2011 Cadillac Dts Problems

Severe Issues

Used CADILLAC DTS shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 15 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

20106 yearsnewer

Before you buy

This 2011 Cadillac Dts has 15 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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15
Complaints
3
Crashes
Fires
5
Injuries
Fatalities
2
Recalls

2011 Cadillac Dts Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2011 Cadillac Dts.

15
MPG City
23
MPG Hwy
18
MPG Combined
494
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $6,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2011 Cadillac Dts Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

11.1% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

11.1% probability

Stability Control: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Cadillac Dts has 15 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2011 Cadillac Dts — key reliability facts
Make
Cadillac
Model
Dts
Model year
2011
NHTSA owner complaints
15
Crash-related complaints
3
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Electrical Faults
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
18
EPA MPG city / highway
15 / 23
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2011 Cadillac Dts problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
6
complaints

Electrical Faults

#2
5
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
2
complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System

Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System. 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 2011 Cadillac Dts?

This CADILLAC DTS year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2011 Cadillac Dts

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2011 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

The CADILLAC DTS has 15 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 15 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 2 federal recall campaigns
  • 3 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2011 Cadillac Dts complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Cadillac Dts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults6
Engine Problems51
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Airbag Malfunctions22
Steering Defects2
Door Lock Issues1
Structural Problems11

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 2011 Cadillac Dts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 15 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsApr 20, 2026

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 highw…

Engine ProblemsJan 5, 2021

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…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemJan 7, 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

Engine ProblemsNov 29, 2018

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) WHER…

Engine ProblemsFeb 10, 2016

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 FAIL…

Electrical FaultsJun 15, 2015

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 AD…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashFeb 7, 2015

I WAS DRIVING SW ON DESIGN AND DID NOT SEE A STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF DRAGON, IN DALLAS, TEXAS. AS A RESULT, MY 2011 CADILLAC DTS COLLIDED INTO (T-BONED) A 1995 OR 1996 NISSAN MAXIMA. I WAS TRAVELING 25-30 MILES PER HOUR AT IMPACT AND NEVER SAW THE COLLISION COMING. PR…

Electrical FaultsSep 23, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXP…

Electrical FaultsSep 22, 2014

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…

Electrical FaultsSep 16, 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 REP…

Electrical FaultsSep 8, 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 T…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashSep 8, 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 NOTI…

Steering DefectsAug 11, 2014

STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED IN THE MOST HIGHEST POSITION. IT CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED TO ANY OTHER POSITION. *TR

Steering DefectsApr 24, 2014

THE POWER STEERING GEAR HAS BEGUN LEAKING, THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT BUT THERE IS A LEAK OF POWER STEERING FLUID. *TR

Structural Problems CrashSep 15, 2012

HIT A TRUCK PULLING A LOWBOY TRAILER STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT.. DUE TO A CONCUSSION, I DO NOT REMEMBER THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH. HOWEVER I DO KNOW THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL HARD ENOUGH WITH MY FACE AND CHEST TO BEND THE STEERING WHEEL. I RECEIV…

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Cadillac Dts.

Safety recalls

2011 Cadillac Dts recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Cadillac Dts. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION23/06/2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

#10V553000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESMay 11, 2010

Across model years

Compare Cadillac Dts model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2011 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2011 Cadillac Dts buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2011 Cadillac Dts reliable?

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 15 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This CADILLAC DTS year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. 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 2011 Cadillac Dts?

#1: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (5 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (2 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Cadillac Dts?

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2011 Cadillac Dts?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Cadillac Dts, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 15 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2011 Cadillac Dts have any recalls?

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Cadillac Dts. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2011 Cadillac Dts?

This CADILLAC DTS year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. 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 2011 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.