2011 Cadillac DTS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2011 Cadillac DTS has a complaint index of 17, the second-lowest of seven model years, and earns a Best verdict. It has 16 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 DTS years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 16
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 15 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2011 Cadillac DTS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System6 (38%)
- Engine5 (31%)
- Airbags3 (19%)
- Fuel System2 (13%)
- Steering2 (13%)
- Structure & Body2 (13%)
- Seat Belts1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including a 55 mph collision and a T-bone impact at 25-30 mph.
- Owners with the 2014 electrical system recall reported delays because replacement parts were unavailable, leaving key fob-related door lock/unlock problems unresolved.
- Power steering gear developed a fluid leak with no prior impact.
- Steering column locked in its highest position and could not be adjusted.
- A structural complaint described a low-speed crash where the steering wheel bent and the airbag did not deploy, causing serious injury.
2011 Cadillac DTS recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical System3,141,731 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
This 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.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
- NHTSA 10V553000Nov 5, 2010Electrical System13,780 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
General 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.
Risk: A power steering leak could result in a loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash, and/or the leak onto hot engine parts could cause an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will secure and if necessary reroute the lines to prevent contact. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 19, 2010. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, buick at 1-866-608-8080 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
2011 Cadillac DTS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other DTS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Cadillac DTS reliable?
- Among the seven model years with data, 2011 ranks 6th worst (meaning near the best), with a complaint index of 17 and a Best verdict relative to other DTS years.
- What problems does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have?
- NHTSA lists 16 complaints, led by the Electrical System (6 complaints, 38%) and Engine (5 complaints, 31%), followed by Airbags at 19%.
- Does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for a starter/alternator cable contacting the power steering line, and one for a key fob defect affecting the airbag system. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- Did the airbags fail on the 2011 Cadillac DTS?
- NHTSA complaints describe airbags that failed to deploy in three crash-related reports, with a median mileage of 40,000 miles for Airbag complaints.
- Which Cadillac DTS model years should be avoided?
- 2006 and 2008 are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83, the worst among the seven years tracked; 2011 is one of the better years.