Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (209 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2011
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is predominantly positive, with a strong consensus that the final-generation DTS (2006-2011) is a highly comfortable, reliable, and undervalued luxury cruiser.
7 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCooling system failures (water pump, pulley, crossover pipe gaskets)
Can lead to overheating; water pump pulley seizure is a known, preventable failure point.
- Very frequentCramped engine bay / expensive repairs
Routine repairs are labor-intensive due to tightly packaged engine, leading to high shop costs.
- RecurrentSuspension component wear
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) struts are noted to leak and fail, with replacements being very costly; conventional suspension components also wear but are more affordable.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical / electronic gremlins
Intermittent issues include "Service Stabilitrak" warnings, reduced engine power, faulty PRNDL switches causing no-start conditions, and traction control faults.
- RecurrentOil leaks
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan, and rear main seal leaks are common, often requiring significant labor to address.
- RecurrentPremium fuel requirement
The Northstar V8 requires 91+ octane fuel, contributing to higher running costs.
- IsolatedTransmission failure
Instances of transmission failure around 100,000 miles are reported, though not a widespread epidemic.
The version owners recommend
2006-2011 model years (post-head-bolt revision). Higher trim levels (Luxury III, Platinum) are noted for desirable features like Magnetic Ride Control, massaging seats, and a center console shifter. The consensus strongly emphasizes that the 2005/2006 model year revision is the critical factor, not a specific trim, due to the engineering fix for the Northstar engine's head bolt issue.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lexus LS, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac DeVille (pre-2006) and Cadillac XTS.
Is the DTS right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is predominantly positive, with a strong consensus that the final-generation DTS (2006-2011) is a highly comfortable, reliable, and undervalued luxury cruiser. Owner feedback consistently praises the exceptionally smooth ride, spacious interior, and powerful yet refined performance of the revised Northstar V8 engine. The vehicle is widely regarded as offering a compelling value proposition on the used market, providing luxury features and comfort at a low purchase price. However, this positive view is heavily contingent on purchasing a post-2005 model to avoid the notorious head gasket issues of earlier Northstar engines. Criticisms focus on high maintenance and repair costs when issues do arise, driven by a cramped engine bay that makes labor intensive, and the requirement for premium fuel. The car has a dedicated following, with many owners reporting high mileage (150,000+ miles) with proper care.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a comfortable, powerful, and feature-laden American luxury sedan that significantly undercuts the price of a comparable Lexus LS. It is frequently compared to its platform sibling, the Buick Lucerne, with the DTS offering a more powerful, premium-fuel V8 versus the Lucerne's simpler, regular-fuel V6, resulting in higher running costs for the Cadillac. Compared to contemporary domestic body-on-frame sedans (Lincoln Town Car), the DTS is noted for its more advanced front-wheel-drive platform, superior handling from available Magnetic Ride Control, and more modern interior technology, though potentially with higher repair complexity. It is seen as a substantial upgrade in luxury and features over mainstream sedans like the Chevrolet Impala.
Recommended configurations
A post-2005 model is non-negotiable. Higher trim levels for maximum comfort features. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the cooling system, suspension (especially Magnetic Ride struts for leaks), and for any electrical gremlins is essential. Owners recommend immediately changing the water pump pulley as a preventative measure due to its potential to seize and cause major damage. Use of premium fuel is required. Aggressive negotiation is advised, as these cars often sell for well below book value ($2,500-$4,000 for higher-mileage examples).
General recommendations
Highly recommended for buyers seeking an inexpensive, comfortable, full-size luxury sedan with strong highway performance. Ideal for retirees, commuters, or anyone prioritizing ride comfort over sporty handling. NOT recommended for buyers on a tight maintenance budget, DIY mechanics with limited experience, or those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle. Essential to verify the vehicle's service history, with emphasis on regular oil changes using synthetic oil and cooling system maintenance. Budget for higher-than-average repair costs due to labor complexity. An extended warranty may be worthwhile if the price is right. Test drive should include a check of all electronic features, suspension smoothness, and a highway merge to experience the engine's power.
Remarks
The reputation and owner experience of the DTS is almost entirely defined by the 2005/2006 revision to the Northstar V8 engine's head bolts. Community feedback draws a stark distinction between pre-2005 models (prone to catastrophic head gasket failure) and 2006-2011 models (considered reliable with proper maintenance). The platform is essentially a mildly revised continuation of the 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille. While repair parts are generally available and not exorbitantly expensive, labor costs are the primary financial deterrent due to the engine's difficult accessibility. A significant portion of positive owner sentiment comes from those who perform their own maintenance. The car has developed a cult following for its combination of comfort, power, and value, with many owners purchasing multiple examples. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and inquiries.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2006. Years to avoid: 2006Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Cadillac DTS years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2010 | 22 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 35 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 86 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 97 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 255 | 4 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices17 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2011 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
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.
2011 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 10V553000
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.
2010 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
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.
2010 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 10V553000
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.
2010 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 09V480000
GM IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC DTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL, WHICH LISTS THE PROPER TIRE AND VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION, WAS NOT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE TWO LABELS AFFIXED TO AFFECTED VEHICLES THAT INCORRECTLY DESCRIBE THEM AS AN INCOMPLETE VEHICLE. ONE LABEL IS THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL, WHICH CERTIFIES THAT THE VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS. THE SECOND LABEL IS THE SERVICE PARTS IDENTIFICATION LABEL, WHICH LISTS VARIOUS COMPONENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE.
2009 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
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.
2009 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
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.
2008 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
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.
2008 · electrical systemcampaign 08V441000
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
2008 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
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.
2007 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
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.
2007 · electrical systemcampaign 08V441000
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
2007 · electrical systemcampaign 10V240000
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.
2006 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
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.
2006 · electrical systemcampaign 08V441000
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
2 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
4.6 V8
4.6L 8-cylinder · 296 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2007–2011