Before you buy
This 2009 Cadillac Dts has 35 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Cadillac Dts Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Cadillac Dts trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2009 Cadillac Dts Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CADILLAC DTS 2009 has 35 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Electrical faults lead with 12 complaints, followed by brake system issues (6) and seat problems (5). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Dts
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 35
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Cadillac Dts problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Seat-Related Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Brake System, Seat-Related Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Cadillac Dts?
The 2009 Cadillac DTS may be worth considering if you are aware of its electrical and brake complaint patterns. However, with low data confidence, proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical faults and brake issues are the top complaints, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Understanding these patterns helps you negotiate and prepare for potential problems.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize a comfortable, full-size luxury sedan and are willing to address common electrical issues.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal maintenance may want to avoid this year due to the prevalence of electrical and brake complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Cadillac Dts
Inspection Focus
- Inspect all electrical systems, including lights, windows, and dashboard.
- Check brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid for wear or leaks.
- Test power seat adjustments and seat belt retractors.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and brakes before purchase.
- Test drive to check for any warning lights or unusual noises.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Cadillac Dts, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Cadillac DTS shows a low confidence level due to only 35 complaints across one model year. Electrical faults dominate with 12 complaints, followed by brake system issues (6) and seat-related problems (5). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2009 DTS has a moderate complaint count, but low data confidence limits direct comparisons.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Electrical faults account for 12 of 35 total complaints, the highest count.
- Brake system complaints total 6, indicating a notable concern.
- Seat-related issues have 5 complaints, suggesting potential comfort or safety problems.
- Electrical faults: 12 complaints, including possible failures in wiring, modules, or accessories.
- Brake system: 6 complaints, which may affect stopping performance.
- Seat-related issues: 5 complaints, potentially involving power seats or seat belts.
Full breakdown
All 2009 Cadillac Dts complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Cadillac Dts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Cadillac Dts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Fuse box got push on by seat clamp shorted out my fuel pump relay and burnt up my fuse box
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac DTS. The contact was driving at 55mph on the highway and the vehicle slowed down independently and the screens went blank. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was shut off but would not restart. The contact called the …
I FILED A COMPLAINT IN 2016 (COMPLAINT NO. 10823262) RELATED CORROSION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINES. THIS COMPLAINT IS SIMILAR BUT RELATED TO CORROSION OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES IN WHICH I AGAIN HAD A SIMILAR LIFE THREATENING EXPERIENCE. THE ORDINARY "CORRODED" STEEL LINES WERE REPLA…
CANT BRING DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEATS UP OR DOWN RESULTING IN UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING POSITION IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL, PARK, ALL GEARS. DISTANCE SENSORS MALFUNCTION FREQUENTLY WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE.
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN ATVTRAIN STATION. HAD TO LEAVE OVERNIGHT AND HAD IT TROUBLESHOT IN AM. A FAULTY FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS THE SUPPOSED CAUSE. CHANGED THE RELAY ON A WEDNESDAY MORNING AND CAR WAS GOOD TILL SATURDAY AFTERNOON WHEN IT STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 9 I…
HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS AFTER FILL UPS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. EACH TIME I FILL IT AND PARK IT IN MY GARAGE IT FILLS WITH GAS FUMES THAT COULD EXPLODE AND KILL SOMEONE UNAWARE. ODOR LEAVES AFTER DRIVING 30 MILES OR SO. GOT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND O'REILY AUTO PARTS CHECK AND SAID IT S…
MY 2009 CADILLAC DTS RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, IT WAS STEERING HARD WHEN MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS AND EVENTUALLY BEGAN MAKING NOISES. I TOOK IT TO MY GM DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE HOSES AND FLUID RECEPTACLE. ALL THEY FOUND WAS THE RECEPTACLE WAS LOW ON POWER …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR FUSE BOX LOCATED UNDER THE BACKSEAT WAS VERY HOT AND A BURNING ODOR WAS…
THE FUEL PUMP RELAY IS BURNING OUT AND CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO START. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT JUST STALLED OUT IN THE ROAD.
THE BRAKE LINES IN MY 2009 CADILLAC DTS ARE COMPLETLY CORRODED,TO THE POINT THAT THEY ARE LEAKING AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I NEVER EXPECTED TO SEE PLAIN STEEL BRAKE LINES IN A CADILLAC, THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN STAINLESS STEEL AT A MINIMUM. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND …
I WAS BACKING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AS I BACKED ONTO THE ROAD,THE CAR SUDDENLY QUIT RUNNING. I TRIED RESTARTING IT,BUT IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD...I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER..WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY,I WAS INFOR…
WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY MY CRUISE CONTROL KEPT TURNING ITSELF OFF AND ON. A DRIVER TRAVELING BEHIND ME LET ME KNOW THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON AS IF I WERE RIDING THE BRAKE (WHICH I WAS NOT) AND THEN WOULD GO OFF AGAIN - THIS KEPT REPEATING. IT SEEMED THIS WAS WHY TH…
LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM HAS GONE OUT TWO TIMES IN LESS THAN 45,000 MILES. THIS IS A SYSTEM TO WARN YOU WHEN YOU CROSS OVER INTO ANOTHER LANE.
I PURCHASED MY 2009 DTS CADILLAC FOLEY IN NOV. OF 2008. PRESENTLY I HAVE ABOUT 35,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I SERVICED MY BRAKES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THERE HAS BEEN NO SIGN OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING. IN DRIVING FROM CHICAGO NORTH TO HIGHLAND PARK ILLINOIS ON THE EXPRESSWAY, I HA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PAN GASKET AND THE MAIN CRANK SEAL GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT ENTERED THROUGH THE BACK DOOR IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE NEED…
VEHICLE LOCKS ITSELF. "CHECKED" THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY, NOTHING FOUND. THEN BACK PASSENGER SIDE LOCK FAULTY & REPLACED. ON 6/2/15 I TOOK MY CAT TO THE VET, REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, DID NOT LOCK THE DOOR, PLACED THE KEYS ON THE CAT CARRIER, CLOSED THE DRIVER'S DOOR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUST…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RE…
WHILE DRIVING LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND FAILURE OF THE METAL HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DASH INDICATOR SERVICE BRAKE STABILATRAK. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Cadillac Dts.
Safety recalls
2009 Cadillac Dts recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Cadillac Dts. With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Cadillac Dts buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Cadillac Dts reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 35 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Cadillac DTS may be worth considering if you are aware of its electrical and brake complaint patterns. However, with low data confidence, proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Cadillac Dts?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (12 complaints). #2: Brake System (6 complaints). #3: Seat-Related Issues (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Cadillac Dts?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Cadillac Dts?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Cadillac Dts, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 35 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Cadillac Dts have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Cadillac Dts. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Cadillac Dts?▾
The 2009 Cadillac DTS may be worth considering if you are aware of its electrical and brake complaint patterns. However, with low data confidence, proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Electrical faults and brake issues are the top complaints, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Understanding these patterns helps you negotiate and prepare for potential problems. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Dts reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Cadillac Dts based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.