1G6KA5E64BU1122652011 CADILLAC DTSBase
Executive Summary
2011 CADILLAC DTS was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- ▸2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- ▸5 injuries reported across 15 owner complaints
- ▸Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- CADILLAC
- Model
- DTS
- Year
- 2011
- Trim / Series
- Base
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 4.6L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Assembly
- DETROIT HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
- ▸Fire/ignition recall
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠5 injuries reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
CADILLAC completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SummaryThis 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
SummaryGENERAL 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
100% of complaints about "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES" were filed AFTER recall campaign 10V553000 (2010-05-11) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
1 in 3 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
53% of complaints filed in Sep & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
▸ Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
The blue line shows 15 total NHTSA complaints filed over 8 years, with the worst year being 2014 (7 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 98/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
Notably, despite 15 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2012, 2014, 2015) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1G6KA5E64BU112265 |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| Make | CADILLAC |
| Model | DTS |
| Trim | Base |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.6 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS LLC |
| Assembly City | DETROIT HAMTRAMCK |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1G6 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 4 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | B |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 112265 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 15 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/30/2026, 6:06:25 AM.