NHTSA vehicle safety data

2010 Cadillac DTS Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2010 Cadillac DTS has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 22 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Cadillac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2010 Cadillac DTS, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2010 Cadillac DTS owner complaints

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Cadillac DTS, describing incidents dated February 20, 2010 to April 1, 2025.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 10 complaints
Engine 5 complaints
Air Bags 3 complaints
Seats 3 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
Service Brakes 2 complaints

Of the 22 complaints on file, 3 report a crash; across all 22 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11677365 · Filed July 30, 2025
I was traveling on Stevenson expressway at 55 mph when the fuel pump relay overheated and melted, which burned up the REC (Rear Electrical Electrical Center /fusebox). When the fuse pump relay overheated it shut fuel down going to the fuel pump, which caused the engine to stall. When the engine…
ODI #11535546 · Filed July 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. An independent…
ODI #11502415 · Filed January 18, 2023
The vehicle "service Airbag " warning keeps flashing. Should I keep driving this vehicle, Is my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk? I've reported this to the GMC dealers in my local area, but the want to charge me $125.00 to $169.00 dollars to perform a diagnostic. My concern is for…

Read all 22 complaints

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #14V355000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 3,141,731 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14299 · Owners notified September 23, 2014 · Vehicles built April 9, 2009 – June 9, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BATTERY CABLE ROUTING VARIATION

NHTSA #10V553000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported November 5, 2010 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 13,780 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 10351 · Owners notified November 19, 2010 · Vehicles built February 16, 2010 – June 9, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM SAFETY RECALL NO. 10351.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

TIRE & LOADING INFORMATION LABEL MISSING

NHTSA #09V480000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 2009 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 126 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 09322 · Owners notified December 22, 2009 · Vehicles built August 17, 2009 – November 5, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH TIRES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY INFLATED COULD RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING, PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, AND/OR POOR HANDLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

GM WILL MAIL THE THREE CORRECT LABELS TO OWNERS ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNERS MAY ALSO TAKE THE VEHICLE AND THE LABELS TO A DEALER FOR INSTALLATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes

GM'S CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 09322.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2010 Cadillac DTS 4-DR w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

22 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Cadillac DTS.

Steering; Electrical System; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11677365

Incident: April 1, 2025 · Filed: July 30, 2025

I was traveling on Stevenson expressway at 55 mph when the fuel pump relay overheated and melted, which burned up the REC (Rear Electrical Electrical Center /fusebox). When the fuse pump relay overheated it shut fuel down going to the fuel pump, which caused the engine to stall. When the engine stalled the car cut off, causing me to loose power steering. Because I was traveling in the middle lane of a three lane expressway at a high rate of speed, the vehicle started deaccelerating and I couldn’t control the vehicle with no power steering, I couldn’t get over to the shoulder. This nearly caused a wreck putting me in harm, because vehicles around me were accelerating at 55 to 70mph. All I could do is put my flashers on. Coast to a stop, and hope no one rear ended me, which nearly occurred. General Motors Cadillac division was aware of this possibility see: GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5755 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Date: April 14, 2021 Subject: REVISION: 18226-01 - Special Coverage Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal Revised Service Procedure Models: 2008-2011 Buick Lucerne 2009-2011 Cadillac DTS To: All General Motors Dealers This bulletin is being revised to update the service procedure. all previous copies of 18226. END OF MESSAGE GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS Please discard Special Coverage Adjustment 18226 Overheating of Fuel Relay or Motor Terminal Condition On some 2008 – 2011 model year Buick Lucerne and 2009 – 2011 model year Cadillac DTS vehicles, the vehicle’s rear-seat bracket could contact the vehicle’s Rear Electrical Center (REC), which can, over time, damage electrical components within the REC enclosure. If damage occurs, the If damage occurs, the components canmelt or overheat, which the customer may detect by a melting odor in the vehicle. Damage could also cause the vehicle’s battery to drain, a no-start condition, or a stall. Because no accident occurred ther were no police reports filed. The date is est

Fuel System, Gasoline; Electrical System

ODI #11535546

Incident: March 31, 2023 · Filed: July 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started and shut off immediately. The contact stated she smelled a burning plastic odor coming from the rear seats. The contact stated that upon lifting the rear middle seat, she noticed that fuses had melted in the fuse box. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11502415

Incident: January 6, 2023 · Filed: January 18, 2023

The vehicle "service Airbag " warning keeps flashing. Should I keep driving this vehicle, Is my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk? I've reported this to the GMC dealers in my local area, but the want to charge me $125.00 to $169.00 dollars to perform a diagnostic. My concern is for safety of myself and others. Can this problem be fixed at a minimal or no price.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11422341

Incident: January 13, 2021 · Filed: June 25, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an oil change and he was informed of an oil pan leak coming from a bolt-on undercarriage causing damage to the engine. The dealer offered to repair the oil leak however, the contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Engine

ODI #11120475

Incident: February 1, 2018 · Filed: August 16, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR PARKED, OIL LEAKED FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A QUART OF OIL HAD TO BE ADDED EVERY TEN MILES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,389.

Suspension; Engine

ODI #11080529

Incident: April 21, 2010 · Filed: April 9, 2018

2010 CADILLAC DTS V8. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN FRONT STABILIZER LINKS. *LD *TR

Electrical System

ODI #11052348

Incident: November 21, 2017 · Filed: December 4, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE RODE ROUGHLY AND STALLED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE RELAYS AND NOTICED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS MELTED. THE DEALER (KEYSER CADILLAC, 4130 SHERIDAN DR, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221, 716-568-7045) CONFIRMED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #10991355

Incident: February 1, 2016 · Filed: May 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL LEAK IN THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNCERTAIN OF ITS ORIGIN AND WHAT PART WAS AFFECTED FROM THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A PRESENCE OF A CONSTANT INTERMITTENT FLUID LEAK. THE DEALER (MEDINA AUTO MALL 3205 MEDINA RD, MEDINA, OH 44256 (877) 424-0881) WAS NOTIFIED AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V553000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE MANUFACTURER HAD A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Air Bags; Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes

ODI #10681765

Crash

Incident: January 30, 2013 · Filed: February 6, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT TWO YEARS LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED IN THE FORWARD POSITION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, A CURB AND BUSHES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System

ODI #10677038

Incident: January 21, 2015 · Filed: January 21, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED 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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Other Cadillac DTS model years

Check your 2010 Cadillac DTS VIN

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