1G6KA5E64BU1122652011 CADILLAC DTSBase
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.
Executive Summary
2011 CADILLAC DTS
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
- Common owner-reported issues: electrical problems
- 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
15 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (40%), Engine/Powertrain (20%), Safety Systems (13%). Common issues: electrical problems. 3 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- 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)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: DETROIT HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸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.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2011 CADILLAC DTS report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2011 CADILLAC DTS report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
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 Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA 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
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
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.
Complaint Intelligence
15 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
53% of complaints filed in Sep & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME15 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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 and spending time on a holiday.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY NOTICED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RIZZA CADILLAC BUICK GMC (8425 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487; (708) 429-6600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR MAIN SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AFTER A CHECK AND RESET. THE CAR HAS A LOST OF POWER AND RUNS REAL SLOW THAN ITS LIKE THE PROBLEM NEVER EXISTED. THIS IS THE CODE I KEEP GETTING. P0420 CODE BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EDDIE TOURELLE'S NORTHPARK HYUNDAI (953 HIGHWAY 190 N, COVINGTON, LA 70433, (985) 801-7000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RUBBER ON THE OIL PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PAN GASKET AND MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
2011 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE DECIDED NOT TO COMPLY WITH THE RECALL, DUE TO THE FACT CHRYSLER IS NOT PROVIDING A PROPER SAFETY FIX. HOWEVER, HE DID REMOVE THE ADDITIONAL KEYS. *JB UPDATED 07/08/15.*JB
I WAS DRIVING SW ON DESIGN AND DID NOT SEE A STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF DRAGON, IN DALLAS, TEXAS. AS A RESULT, MY 2011 CADILLAC DTS COLLIDED INTO (T-BONED) A 1995 OR 1996 NISSAN MAXIMA. I WAS TRAVELING 25-30 MILES PER HOUR AT IMPACT AND NEVER SAW THE COLLISION COMING. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, MY VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY COLLISIONS. THE COLLISION CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE NISSAN). BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE NISSAN, BUT MY DTS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH DALLAS POLICE OFFICERS RESPONDING TO THE SCENE, INDICATED THEY "COULD NOT BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF." NEITHER CAN I AND I BELIEVE THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE WHY THIS OCCURRED. MY VEHICLE IS PRESENTLY AT SEWELL COLLISION CENTER, 6303 CEDAR SPRINGS ROAD, DALLAS, TX (214) 956-3600 [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF 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 RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FOB FROM THE IGNITION, THE DOORS WOULD FAIL TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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 MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 2/27/15 *JS
STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED IN THE MOST HIGHEST POSITION. IT CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED TO ANY OTHER POSITION. *TR
THE POWER STEERING GEAR HAS BEGUN LEAKING, THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT BUT THERE IS A LEAK OF POWER STEERING FLUID. *TR
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 CONCUSSION, FIVE BROKEN RIBS AND FACIAL LACERATIONS DUE TO HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. DUE TO MY INJURIES I WAS IN INTENSIVE CARE AND THE HOSPITAL FOR NINE DAYS AND SPENT 20 DAYS IN A REHABILITATION FACILITY. I AM HOME NOW, STILL IN PAIN AND MOVING AROUND WITH THE HELP OF A WALKER. I HAVE OWNED CADILLACS FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. I WILL NEVER DRIVE ANOTHER ONE. IF THIS HAPPENED ONCE, WHAT IS TO SAY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. EXCEPT THIS TIME TO A FAMILY OF FOUR, INSTEAD OF A WIDOW TRAVELING ALONE. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED VEHICLE IF THEY ARE NEEDED. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream 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
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
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 averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2015.
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.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $40,114 (~$669/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2011 CADILLAC DTS — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
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.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1G6KA5E64BU112265. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
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 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
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: 8/2/2026, 6:52:33 AM.