2011 Cadillac DTS recalls and problems

The 2011 Cadillac DTS has 2 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Cadillac DTS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 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.

2011 Cadillac DTS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System6
Engine5
Air Bags3
Steering2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Structure1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Seat Belts1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,720 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 2011 Cadillac DTS complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Sep 2, 2026
Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion. Bruising on my torse from what I believe was from the seatbelt. Car is totaled and no inspection has been done by a service center. Insurance will be doing a valuation of the value only. No warning lights or messges were visible prior to the accident.
Electrical System · reported Apr 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 highway instead of church and spending time on a holiday.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 126,000 miles · reported Jan 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 · at 70,000 miles · reported Feb 10, 2016
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.
Electrical System · reported Jun 15, 2015
2011 cadillac dts. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement parts not available to complete recall. 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. Updated 07/08/15.

Other Cadillac DTS years

Compare all Cadillac DTS years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Cadillac DTS: 14V-355 (electrical system), 10V-553 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Cadillac DTS?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by engine (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,720 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.