2009 Cadillac DTS problems
NHTSA has received 46 complaints about the 2009 Cadillac DTS, and 26% of them involve electrical system. After that come brakes (13%) and fuel system (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 46 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 26% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 48,000 miles 34 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 7 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 12 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 9 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 34 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 48,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 5 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2009 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Cadillac DTS with enough data (22 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 cadillac dts. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the contact crashed the vehicle into the front driver side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained shoulder injuries and the passenger sustained bruises to the chest from the seat belt, which both required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,500.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 cadillac dts. The contact stated that the passenger was unable to exit the rear passenger door due to a faulty door latch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the door latch and handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger side mirror was positioned at a downward angle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the side mirror motor needed to be replaced.
The brake lines in my 2009 cadillac dts are completly corroded,to the point that they are leaking and need to be replaced. I never expected to see plain steel brake lines in a cadillac, they should have been stainless steel at a minimum. In my opinion this is a safety hazard and should be addressed. The exhaust system is stainless steel and is not needed to stop the car. I bet honda has stainless steel brake lines. No wonder that more and more people are buying foreign cars.