repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
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.
2008 Cadillac DTSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 86 owner complaints about the 2008 Cadillac DTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-355 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 26, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Cadillac DTS has problems
86 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
39Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
14Engine1 crash/fire/injury
8Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
7Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
6Seat belts
6Air bags
5Steering
5Structure
3Service brakes
2111 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 39 | 5 |
| Engine | 14 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 6 | 2 |
| Air bags | 6 | 5 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 |
| Structure | 5 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 21 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Cadillac DTS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
89kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 28 electrical system complaints. 64% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles18under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other DTS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the DTS median. How we score
'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Cadillac DTS safety ratings
2008 Cadillac DTS 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Cadillac DTS, and the recalls they led to.
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESLed to recall 08V-441
In owners' words
What DTS owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Alternator Not Charging" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the alternator and exhaust manifold. The alternator…
REAR FUSE BLOCK FUEL PUMP RELAY SHORTED OUT MELTED FUSE BLOCK...COULD CATCH BACK SEAT ON FIRE AND VERY CLOSE TO GAS TANK.
THE CAR GIVES OFF FALSE OIL PRESSURE INFORMATION ON CARS MESSAGE CENTER. I REPLACED THE SENSOR AS DISCRIBED, VERIFIED MY OIL LEVEL, CLEANED THE CONNECTOR TO OIL PRESSURE SENSOR AND STILL EVERY 2 OR 3 MINTUES I GET ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW, STOP VEHICHLE. WHEN I STOP THE OIL LEVEL IS GREAT AND THE…
Own a 2008 DTS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.