What are the most common Cadillac DTS problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 220+ owner reports, the 2000-2011 Cadillac DTS has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure, Northstar 4.6L Head Bolt Thread Pull/Head Gasket Failure, Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Leveling Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Cadillac DTS reliable?
The 2000-2011 Cadillac DTS has 5 known issues documented across 220+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure and Northstar 4.6L Head Bolt Thread Pull/Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Cadillac DTS problems?
Repair costs for known Cadillac DTS issues range from $200 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure, typically costs $3,000-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Cadillac DTS is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Cadillac DTS. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2011 Cadillac DTS with 5 documented issues documented across 220+ owner reports.
What is the 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure?
The 2006-2011 DTS (DeVille's successor) continues to use the Northstar 4.6L V8 with the same head bolt thread-stripping issue. GM made minor improvements to the later Northstar engines (L37 and LD8 variants) but never fully resolved the fundamental design flaw of steel bolts in a… Repairs typically run $3,000-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2005 Cadillac DTS Northstar 4.6L Head Bolt Thread Pull/Head Gasket Failure?
The Northstar 4.6L V8 in the DTS (and predecessor DeVille) has a well-documented design flaw where the aluminum block head bolt threads strip out, causing head gasket failure. The head gasket itself does not fail; instead the head bolts lose clamping force as the threads pull fro… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Leveling Failure?
The DTS rear self-leveling air suspension compressor burns out from overwork when the air springs develop slow leaks. The rubber air springs crack with age, causing the rear to sag overnight and the compressor to run constantly until it fails. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS Power Tilt/Telescope Steering Column Motor Failure?
The power-adjustable steering column motors fail, leaving the column stuck in one position or failing to retract when the vehicle is turned off. The column is supposed to retract for easy entry/exit and can block the driver from comfortably entering the vehicle when it fails in t… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS Northstar 4.6L Rear Main Seal and Oil Pan Gasket Leak?
The Northstar V8 in the DTS develops oil leaks from the rear main seal and oil pan gasket. The transverse-mounted engine makes rear main seal access extremely difficult. Oil drips onto the exhaust crossover pipe, creating smoke and burning smell. The leak worsens over time and ca… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
