2008 Cadillac Dts Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Cadillac Dts, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3934.2%
- Engine1614.0%
- Fuel system119.6%
- Exterior lighting76.1%
- Airbags65.3%
- Seat belts65.3%
- Steering54.4%
- Body & structure54.4%
- Driver assistance43.5%
- Visibility43.5%
- Brakes43.5%
- Other / unspecified21.8%
- Suspension21.8%
- Powertrain (other)21.8%
- Tires & wheels10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
REAR FUSE BLOCK FUEL PUMP RELAY SHORTED OUT MELTED FUSE BLOCK...COULD CATCH BACK SEAT ON FIRE AND VERY CLOSE TO GAS TANK.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I have a very bad oil leak in my vehicle, which Is creating a mess and alot of smoke.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE TRANSMISSION AND POWER PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN STOPPED ON DRIVEWAY.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE PROJECTING TOO MUCH HEAT AND CAUSED THE PLASTIC COVERS TO BURN AND MELT FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RILEY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2033 CHRISTY DR, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101, (573) 298-6142) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COSMETIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
THE DASH LIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT, OR VERY DIM. THE BRIGHTNESS DOES NOT COME ON FOR MILES AT A TIME. YOU CANNOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER TO SEE HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IN MOTION, CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CADILLAC AND HAVE HAD IT TO THE CADILLAC DEALER. THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE HAD IT TO EARNHARDT CADILLAC SCOTTSDALE, AZ. SO FAR NO FIX. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. AFTER THE WARRANTY STOPPED I DID NOT GO BACK TO DEALER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER HEAD ON COLLISION TRAVELING 23 MILES PER HOUR, ON A CITY STREET, GOING STRAIGHT. CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED BY USAA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A DEER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER HEAD ON COLLISION TRAVELING 23 MILES PER HOUR, ON A CITY STREET, GOING STRAIGHT. CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED BY USAA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO PROPERLY FIT ACROSS THE CHEST AREA AND WENT ACROSS THE NECK AREA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOULDER ANCHOR WAS ADJUSTED TO THE LOWER LEVEL BUT THE SEAT BELT CONTINUED TO LIE ACROSS THE NECK AREA. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELT WOULD CAUSE FATAL INJURIES. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER NECK WAS BLISTERED DUE TO THE FAILURE BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE SEAT BELT PADS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR WON'T START IF THE TILT WHEEL IS NOT IN A CERTAIN POSITION. THE ENGINE WILL NOT START UNTIL YOU PUT IT DOWN IN A CERTAIN POSITION---WHICH I GUESS AT. AFTER I START IT I CAN ADJUST THE TILT WHEEL AND I HAVE NO PROBLEM. AFTER STOPPING AND PARKING THE CAR, I HAVE TO GET IT IN THE RIGHT POSITION TO HAVE IT START. (YESTERDAY AFTER 3 ADJUSTMENTS, IT WOULD NOT START.) AFTER RESTING FOR A FEW HOURS, IT STARTED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND SMOKE APPEARED. THE CONTACT NOTICED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE HIT IN RIGHT SIDE BY A DRIVER WHO PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND CROSSED TWO LANES HITTING OUR CAR IN THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FENDER AND FRONT DOOR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY TO HEAD AND NECK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT WOULD RAIN, WATER WOULD LEAK FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,400.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR STOPPED OPERATING ALL OF A SUDDEN. BATTERY CHARGING ISSUE.
THE CHECK ENGINE CODE SHOWED THE INTERNAL POWER MODULE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THIS WAS WITHOUT WARNING AND MADE THE CAR'S POWER BRAKES AND STEERING TO BECOME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND BRAKE THE CAR BY MY WIFE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME WITH THE CHECK ENGINE OFF THEY SAID I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND AGAIN AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND REPLACED THE MODULE PLUS THE COMPUTER AT A COST OF $750. THIS IS THE NINTH CADILLAC I HAVE OWNED SINCE 1980 WHEN I PURCHASED A SEVILLE WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND THIS IS THE FIRST THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE POWER MODULE AND COMPUTER. THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND BOTH CADILLAC AND I WERE LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES. NOW WITH THE PROBLEM CORRECTED MY WIFE IS HESITANT ABOUT DRIVING AFTER THE CLOSE CALL SHE HAS EXPERIENCED. SHE ALWAYS INSISTED ON DRIVING A CADILLAC BECAUSE OF THEIR SAFETY RATING AND BECAUSE THEY WON THE MALCULAM BALDRIDGE QUALITY AWARD BACK IN THE 1980'S. I THINK A RECALL TO REPLACE THOSE MODULES AFTER HIGH MILEAGE OF AT LEAST 65K MILES. MY 2008 CADILLAC DTS MILEAGE INDICATOR SHOWS 84,000 MILES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY WINDSHIELD WASHER SPRAYER JUST STOPPED WORKING AND NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON WITH THIS YEAR VEHICLE. I JUST BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT EVEN REGISTER IT AT THE BMV. JUST WANTING TO KNOW IF ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS MADE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW WASHER FLUID WAS LEAKING AND COULD POTENTIALLY SHORT OUT THE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE FAILURE WAS BURNING UP THE FUSES AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V441000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH BRITAIN CHEVROLET CADILLAC (4495 INTERSTATE HWY 30, GREENVILLE, TX 75402, (903) 274-4401) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX AND HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE BACK SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT PERFORM ANY REPAIRS DUE TO A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ABS WILL RANDOMLY APPLY IN GOOD DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR NO REASON WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED CAUSING YOU TO POTENTIALLY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HAD THE ABS MODULE REPLACED AND ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN 3 MONTHS AFTER VERY COSTLY REPAIR. NOTE: VEHICLE HAD A CODE "YAW RATE SENSOR"
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PEDAL SANK TO TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED FROM 50 MPH TO 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME ON THE RIMS PEELED AND BUBBLED, CAUSING THE TIRES TO CONSTANTLY LOSE AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WONDERLAND TIRE (616-399-3070, LOCATED AT 12671 JAMES ST, HOLLAND, MI 49424) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RIMS WERE NOT REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE HIT IN RIGHT SIDE BY A DRIVER WHO PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND CROSSED TWO LANES HITTING OUR CAR IN THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE FENDER AND FRONT DOOR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY TO HEAD AND NECK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THE STRUTS WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR STOPPED OPERATING ALL OF A SUDDEN. BATTERY CHARGING ISSUE.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire size: 235/55R17 99H In February 2022, I purchased a set of 4 Yokahama tires from Discount Tire Co., located at 2707 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230. The mileage on the car was approx. 89,000. In February of 2024, my mechanic notice tread lifting on the tires, so I took the car to Discount Tire Co., located at 1755 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227, and the service tech told me that I had not been rotating the tires property, which was what was causing this issue. I assured him that I had been rotating the tires. The tech said to let them rotate them again and the tire tread would "smooth out" over time. Mileage on the car at that time was approx. 118,000. In August of 2024, my mechanic again noticed the continued tread lifting on the tires. My mechanic stated that it appeared the tires had "dry rot". When I told him that Discount Tire had said it was from incorrect tire rotation, my mechanic said that what was happening to the tread could not possibly be from bad tire rotation. Further, he told me this type of tread lifting was dangerous for me to continue to drive on these tires. So, I took the car to Discount Tire Co., located at 3118 Goliad Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223. After explaining what my mechanic had just diagnosed, I requested the warranty that I purchased extra for all 4 tires be used to replace them. The manager at Discount Tire refused to replace my tires under warranty, which clearly appear to be defective. Mileage on the car at this point is approx. 126,000. The manager claimed they were not defective and safe to drive. I had him put this statement in writing prior to me leaving the store. The manager then offered to sell me a new set of tires for a discounted price of $800 +warranty cost for the 4 new tires. The manager refused to allow me to take MY "defective tires" with me for further analysis by another facility. I continue to drive on these Yokahama tires because they have been deemed "safe" by Discount Tire Co.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .