Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2009 Cadillac DTS
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Cadillac DTS has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 35 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14V355000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V240000 HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER MODULE SHORT CIRCUIT NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 12 complaints
- Service Brakes 6 complaints
- Seats 5 complaints
- Engine 4 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
- Steering 3 complaints
Of the 35 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 1 a fire; across all 35 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$7,500AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2009 Cadillac DTS has notable issues with the electrical system, evidenced by multiple recalls and complaints. Problems with service brakes and seats also contribute to a below-average reliability rating, leading to potential high long-term costs.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 50,000–80,000 miles | $300–$1,000 | very common |
| service brakes | 60,000–100,000 miles | $200–$600 | common |
| seats | 70,000–110,000 miles | $150–$400 | common |
| engine | 80,000–120,000 miles | $500–$2,500 | occasional |
| steering | 90,000–130,000 miles | $400–$1,200 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change every 5,000 miles
- Brake pads and rotors inspection annually
- Cooling system service every 30,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change every 50,000 miles
- Air filter replacement every 15,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Frequent electrical issues
- ABS warning light activation
- Unresponsive steering wheel movements
- Unusual engine noises
- Seat adjustment malfunctions
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Cadillac DTS at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.