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2009 Cadillac DTSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 35 owner complaints about the 2009 Cadillac DTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-355 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.

74
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years66% below the DTS median · #4 of 6 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 62%Owner complaints354 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage66kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 23, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Cadillac DTS has problems

35 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system122
Service brakes60
Seats51
Engine40
Fuel/propulsion system30
Steering30
Fuel system, gasoline20
Visibility20
Structure20
4 other systems41

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2009 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.

62%repaired · 2016 Q2

Electrical system: ignition

Recall 14V-355 · Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles · 1,943,372 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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.

Best & worst years

2009 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

2009 Cadillac DTS safety ratings

2009 Cadillac DTS 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2009 Cadillac DTS frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2009 Cadillac DTS side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What DTS owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac DTS. The contact was driving at 55mph on the highway and the vehicle slowed down independently and the screens went blank. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was shut off but would not restart. The contact called the police and the…
Complaint 11453689 · Feb 23, 2022 · 130,000 miles
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.
Complaint 11265795 · Oct 2, 2019 · 42,000 miles
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…
Complaint 11133050 · Oct 3, 2018 · 105,000 miles

Own a 2009 DTS?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.