424) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RIMS WERE NOT REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2019100,000 milesMI

2008 CADILLAC DTS (100K MI) WAS PARKED AND ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT START. I DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL TO ENGINE BY CHECKING SCHRADER VALVE ON FUEL RAIL. PROCEEDED TO CHECK FUEL PUMP (FP) FUSE (OK) AND FP RELAY (BURNED ON PIN 30 ALONG WITH FUSE BLOCK). REPLACED FP RELAY; HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW MINUTES FROM VEHICLE START, THE RELAY HEATS TO ABOUT 200 DEGREES F. AFTER READING SEVERAL FORUMS, THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON: IT APPEARS THE FUSE BLOCK (UNDER REAR SEAT ). IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE ORDERED GM BLOCK 19116810 WHICH APPARENTLY SUPERSEDES THE ORIGINAL FACTORY GM BLOCK 13599106. THIS PROBLEM CLEARLY POSES MANY SAFETY ISSUES: FIRE, ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING, ETC. GM NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM. MOREOVER, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE BURNED OUT CONNECTOR (UNDER PASSENGER SEAT) FOR THE HEATED SEATS. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HAVE THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER OPTION WHICH ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL ISSUES. SHAME ON GM FOR NOT CORRECTING THESE ENGINEERING DESIGN DEFECTS. SAFETY SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT WITH THESE TYPES OF ISSUES ON YOUR VEHICLES ESPECIALLY YOUR PREMIER BRAND (CADILLAC).

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Mar 7, 2019200,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW WASHER FLUID WAS LEAKING AND COULD POTENTIALLY SHORT OUT THE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE FAILURE WAS BURNING UP THE FUSES AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V441000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH BRITAIN CHEVROLET CADILLAC (4495 INTERSTATE HWY 30, GREENVILLE, TX 75402, (903) 274-4401) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX AND HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE BACK SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT PERFORM ANY REPAIRS DUE TO A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 5, 201984,000 milesGA

THE CHECK ENGINE CODE SHOWED THE INTERNAL POWER MODULE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THIS WAS WITHOUT WARNING AND MADE THE CAR'S POWER BRAKES AND STEERING TO BECOME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND BRAKE THE CAR BY MY WIFE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME WITH THE CHECK ENGINE OFF THEY SAID I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND AGAIN AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND REPLACED THE MODULE PLUS THE COMPUTER AT A COST OF $750. THIS IS THE NINTH CADILLAC I HAVE OWNED SINCE 1980 WHEN I PURCHASED A SEVILLE WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND THIS IS THE FIRST THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE POWER MODULE AND COMPUTER. THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND BOTH CADILLAC AND I WERE LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES. NOW WITH THE PROBLEM CORRECTED MY WIFE IS HESITANT ABOUT DRIVING AFTER THE CLOSE CALL SHE HAS EXPERIENCED. SHE ALWAYS INSISTED ON DRIVING A CADILLAC BECAUSE OF THEIR SAFETY RATING AND BECAUSE THEY WON THE MALCULAM BALDRIDGE QUALITY AWARD BACK IN THE 1980'S. I THINK A RECALL TO REPLACE THOSE MODULES AFTER HIGH MILEAGE OF AT LEAST 65K MILES. MY 2008 CADILLAC DTS MILEAGE INDICATOR SHOWS 84,000 MILES.

Engine
Filed Jan 10, 201999,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN AND THE OIL FILTER HOUSING. TEXAS DIRECT AUTO (12053 SOUTHWEST FWY, STAFFORD, TX 77477, (281) 499-8200) REPAIRED THE OIL LEAK, BUT CALLED THE CONTACT BACK AND INFORMED HIM OF ANOTHER OIL LEAK AT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER STATED THAT FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD REQUIRE THE MOTOR TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE OIL PAN, OIL HOUSING, AND VALVE COVERS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Exterior Lighting › HeadlightsFire
Filed Oct 17, 2018105,000 milesMO

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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RILEY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2033 CHRISTY DR, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101, (573) 298-6142) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COSMETIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 2018160,000 milesGA

TRIED TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT CRANK. REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL PUMP RELAY. CAR STARTED AND I DROVE ABOUT 10 MILES AND IT CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. SINCE WE REPLACED THE RELAY MY HUSBAND TOOK OUT THE BACK SEAT TO CHECK IT TO FIND THE FUSE BOX TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND SMELLED LIKE BURNING WIRES. HE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO AVOID A FIRE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER HAD HE NOT HAD THE FORETHOUGHT TO CHECK THE FUEL RELAY. IT WAS JUST BEFORE CAUSING A FIRE AND WE HAD TWO PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT.

Engine
Filed Jul 16, 201890,000 milesNY

LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAK. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DATING BACK A NUMBER OF YEARS AND CADILLAC HAS NOT RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I AM FORCED TO INSTALL A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS SO COSTLY TO RESOLVE. APPROXIMATELY $4,500. IS THERE ANY CLASS ACTION AGAINST CADILLAC OR IS THERE ANY RELIEF AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 19, 201827,000 milesAZ

THE DASH LIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT, OR VERY DIM. THE BRIGHTNESS DOES NOT COME ON FOR MILES AT A TIME. YOU CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER TO SEE HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IN MOTION, CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CADILLAC AND HAVE HAD IT TO THE CADILLAC DEALER. THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE HAD IT TO EARNHARDT CADILLAC SCOTTSDALE, AZ. SO FAR NO FIX. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. AFTER THE WARRANTY STOPPED I DID NOT GO BACK TO DEALER.

Steering
Filed Dec 11, 201770,883 milesFL

MY CAR WON'T START IF THE TILT WHEEL IS NOT IN A CERTAIN POSITION. THE ENGINE WILL NOT START UNTIL YOU PUT IT DOWN IN A CERTAIN POSITION---WHICH I GUESS AT. AFTER I START IT I CAN ADJUST THE TILT WHEEL AND I HAVE NO PROBLEM. AFTER STOPPING AND PARKING THE CAR, I HAVE TO GET IT IN THE RIGHT POSITION TO HAVE IT START. (YESTERDAY AFTER 3 ADJUSTMENTS, IT WOULD NOT START.) AFTER RESTING FOR A FEW HOURS, IT STARTED.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 201781,000 milesWA

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ONE DAY AND I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING MELTING IT WASN'T TO STRONG BUT YOU COULD SMELL IT THE NEXT DAY I SMELLED IT AGAIN AND THEN I NOTICED IT COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SO WHEN I GOT HOME I STARTED TO UNPLUG THE CONNECTORS TO SEE IF SOMETHING WAS MELTING AND WHEN I UNPLUG THE ONE FOR THE HEATED SEATS I SAW IT WAS MELT AND I WENT ONLINE TO LOOK IF THIS IS A PROBLEM AND MANY OWNERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE IT LOOKS LIKE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS I DO NOT THIS ITS SAFE, CONTACTED GM TOLD THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID ITS OUT OF WARRANTY

Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 201797,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY REPLACED THE RELAY SENSOR AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER AND BRAKES FAILED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (RUDDELL AUTO, LOCATED ON 110 S GOLF COURSE RD, PORT ANGELES, WA, 98362) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RELAY FUSE BOX AND PANEL MELTED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 24, 201758 milesMD

FUEL PUMP RELAY OVERHEATED TO THE POINT OF MELTING CAUSING IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE RELAY AND THE FUSE BLOCK LOCATED INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN UNDER THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE CREATING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKING.

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 201779,000 milesWA

I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 69K MILES IN MAY OF 2016 AND NOW ITS HAS 80K MILES FEB 2017 AND I HAVE AN OIL LEAK THAT IS LEAKING ON THE DRIVE SIDE OF THE OIL PAN FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK AND ITS LEAKING ON THE THE EXHAUST THE RUNS FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE THAT IS BOLTED ON THE THE OIL PAN AND I AM WORRIED THAT IT IS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE AND I SEE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ON A LOT OF THIS CARS AND WITH LOWER MILES THEN MINE I THINK GM SHOULD RECALL IT BECAUSE LESS THEN 100K MILES AND TO HAVE AN OIL LEAK THAT LEAKS ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 1500 MILES OR SO AND ITS LEAKING RIGHT NEXT TO THE EXHAUST AND RIGHT ON TOP OF IT THE COULD CASE FIRE IS UNSAFE, AND TO COST $1000-2000 TO FIX THERE DESIGN FLAW THE OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY I COULD UNDERSTAND IF IT HAD MORE THEN 100K MILES

Electrical System
Filed Jan 15, 2017108,000 milesGA

IN NOV. OF 2016, MY DTS WAS PARKED AND AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER AS IF WERE OUT OF GAS. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP RELAY, WHICH HAD SHORTED. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ACTUAL CAUSE WAS THE FUSE BLOCK (REAR SEAT). THIS ITEM IS A DEALER REPAIR LEVEL AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED SINCE THERE ARE SEVERAL CASES OF THIS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING SUDDEN CUT-OFFS, POWER STEERING ISSUES AND IGNITION KEY PROBLEMS NOTED HERE. MY CAR HAS EXPERIENCED ALL OF THESE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 28, 201685,753 milesVA

FUEL PUMP RELAY MELTED REPLACED REAR FUSE BOX AND RELAY TRIED TO START VEHICLE ON 6 JUNE 2016 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. HAD VEHICLE TOWED IN TO DIAGNOSE $81.99 JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. PURCHASED A WARRANTY BUT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS EXPERIENCE WITH A VEHICLE. AFTER EXTENSIVE READING I FIND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH A VARIETY OF CADILLAC VEHICLES. I HAD TO PAY $796.43, PARTS WERE $397.51.THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPEN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE. SINCE CADILLAC KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM I FEEL I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR MY SUFFERING AND PAIN. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE STARTING IN THE SEAT AREA. I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN UNTIL IT WAS TO LATE.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 11, 2016140,000 milesTX

AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER HEAD ON COLLISION TRAVELING 23 MILES PER HOUR, ON A CITY STREET, GOING STRAIGHT. CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED BY USAA.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 28, 2016115,000 milesDC

THE ABS WILL RANDOMLY APPLY IN GOOD DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR NO REASON WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED CAUSING YOU TO POTENTIALLY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HAD THE ABS MODULE REPLACED AND ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN 3 MONTHS AFTER VERY COSTLY REPAIR. NOTE: VEHICLE HAD A CODE "YAW RATE SENSOR"

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2016WA

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE STATING #14299 IGNITION KEY ROTATION WAS AN ISSUE. STATED SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED. I HAD INSTALLED AND PAID FOR A COMPLETE NEW IGNITION UNIT EARLIER THIS SPRING AT A COST OF $400.OO PLUS. I AM NOT HAPPY TO KNOW THE OLD UNIT NEEDED RECALL, AND FURTHER THAT MY DEALER NEVER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE I HAVE A REFUND DUE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE REPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 14, 2015120,000 milesCA

ON 9/4/15 @ APPROX 5:45 P.M, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START - IT ACTED LIKE THERE WAS NO FUEL GETTING TO THE INJECTORS. THREE HOURS LATER I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT STARTED JUST FINE; TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK W/O ANY ISSUES. ON 9/7/15 THE PROBLEM RESURFACED; I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM ON 9,/8/15, TO BE A BAD FUEL PUMP RELAY. CAR WORKED FINE FOR ONE DAY; ON 9/9/15 THE PROBLEM RESURFACED ONCE AGAIN - IF THE CAR SAT OFF FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE BUICK GMC DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE ROOT CAUSE TO BE A BAD FUSE BOX ASSEMBLY ($318 PART). THE FUEL PUMP RELAY GOT HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE HARD PLASTIC OF THE FUSE BOX ASSEMBLY, AND THERE ARE BURN MARKS ON THE BODY OF THE FUEL PUMP RELAY - I HAVE THE OLD PARTS AND PICTURES OF SAME. THE SERVICE REP AT THE BUICK GMC DEALER SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON BUICK LACROSSE. BEING THAT THE FUSE BOX IS UNDER THE REAR SEAT OF THE CAR, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 14, 20155,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PEDAL SANK TO TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED FROM 50 MPH TO 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Apr 20, 201524,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND HAVE IT TOWED INTO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS DANGEROUS AND DECLINED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE ADVISED OF POSSIBLE OTHER OPTIONS TO RESOLVE THE MALFUNCTION. UPDATED 09/12/2017*JS

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 15, 2015OK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 31, 201584,000 milesTN

AFTER PARKING MY CAR IN THE GARAGE,APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS LATER,I WENT TO START MY CAR,BUT IT WOULD NOT START,IT WOULD CRANK OVER GOOD ,BUT WOULD NOT START. I PROCEEDED WITH MY OWN ASSUMPTIONS AND FOUND A PIN(#30)ON THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS BURNT,I HAD AN ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS PERFORMED ON THE WIRING AND THE FUEL PUMP,BOTH PASSED OKAY,I WAS TOLD THE FUSE BLOCK WAS BAD,(WHICH I SUSPECTED),WHICH I HAD PREVIOUSLY ORDERED FROM THE CADILLAC DEALER. ON INSTALLING THE NEW FUSE BLOCK,THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 30, 201582,000 milesNY

FUEL PUMP MODULE OVERHEATED, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF FIRE. THIS PART WAS RECALLED IN 2006-2007 CTS-V AND STS-V, BUT CONTINUES IN THEIR 2008 DTS. IT IS DIFFERENT IN THE MANNER IT OCCURS, BUT WITH SAME RESULT. REPLACED THE MODULE, CAR DIED AGAIN, REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND MODULE AGAIN, CAR DIED AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WITH CHILDREN STRAPPED IN SITTING RIGHT OVER THE BURNING HOT MODULE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 18, 2014AR

2008 CADILLAC DTS. RECALL REGARDING IF KEY RING IS ADDING WEIGHT TO VEHICLE. *TA ACCORDING TO THE RECALL LETTER, THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 16, 201490,000 milesAL

WE WERE HIT IN RIGHT SIDE BY A DRIVER WHO PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND CROSSED TWO LANES HITTING OUR CAR IN THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FENDER AND FRONT DOOR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY TO HEAD AND NECK. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 14, 2014CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 7, 201468,000 milesMN

THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT SOCKETS IN BOTH HEADLAMPS HAVE BURNT CONTACTS. I TOOK MY 2008 CADILLAC DTS TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BULBS REPLACED AS MY TURN SIGNALS WEREN'T WORKING. THEY REPLACED THE BULBS. TWO DAYS LATER THEY QUIT WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY CHECKED IT AGAIN AND INFORMED ME THAT THE LAMP SOCKETS WERE BURNT AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY BECAUSE THERE WASN'T A REPLACEMENT SOCKET AVAILABLE. THE COST WAS GOING TO BE APPROXIMATELY $1000 EACH WITH LABOR. I BELIEVE THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CADILLAC SHOULD EITHER PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SOCKET OR COVER A PART OF THE PART AND LABOR. RIGHT NOW I HAVE THE SOCKETS TEMPORARILY REPAIRED WITH PAPER CLIPS AND ALUMINUM FOIL BECAUSE ON SOCIAL SECURITY I CAN'T AFFORD THEIR COST TO FIX BUT I WON'T DRIVE ON THE ROAD WITH NO FRONT TURN SIGNALS AND ENDANGER OTHER FOLKS ON THE ROAD. *TR

Seat Belts1 injured
Filed Nov 7, 201450,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO PROPERLY FIT ACROSS THE CHEST AREA AND WENT ACROSS THE NECK AREA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOULDER ANCHOR WAS ADJUSTED TO THE LOWER LEVEL BUT THE SEAT BELT CONTINUED TO LIE ACROSS THE NECK AREA. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELT WOULD CAUSE FATAL INJURIES. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER NECK WAS BLISTERED DUE TO THE FAILURE BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE SEAT BELT PADS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Nov 6, 201490,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 4, 2014106,000 milesMS

TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR SAFETY RECALL 14299 NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE SWITCH THEY JUST PUT SOMETHING ON THE KEY AND 2 SMALL KEY RINGS AND TOLD ME THAT NOTHING ELSE WAS TO BE PUT ON THE KEY RING. IN MY OPINION THE REPAIR WAS NOT DONE WHAT IS STOPPING THE KEY SWITCH FROM SHUTTING OFF AS A MECHANIC NOTHING WAS DONE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 7, 2014VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Sep 16, 201490,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A DEER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 86, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201116200Routine
201022300Routine
200935210Routine
2008 — this page86360Routine
200797340Routine
20062554100Above average
20059000Routine
20047000Routine

Compare every DTS year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.