2010 Cadillac DTS recalls and problems

The 2010 Cadillac DTS has 3 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
22
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Cadillac DTS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Cadillac DTS recalls

Recall 14V-355: Electrical System

Reported Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-553: Electrical System

Reported Nov 5, 2010 · 13,780 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-480: Equipment

Reported Dec 17, 2009 · 126 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling model year 2010 cadillac dts vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims". The tire and loading information label, which lists the proper tire and vehicle loading information, was not installed on the vehicle. In addition, there are two labels affixed to affected vehicles that incorrectly describe them as an incomplete vehicle. One label is the vehicle certification label, which certifies that the vehicle conforms to all applicable U.S. Federal motor vehicle safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards. The second label is the service parts identification label, which lists various components used in the manufacturing of the vehicle.

Risk: Driving the vehicle with tires that are not properly inflated could result in tire overloading, premature or irregular wear, and/or poor handling increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Gm will mail the three correct labels to owners along with installation instructions. Owners may also take the vehicle and the labels to a dealer for installation. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 22, 2009. Owners may contact GM cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

2010 Cadillac DTS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System11
Engine4
Seats3
Air Bags3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Seat Belts1
Wheels1
Exterior Lighting1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Service Brakes1
Suspension1
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 2
  • Seat Belts › Rear/Other — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Oil Cooler — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,760 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Cadillac DTS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jul 30, 2025
I was traveling on Stevenson expressway at 55 mph when the fuel pump relay overheated and melted, which burned up the REC (Rear Electrical Electrical Center /fusebox). When the fuse pump relay overheated it shut fuel down going to the fuel pump, which caused the engine to stall. When the engine stalled the car cut off, causing me to loose power steering. Because I was traveling in the middle lane of a three lane expressway at a high rate of speed, the vehicle started deaccelerating and I couldn’t control the vehicle with no power steering, I couldn’t get over to the shoulder. This nearly…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 168,000 miles · reported Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started and shut off immediately. The contact stated she smelled a burning plastic odor coming from the…
Air Bags · reported Jan 18, 2023
The vehicle "service Airbag " warning keeps flashing. Should I keep driving this vehicle, Is my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk? I've reported this to the GMC dealers in my local area, but the want to charge me $125.00 to $169.00 dollars to perform a diagnostic. My concern is for safety of myself and others. Can this problem be fixed at a minimal or no price.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 160,000 miles · reported Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an oil change and he was informed of an oil pan leak coming from a bolt-on undercarriage causing damage to the engine. The dealer offered to repair the oil leak however, the contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine · at 167,389 miles · reported Aug 16, 2018
The contact owns a 2010 cadillac dts. Whether the vehicle was traveling at various speeds or parked, oil leaked from the undercarriage. The contact stated that a quart of oil had to be added every ten miles. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the oil pan gasket needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 167,389.

Other Cadillac DTS years

Compare all Cadillac DTS years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Cadillac DTS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Cadillac DTS: 14V-355 (electrical system), 10V-553 (electrical system), 09V-480 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Cadillac DTS?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (11 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,760 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.