2009 Cadillac DTS Problems: 6 Known Issues
2009 model year · 220+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 220+ owner reports, the 2009 Cadillac DTS has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Heated Washer Fluid Module Can Ignite — Recall 10V240000, Recall 14V355000: Heavy Key Ring Can Move the DTS Ignition Switch Out of Run and Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure ($3,000-$6,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Leveling Failure with 220 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Cadillac DTS problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 220+ owner reports, the 2009 Cadillac DTS has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Heated Washer Fluid Module Can Ignite — Recall 10V240000, Recall 14V355000: Heavy Key Ring Can Move the DTS Ignition Switch Out of Run, Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Cadillac DTS reliable?
The 2009 Cadillac DTS has 6 known issues documented across 220+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Heated Washer Fluid Module Can Ignite — Recall 10V240000 and Recall 14V355000: Heavy Key Ring Can Move the DTS Ignition Switch Out of Run and Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2009 Cadillac DTS Heated Washer Fluid Module Can Ignite — Recall 10V240000?
NHTSA recall 10V240000 covers 2006-2009 Cadillac DTS sedans built with the optional heated washer fluid system (HWFS). A 2008 recall had already added a fuse to the module's control circuit harness to limit the effects of a printed circuit board short, but GM continued to receive… Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS Recall 14V355000: Heavy Key Ring Can Move the DTS Ignition Switch Out of Run?
Every model year of the Cadillac DTS, 2006 through 2011, is covered by GM recall 14V355000. NHTSA's stated defect is that the weight on the key ring, plus road conditions or some other jarring event, may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position. GM's summary open… Severity: high.
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 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 Confirm the Oil Leak Source Before Rear-Seal or Oil-Pan Repair (01-06-01-011O)?
GM bulletin 01-06-01-011O covers 2024 and prior GM passenger cars and directs technicians to inspect the oil pan, engine covers, oil lines and fittings for external leakage. It does not establish that every 2006-2011 DTS leak comes from the rear main seal or oil-pan gasket, so th… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.