Cadillac DTS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Cadillac DTS model year (2006–2011) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Cadillac DTS Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 254 complaints
16 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 298
3 recalls · 97 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 118
3 recalls · 86 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 109
Best Cadillac DTS Years to Buy
2 recalls · 14 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 30
3 recalls · 22 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 41
2 recalls · 35 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 47
Found the right year? Verify that specific DTS with a free VIN report.
Cadillac DTS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 14 | 30 | Good |
| 2010 | 3 | 22 | 41 | Good |
| 2009 | 2 | 35 | 47 | Good |
| 2008 | 3 | 86 | 109 | Caution |
| 2007 | 3 | 97 | 118 | Caution |
| 2006 | 4 | 254 | 298 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Cadillac DTS Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder DTS models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year DTS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Cadillac DTS if possible. It has 4 recalls, 254 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. The overall problem score is 298 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year DTS to buy?+
The 2011 Cadillac DTS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 30. It has only 2 recalls and 14 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which DTS has the fewest problems?+
The 2011, 2010, 2009 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Cadillac DTS Research
Check a Specific Cadillac DTS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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