Cadillac · DTS · 2008
3
Recalls
86
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2008 Cadillac DTS has 3 recalls and 86 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: electrical system (24 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
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.
Remedy Status
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
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.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Tire size: 235/55R17 99H In February 2022, I purchased a set of 4 Yokahama tires from Discount Tire Co., located at 2707 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230. The mileage on the car was approx. 89,000. In February of 2024, my mechanic notice tread lifting on the tires, so I took the car to Discount Tire Co., located at 1755 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227, and the service tech told me that I had not been rotating the tires property, which was what was causing this issue. I assured him that I had been rotating the tires. The tech said to let them rotate them again and the tire tread would "smooth out" over time. Mileage on the car at that time was approx. 118,000. In August of 2024, my mechanic again noticed the continued tread lifting on the tires. My mechanic stated that it appeared the tires had "dry rot". When I told him that Discount Tire had said it was from incorrect tire rotation, my mechanic said that what was happening to the tread could not possibly be from bad tire rotation. Further, he told me this type of tread lifting was dangerous for me to continue to drive on these tires. So, I took the car to Discount Tire Co., located at 3118 Goliad Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223. After explaining what my mechanic had just diagnosed, I requested the warranty that I purchased extra for all 4 tires be used to replace them. The manager at Discount Tire refused to replace my tires under warranty, which clearly appear to be defective. Mileage on the car at this point is approx. 126,000. The manager claimed they were not defective and safe to drive. I had him put this statement in writing prior to me leaving the store. The manager then offered to sell me a new set of tires for a discounted price of $800 +warranty cost for the 4 new tires. The manager refused to allow me to take MY "defective tires" with me for further analysis by another facility. I continue to drive on these Yokahama tires because they have been deemed "safe" by Discount Tire Co.
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the vehicle was diagnosed with an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I have a very bad oil leak in my vehicle, which Is creating a mess and alot of smoke.
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 was replaced. However, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed a trail of oil leak in the driveway. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
DECEMBER 16 2020 NHTSA ID NUMBER 11383838 OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND POWER STEERING PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE FOLLOWING STOP ON DRIVEWAY.
OIL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COMING FROM ENGINE TRANSMISSION AND POWER PUMP. ALSO WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE WHEN STOPPED ON DRIVEWAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. ALSO, UPON COMING TO A STOP, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was smoke coming from under the hood. Upon inspection, it was discovered that engine oil had leaked onto the hot surface in the engine compartment. The leaking oil also caused damage to the alternator. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
REAR FUSE BLOCK FUEL PUMP RELAY SHORTED OUT MELTED FUSE BLOCK...COULD CATCH BACK SEAT ON FIRE AND VERY CLOSE TO GAS TANK.
MY WINDSHIELD WASHER SPRAYER JUST STOPPED WORKING AND NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON WITH THIS YEAR VEHICLE. I JUST BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT EVEN REGISTER IT AT THE BMV. JUST WANTING TO KNOW IF ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS MADE.
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 OIL IS VERY CLEAN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. IF THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE SIEZED UP BY NOW. THIS IS ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE 08 CADILLAC DTS 4.7L NORTHSTAR ENGINES.
REAR PASSENGER FUSE BLOCK (P/N 19116816) GETS MELTED BY A FAULTY FUSE PUMP RELAY BURNING UP DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. FUEL PUMP PUTTING A LOT OF RESISTANCE ON THE WIRING, RELAY WON'T BLOW, BUT IT MELTS. WITHOUT CORRECTING THIS, THE FUSE BOX WILL BE AFFECTED ONCE THE FUSE PUMP RELAY OVERHEATS AND EVENTUALLY MELTS AND BURNS. CAR WAS STATIONED. THIS IS UNSAFE BY ANY MEANS. THE FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD AND CAUSED THE SEATS TO BURN AND WORSE, IT'S RIGHT BY THE GAS TANK.
MY 2008 CADILLAC DTS WOUDL NOT START, I FOUND THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO BE BURNT. I REPLACED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FOR 150 MILES, SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. REPLACED THE RELAY AGAIN IN ORDER TO GET HOME. I THEN REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, SAME THING HAPPENED. THEN I RESEARCHED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE REAR SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FUEL PUMP RELAY KEEPS BURNING UP UNDER THE REAR SEAT, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. IT WILL CONTINUE TO BURN UNTIL YOU REMOVE IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT SMELLED A ROTTING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE RADIO REMAINED IN VALET MODE. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ACTIVATE CORRECTLY AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE TO FULL CAPACITY. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LES STANDFORD CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 21730 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 48124, 313-444-7537), BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 219,000.
CAR STOPPED OPERATING ALL OF A SUDDEN. BATTERY CHARGING ISSUE.
2008 CADILLAC DTS (100K MI) WAS PARKED AND ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT START. I DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL TO ENGINE BY CHECKING SCHRADER VALVE ON FUEL RAIL. PROCEEDED TO CHECK FUEL PUMP (FP) FUSE (OK) AND FP RELAY (BURNED ON PIN 30 ALONG WITH FUSE BLOCK). REPLACED FP RELAY; HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW MINUTES FROM VEHICLE START, THE RELAY HEATS TO ABOUT 200 DEGREES F. AFTER READING SEVERAL FORUMS, THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON: IT APPEARS THE FUSE BLOCK (UNDER REAR SEAT ). IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE ORDERED GM BLOCK 19116810 WHICH APPARENTLY SUPERSEDES THE ORIGINAL FACTORY GM BLOCK 13599106. THIS PROBLEM CLEARLY POSES MANY SAFETY ISSUES: FIRE, ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING, ETC. GM NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM. MOREOVER, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE BURNED OUT CONNECTOR (UNDER PASSENGER SEAT) FOR THE HEATED SEATS. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HAVE THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER OPTION WHICH ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL ISSUES. SHAME ON GM FOR NOT CORRECTING THESE ENGINEERING DESIGN DEFECTS. SAFETY SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT WITH THESE TYPES OF ISSUES ON YOUR VEHICLES ESPECIALLY YOUR PREMIER BRAND (CADILLAC).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL SPOTS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GUYS BUICK GMC TRUCK (1316 N MILDRED ST, RANSON, WV 25438) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE CRANK CASE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A CADILLAC DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A $100 VOUCHER TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME ON THE RIMS PEELED AND BUBBLED, CAUSING THE TIRES TO CONSTANTLY LOSE AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WONDERLAND TIRE (616-399-3070, LOCATED AT 12671 JAMES ST, HOLLAND, MI 49424) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RIMS WERE NOT REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW WASHER FLUID WAS LEAKING AND COULD POTENTIALLY SHORT OUT THE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE FAILURE WAS BURNING UP THE FUSES AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V441000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH BRITAIN CHEVROLET CADILLAC (4495 INTERSTATE HWY 30, GREENVILLE, TX 75402, (903) 274-4401) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX AND HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE BACK SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT PERFORM ANY REPAIRS DUE TO A POTENTIAL FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
THE CHECK ENGINE CODE SHOWED THE INTERNAL POWER MODULE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THIS WAS WITHOUT WARNING AND MADE THE CAR'S POWER BRAKES AND STEERING TO BECOME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND BRAKE THE CAR BY MY WIFE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME WITH THE CHECK ENGINE OFF THEY SAID I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND AGAIN AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. THE DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND REPLACED THE MODULE PLUS THE COMPUTER AT A COST OF $750. THIS IS THE NINTH CADILLAC I HAVE OWNED SINCE 1980 WHEN I PURCHASED A SEVILLE WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND THIS IS THE FIRST THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE POWER MODULE AND COMPUTER. THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND BOTH CADILLAC AND I WERE LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES. NOW WITH THE PROBLEM CORRECTED MY WIFE IS HESITANT ABOUT DRIVING AFTER THE CLOSE CALL SHE HAS EXPERIENCED. SHE ALWAYS INSISTED ON DRIVING A CADILLAC BECAUSE OF THEIR SAFETY RATING AND BECAUSE THEY WON THE MALCULAM BALDRIDGE QUALITY AWARD BACK IN THE 1980'S. I THINK A RECALL TO REPLACE THOSE MODULES AFTER HIGH MILEAGE OF AT LEAST 65K MILES. MY 2008 CADILLAC DTS MILEAGE INDICATOR SHOWS 84,000 MILES.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2008 Cadillac DTS has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 86 owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Cadillac DTS.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2008 Cadillac DTS.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2008 Cadillac DTS are electrical system (24 reports), engine (9 reports), exterior lighting (6 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2008 Cadillac DTS. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.