RoadVitals

2009 Cadillac Dts

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
35
Latest Sep 23, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 23, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 35 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Cadillac Dts, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 961 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1228.6%
  • Brakes614.3%
  • Fuel system511.9%
  • Interior & seats49.5%
  • Engine49.5%
  • Steering37.1%
  • Visibility24.8%
  • Body & structure24.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14V355000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Jun 23, 2014
3,141,731 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14299View on NHTSA.gov
10V240000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jun 4, 2010
1,365,070 units potentially affected
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 35
Electrical
Filed Sep 23, 2024

Fuse box got push on by seat clamp shorted out my fuel pump relay and burnt up my fuse box

NHTSA ID
11616020
Incident
Aug 5, 2024
Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac DTS. The contact was driving at 55mph on the highway and the vehicle slowed down independently and the screens went blank. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was shut off but would not restart. The contact called the police and the officer called a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic on 3 occasions replaced the same relay fuse however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID
11453689
Incident
Feb 22, 2022
Mileage
130,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 4, 2019

I FILED A COMPLAINT IN 2016 (COMPLAINT NO. 10823262) RELATED CORROSION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINES. THIS COMPLAINT IS SIMILAR BUT RELATED TO CORROSION OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES IN WHICH I AGAIN HAD A SIMILAR LIFE THREATENING EXPERIENCE. THE ORDINARY "CORRODED" STEEL LINES WERE REPLACED WITH "VINYL COATED" LINES. I NEVER HEARD BACK ON THE 2016 COMPLAINT; WHAT IS GM DOING TO PROTECT CADDY OWNERS OR ALERTING THEM OF THIS SITUATION?

NHTSA ID
11266121
Incident
Aug 26, 2019
Mileage
40,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Oct 2, 2019
1 injury reported

CANT BRING DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEATS UP OR DOWN RESULTING IN UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING POSITION IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL, PARK, ALL GEARS. DISTANCE SENSORS MALFUNCTION FREQUENTLY WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE.

NHTSA ID
11265795
Incident
Apr 3, 2019
Mileage
42,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemSteering
Filed Mar 11, 2019

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN ATVTRAIN STATION. HAD TO LEAVE OVERNIGHT AND HAD IT TROUBLESHOT IN AM. A FAULTY FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS THE SUPPOSED CAUSE. CHANGED THE RELAY ON A WEDNESDAY MORNING AND CAR WAS GOOD TILL SATURDAY AFTERNOON WHEN IT STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE 9 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. AT THE TIME MY WIFE AND GRANDSON WERE IN THE CAR. I HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD LUCKILY INTO A STRIP MALL WITH AN AUTO PARTS STORE. REMOVED GRANDSON AND CAR SEAT FROM VEHICLE TO ACCESS THE RELAY IN REAR CIRCUIT BOARD. VERY HOT. I WENT IN AND GOT NEW RELAY AND HAD TO CHANGE IT IN THE PARKING LOT. WENT STRAIGHT HOME TO DROP OFF WIFE AND GRANDSON. WENT BACK OUT TO TEST DRIVE AND SEE IF PROBLEM WAS FIXED. WORKED FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND STALLED OUT AGAIN. AGAIN RELAY BURNING HOT. HAD SON GET A NEW RELAY AND CHANGED IT AGAIN AND BROUGHT VEHICLE HOME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS NOW COME ON SO I TESTED VEHICLE WITH IBD MINISTER AND GAVE ME A P0230 CODE WHICH IS FOR A BAD FUEL PUMP RELAY WHICH I ALREADY KNOW. I AM GOING TO CALL CADILLAC DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THIS AS IT IS A LIFE AND SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ID
11185728
Incident
Mar 9, 2019
Mileage
10 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 26, 2018

MY 2009 CADILLAC DTS RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, IT WAS STEERING HARD WHEN MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS AND EVENTUALLY BEGAN MAKING NOISES. I TOOK IT TO MY GM DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE HOSES AND FLUID RECEPTACLE. ALL THEY FOUND WAS THE RECEPTACLE WAS LOW ON POWER STEERING FLUID AND I PICKED UP A BOTTLE AT AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND THEN MY STEERING WAS OK. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER MY STEERING GOT VERY HARD AND I HAD TROUBLE STEERING IT SO I STOPPED AND ADDED MORE FLUID. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY POWER STEERING LINE WAS LEAKING AT ONE END WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED TO SOME METAL. MY COST WAS $402 TO REPLACE THE ONE HOSE. THIS LEAKY HOSE MADE MY CAR VERY HARD TO STEER AND I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY A STRONG HOSE LIKE THIS ONE WOULD EVER LEAK ESPECIALLY ON A VEHICLE WITH BELOW AVERAGE ANNUAL MILEAGES. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 61,700 MILES AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A BAD ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID
11154126
Incident
Jul 14, 2018
Mileage
61,700 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 26, 2018

HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS AFTER FILL UPS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. EACH TIME I FILL IT AND PARK IT IN MY GARAGE IT FILLS WITH GAS FUMES THAT COULD EXPLODE AND KILL SOMEONE UNAWARE. ODOR LEAVES AFTER DRIVING 30 MILES OR SO. GOT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND O'REILY AUTO PARTS CHECK AND SAID IT SHOWED FUEL ISSUES. TOOK CAR TO MY GM DEALER AND THEY SAY NEED A NEW GAS TANK, A NEW GAS CAP AND NEW EVAPORATIVE LINES BECAUSE I HAVE A LEAKING GAS TANK LEAKING AT OR NEAR FILLING AREA, AND GAS CAP IS NOT GOOD AND LINES ARE LEAKING ACCORDING TO A "SMOKE" TEST. REPAIRS ARE $2,800. I AM 75 YRS OLD AND HAVE NEVER HAD A GAS TANK LEAK AT THE "NECK" AREA AFTER OWNING SOME 40 DIFFERENT CARS, SOME OF THEM VERY OLD. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE A FACTORY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND A DANGEROUS ONE AT THAT. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND TOMORROW I WILL PAY $175 FOR THE SMOKE TEST BUT I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX IT SO I WILL ONLY FILL IT TO THE 12 GALLON POINT INSTEAD OF FULL. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE IS A RECALL OR PERHAPS OTHER CADILLAC DTS OWNERS WITH THIS OR A SIMILAR PROBLEM

NHTSA ID
11154119
Incident
Nov 22, 2018
Mileage
62,700 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 3, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR FUSE BOX LOCATED UNDER THE BACKSEAT WAS VERY HOT AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (GERRY LANE CADILLAC, 10945 REIGER RD, BATON ROUGE, LA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED BURNING FUEL REAR FUEL BOX UNDER REAR SEAT IS CAUSING CAR TO SHUT OFF ANYTIME. *JB

NHTSA ID
11133050
Incident
Sep 25, 2018
Mileage
105,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

PIC5650M

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Cadillac Dts by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012000—
2011152058.0
2010223050.8
2009Viewing352046.1
2008863157.1
2007973155.6
20062554156.3
2005900—
2004700—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.