2011 Cadillac DTS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Cadillac DTS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2011 Cadillac DTS. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
16 complaints4 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
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…
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 · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact stated that they noticed a leak underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to rizza cadillac buick GMC (8425 159th st, tinley park, il 60487; (708) 429-6600) and was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil from the…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact stated that they noticed a leak underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to rizza cadillac buick GMC (8425 159th st, tinley park, il 60487; (708) 429-6600) and was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil from the engine. The contact was informed that the front and rear main seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil onto the driveway. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to eddie tourelle's northpark hyundai (953 highway 190 n, covington, la 70433, (985) 801-7000) where it was diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil onto the driveway. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to eddie tourelle's northpark hyundai (953 highway 190 n, covington, la 70433, (985) 801-7000) where it was diagnosed that the rubber on the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact was referred to nhtsa. The failure mileage was 76,000.
- Engine
TL* 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…
TL* 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
2011 cadillac DTS. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement parts not available to complete recall. *smd 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. *Jb updated 07/08/15.*jb
- Air bags
I was driving sw on design and did not see a stop sign at the intersection of dragon, in dallas, texas. as a result, my 2011 cadillac DTS collided into (t-boned) a 1995 or 1996 nissan maxima. I was traveling 25-30 miles per hour at impact and never saw the collision coming. prior to the…
I was driving sw on design and did not see a stop sign at the intersection of dragon, in dallas, texas. as a result, my 2011 cadillac DTS collided into (t-boned) a 1995 or 1996 nissan maxima. I was traveling 25-30 miles per hour at impact and never saw the collision coming. prior to the accident, my vehicle had not been in any collisions. the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles the front of my vehicle and the driver's side of the nissan). both airbags deployed in the nissan, but my DTS airbags did not deploy. both dallas police officers responding to the scene, indicated they "could not believe the airbags did not go off." neither can I and I believe the nhtsa should investigate why this occurred. my vehicle IS presently at sewell collision center, 6303 cedar springs road, dallas, tx (214) 956-3600 [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact stated received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 14v355000 (electrical system). However, the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. While driving 55 mph, the contact's vehicle collided with another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were two injuries and medical attention was received. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 50,000. updated 2/27/15 *js
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system); however, the parts needed for the repair were unavailable. When the contact removed the key fob from the ignition, the doors would fail to lock and unlock…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac DTS. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system); however, the parts needed for the repair were unavailable. When the contact removed the key fob from the ignition, the doors would fail to lock and unlock intermittently. The dealer did not provide a specific date as to when the parts would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Steering
Steering column IS locked in the most highest position. It can not be adjusted to any other position. *tr
- Steering
The power steering gear has begun leaking, there has been no impact but there IS a leak of power steering fluid. *tr
- Engine · Structure › Body
Hit a truck pulling a lowboy trailer stopped at a stop light.. Due to a concussion, I do not remember the details of the crash. However I do know that the air bag did not deploy and I hit the steering wheel hard enough with my face and chest to bend the steering wheel. I received a severe…
Hit a truck pulling a lowboy trailer stopped at a stop light.. Due to a concussion, I do not remember the details of the crash. However I do know that the air bag did not deploy and I hit the steering wheel hard enough with my face and chest to bend the steering wheel. I received a severe concussion, five broken ribs and facial lacerations due to hitting the steering wheel. Due to my injuries I was in intensive care and the hospital for nine days and spent 20 days in a rehabilitation facility. I am home now, still in pain and moving around with the help of a walker. I have owned cadillacs for the last 30 years. I will never drive another one. if this happened once, what IS to say it won't happen again. except this time to a family of four, instead of a widow traveling alone. I have photos of the damaged vehicle if they are needed. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This 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, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11005311This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Every Cadillac DTS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.