RoadVitals

2008 Cadillac Dts Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
16
Latest Aug 26, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
19%
of 86 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Cadillac Dts submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 16 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the vehicle was diagnosed with an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11611001
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Mileage
85,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 14, 2023

I have a very bad oil leak in my vehicle, which Is creating a mess and alot of smoke.

NHTSA ID
11521892
Incident
May 13, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 12, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Alternator Not Charging" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the alternator and exhaust manifold. The alternator was replaced. However, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed a trail of oil leak in the driveway. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID
11479055
Incident
Jul 29, 2022
Mileage
87,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 11, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, it was discovered that engine oil had leaked onto the hot surface in the engine compartment. The leaking oil also caused damage to the alternator. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11451544
Incident
Nov 1, 2020
Mileage
115,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 18, 2021

DECEMBER 16 2020 NHTSA ID NUMBER 11383838 OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND POWER STEERING PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE FOLLOWING STOP ON DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID
11403767
Incident
Dec 16, 2020
Mileage
92,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 16, 2020

OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE TRANSMISSION AND POWER PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN STOPPED ON DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID
11383838
Incident
Dec 4, 2020
Mileage
92,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. ALSO, UPON COMING TO A STOP, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.

NHTSA ID
11375660
Incident
Nov 6, 2020
Mileage
92,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 12, 2020

THE CAR GIVES OFF FALSE OIL PRESSURE INFORMATION ON CARS MESSAGE CENTER. I REPLACED THE SENSOR AS DISCRIBED, VERIFIED MY OIL LEVEL, CLEANED THE CONNECTOR TO OIL PRESSURE SENSOR AND STILL EVERY 2 OR 3 MINTUES I GET ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW, STOP VEHICHLE. WHEN I STOP THE OIL LEVEL IS GREAT AND THE OIL IS VERY CLEAN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. IF THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE SIEZED UP BY NOW. THIS IS ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE 08 CADILLAC DTS 4.7L NORTHSTAR ENGINES.

NHTSA ID
11338907
Incident
May 5, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 27, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL SPOTS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GUYS BUICK GMC TRUCK (1316 N MILDRED ST, RANSON, WV 25438) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE CRANK CASE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A $100 VOUCHER TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11291610
Incident
Jun 1, 2019
Mileage
95,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 10, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN AND THE OIL FILTER HOUSING. TEXAS DIRECT AUTO (12053 SOUTHWEST FWY, STAFFORD, TX 77477, (281) 499-8200) REPAIRED THE OIL LEAK, BUT CALLED THE CONTACT BACK AND INFORMED HIM OF ANOTHER OIL LEAK AT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER STATED THAT FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD REQUIRE THE MOTOR TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE OIL PAN, OIL HOUSING, AND VALVE COVERS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11166334
Incident
Dec 15, 2018
Mileage
99,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 16, 2018

LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAK. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DATING BACK A NUMBER OF YEARS AND CADILLAC HAS NOT RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I AM FORCED TO INSTALL A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS SO COSTLY TO RESOLVE. APPROXIMATELY $4,500. IS THERE ANY CLASS ACTION AGAINST CADILLAC OR IS THERE ANY RELIEF AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11111504
Incident
May 1, 2015
Mileage
90,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2017

I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 69K MILES IN MAY OF 2016 AND NOW ITS HAS 80K MILES FEB 2017 AND I HAVE AN OIL LEAK THAT IS LEAKING ON THE DRIVE SIDE OF THE OIL PAN FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK AND ITS LEAKING ON THE THE EXHAUST THE RUNS FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE THAT IS BOLTED ON THE THE OIL PAN AND I AM WORRIED THAT IT IS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE AND I SEE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ON A LOT OF THIS CARS AND WITH LOWER MILES THEN MINE I THINK GM SHOULD RECALL IT BECAUSE LESS THEN 100K MILES AND TO HAVE AN OIL LEAK THAT LEAKS ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 1500 MILES OR SO AND ITS LEAKING RIGHT NEXT TO THE EXHAUST AND RIGHT ON TOP OF IT THE COULD CASE FIRE IS UNSAFE, AND TO COST $1000-2000 TO FIX THERE DESIGN FLAW THE OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY I COULD UNDERSTAND IF IT HAD MORE THEN 100K MILES

NHTSA ID
10957126
Incident
Feb 23, 2017
Mileage
79,000 mi
EngineFuel systemOther / unspecified+1 more
Filed Apr 20, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND HAVE IT TOWED INTO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS DANGEROUS AND DECLINED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE ADVISED OF POSSIBLE OTHER OPTIONS TO RESOLVE THE MALFUNCTION. UPDATED 09/12/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
10706591
Incident
Mar 18, 2014
Mileage
24,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 31, 2015

AFTER PARKING MY CAR IN THE GARAGE,APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS LATER,I WENT TO START MY CAR,BUT IT WOULD NOT START,IT WOULD CRANK OVER GOOD ,BUT WOULD NOT START. I PROCEEDED WITH MY OWN ASSUMPTIONS AND FOUND A PIN(#30)ON THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS BURNT,I HAD AN ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS PERFORMED ON THE WIRING AND THE FUEL PUMP,BOTH PASSED OKAY,I WAS TOLD THE FUSE BLOCK WAS BAD,(WHICH I SUSPECTED),WHICH I HAD PREVIOUSLY ORDERED FROM THE CADILLAC DEALER. ON INSTALLING THE NEW FUSE BLOCK,THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10680243
Incident
Jan 15, 2015
Mileage
84,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 13, 2014

I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR FOR OVER A YEAR. I KEEP GETTING FUMES FROM THE VENT AND SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO CADILLAC ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS. HAD MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO GENERAL MOTORS AND I ALWAYS GET A CALL BACK, MOST OF THE TIME IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT PERSON BUT THEY ALL SAID THE SAME THING, JUST LIKE THEY WERE PROGRAMED.MY SON HAS A FRIEND WHO WAS A TROUBLE SHOOTER FOR GM AND WORKED FOR FROST MOTORS UNTIL THEY LOST THEIR FRANCHISE AND HE WENT OUT ON HIS OWN. HE TOLD MY SON THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS FROM 2006 TO 2010 AND MOST OF THE TIME THE VEHICLES HAD HIGH MILAGE ON THEM AND GM WOULD STALL THEM OFF AND THEIR WARRANTE WOULD RUN OUT. I HAVE 64,000 ON MY CAR NOW AND TWO WEEKS LEFT ON MY WARRANTE. TODAY I CONTACTED CONGRESSMAN KENNEDYS OFFICE DUE TO WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS AND THE CHIEF EXECDUTIVE OFFICER OF GENERAL MOTORS GOING BEFORE CONGRESS OVER OTHER VEHICLE SAFETY PROBLEMS. I WAS ADVISED TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT WHICH I AM DOING AND I WOULD HOPE OTHERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM MAKE THE SAME COMPLAINT AND MABY GM WOULD BE FORCED TO FIX OUR CAR'S. I HAD ALSO WROTE TO MARY T. BARRA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR GM (CERTIFIED MAIL AND IT WAS SIGNED FOR) AND I HAVE SPOKEN TO HER ASSISTANCE [XXX] AND ALL HE WOULD SAY IS THEY ARE VERY CONCERNED WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS ISUES.AND TAKE ALL COMPLAINTS SERIOUSLY. ONE THING THEY DID DO WAS OFFER ME $1,000.00 TOWARDS A NEW CADILLAC, I HAVE PUT THE INCIDENT DATE DOWN AS 5-12-14 AS WE WERE GOING TO THE DOCTOR YESTERDAY AND GOT THE FUMES AGAIN. WHEN I TOLD THEM I WAS WRITING TO CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY, THEY STOPPED TALKING TO ME. ( I WONDER WHY)? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10588069
Incident
May 12, 2014
Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2014

OIL SMELL FUMES COMINING FROM THE HEATER VENTS. SO BAD AT TIMES WE HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT CADILLAC DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON CODE P0411 AND IT WENT OUT. TOOK IT TO THE DELEAR AND THEY RESET THE COMPUTER. ON MARCH 2ND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD NEXT TIME THE I GOT THE SMELL TO GO DIRECTLY TO ANY GM DELEAR. I HAD TAKEN MY WIFE TO THE DOCTOR IN NATICK MASS AND WE GOT THE FUMES AND I WENT TO LONG CADILLAC WHICH I WAS TOLD TO DO ONLY TO FIND OUT THEY MOVED TO WESTBORO MASS. A FORMER TROBULE SHOOTER FOR GM WHO USED TO WOREK FOR FROST CADILLAC UNTIL THEY LOST THEIR FRANCHISE TOLD MY SON THIS IS A COMMON THING WITH 2006 TO 2010 CADILLACS AND IF THIS IS THE CASE THE MOTOR HAS TO COME OUT OF THE VEHICLE SO IT CAN BE RESEALED. I HAVE A FEW MONTHS LEFT ON MY BUMBER TO BUMBER WARRANTY AND IT SEEMS THAT GM IS STALLING ME UNTIL THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT. I HAVE SENT TWO LETTERS TO GM ONE WAS TO THEIR PRESIDENT AND ALL I WOULD GET IS A NICE PERSON WHOM SEEMED THEY WERE INTERESTED BUT NOTHING WAS EVER DONE BY THEM EXCEPT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE CADILLAC DEALER. MY CAR HAS 64,000 ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10575477
Incident
Mar 13, 2013
Mileage
62,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .