Cadillac DTS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Cadillac DTS model year (2006–2011) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Cadillac DTS Years to Avoid
1 recall · 178 complaints
13 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 207
1 recall · 64 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 73
1 recall · 58 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 71
Best Cadillac DTS Years to Buy
2 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 20
1 recall · 9 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 20
0 recalls · 28 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 38
Found the right year? Verify that specific DTS with a free VIN report.
Cadillac DTS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 9 | 4 | — | 20 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 2 | 12 | 1 | — | 20 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 0 | 28 | 5 | — | 38 | Good |
| 2008 | 1 | 58 | 5 | — | 71 | Good |
| 2007 | 1 | 64 | 3 | — | 73 | Caution |
| 2006 | 1 | 178 | 13 | — | 207 | Avoid |
All 6 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year DTS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Cadillac DTS if possible. It has 1 recall, 178 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 207 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year DTS to buy?+
The 2010 Cadillac DTS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 20. It has only 2 recalls and 12 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which DTS has the fewest problems?+
The 2010, 2011, 2009 model years have the fewest documented problems. 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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