2011 Cadillac DTS: common problems and reliability
One of the better DTS years.
The best Cadillac DTS year. All DTS years
16 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 DTS?The 2011 Cadillac DTS has 16 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Cadillac DTS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other DTS years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the DTS?
Across the 6 DTS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 16 (2011) to 255 (2006). With 16 complaints, the 2011 DTS sits below the model's median of 86.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 DTS
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 14V355000This 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.
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 10V553000GENERAL 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.
What owners say across generations
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 insights cover all generations of the DTS. See the full DTS owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used DTS listings typically run $6,694–$10,190 across 2006 to 2011 model years.
Other DTS model years
Compare every DTS year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the DTS against its rivals
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