2011 Cadillac DTS: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2016
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2015
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2014
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2014
“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.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2014
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact DTS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Cadillac DTS reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Cadillac DTS. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.