Is the Cadillac DTS Reliable?

2006–2011 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

72/100
Good

Reliability Score

7
Total Recalls
349
Owner Complaints
31
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths
Recall intensity (what drives the score)
0.0 recalls/yr vs. luxury median 2.0/yr
Safety record (separate score)
Lowno open investigations · 0 deaths, 31 injuries on record

Own a Cadillac DTS? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Cadillac DTS Reliability by Year

Model YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliability ScoreRating
2011194—
57
Fair
20102121—
57
Fair
20091285—
57
Fair
20081585—
57
Fair
20071643—
57
Fair
2006117813—
57
Fair

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the DTS Compares to Similar Vehicles

Cadillac DTS72/100
Luxury Category Average70/100

The DTS scores 2 points above the average luxury — a strong result.

Known Cadillac DTS Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
69
ENGINE
42
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
41
STEERING
23
SERVICE BRAKES
13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
12

Based on 349 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cadillac DTS reliable?+

The Cadillac DTS scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 6 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 7 recall campaigns and 349 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year DTS is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2011 DTS achieved the highest reliability score of 57/100 with 1 recall and 9 complaints.

How many miles does a DTS last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Cadillac DTS owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used DTS will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Cadillac DTS Research

Check a Specific Cadillac DTS VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

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