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.
The worst 2011 Cadillac DTS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical6
- Engine5
- Airbags3
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical6
- Engine5
- Airbags3
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
- Body1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
Recalls 2
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 14V355000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 10V553000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Cadillac DTS 1,154
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size...
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
2011 Cadillac DTS crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac DTS 4 DR FWD | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 |
2011 Cadillac DTS fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | FWD | 15 | 23 | 18 |
What 2011 Cadillac DTS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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
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 the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 76,000.
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.
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.
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 federal safety agency 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)
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac dts. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac dts. The contact stated received a notification for recall the federal safety agency 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.
Compare the 2011 Cadillac DTS
Other model years
Questions about the 2011 Cadillac DTS
Is the 2011 Cadillac DTS reliable?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac DTS, fewer than a typical DTS model year.
What is the 2011 Cadillac DTS year score?
The 2011 Cadillac DTS scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac DTS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Cadillac DTS?
Electrical system, with 6 complaints. Next is engine (5).
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac DTS have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system.
Is the 2011 Cadillac DTS safe in a crash?
The 2011 Cadillac DTS was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Cadillac DTS electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 14V355000, 10V553000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Cadillac DTS have the most electrical problems?
The Cadillac DTS model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (79 complaints), 2008 (39 complaints) and 2007 (28 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Cadillac DTS get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Cadillac DTS range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, FWD) gets 15 city and 23 highway.
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