What year Cadillac DTS should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2008 Cadillac DTS have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2006 model year ranks worst with 255 complaints and 4 recalls.

What is the best year for the Cadillac DTS?

The 2005 and 2011 Cadillac DTS have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2005 at 9 complaints and 0 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Cadillac DTS?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are electrical system (252, 48%), engine (114, 22%), and steering (55, 11%).

How many recalls does the Cadillac DTS have?

NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns covering Cadillac DTS model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Cadillac DTS Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Cadillac DTS years to avoid: 2006 and 2008. Best years: 2005 and 2011. Based on 520 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across 7 model years (2005–2011).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2006 Avoid 2008 Best 2005 Best 2011

Model years: 7; 2005–2011
NHTSA complaints: 520
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 36
Fires reported: 21
Top problem area: Electrical System

DTS Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Cadillac DTS problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Best	0	9	0	0	0	Steering	—	—
2006	Avoid	100	255	14	10	4	Electrical System	18	—
2007	Caution	67	97	8	4	3	Electrical System	18	—
2008	Avoid	83	86	6	6	3	Electrical System	18	—
2009	Caution	50	35	1	1	2	Electrical System	18	—
2010	Good	33	22	3	0	3	Electrical System	18	—
2011	Best	17	16	4	0	2	Electrical System	18	—

DTS years to avoid: what went wrong

2006 Cadillac DTS Index 100 · 255 complaints · 4 recalls

Owners filed 255 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Cadillac DTS, led by electrical system (137), engine (61), and steering (33). NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 14 crashes and 10 fires.

2006 electrical system problems →2006 engine problems →2006 steering problems →

2008 Cadillac DTS Index 83 · 86 complaints · 3 recalls

Owners filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Cadillac DTS, led by electrical system (45), engine (17), and fuel system (11). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 6 crashes and 6 fires.

2008 electrical system problems →2008 engine problems →

Most common Cadillac DTS problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System252 (48%)
Engine114 (22%)
Steering55 (11%)
Structure & Body44 (8%)
Brakes43 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires35 (7%)
Airbags33 (6%)
Other27 (5%)
Fuel System25 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain15 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Cadillac DTS should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2008 Cadillac DTS have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2006 model year ranks worst with 255 complaints and 4 recalls.
What is the best year for the Cadillac DTS?: The 2005 and 2011 Cadillac DTS have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2005 at 9 complaints and 0 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Cadillac DTS?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are electrical system (252, 48%), engine (114, 22%), and steering (55, 11%).
How many recalls does the Cadillac DTS have?: NHTSA lists 6 distinct recall campaigns covering Cadillac DTS model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.