2010 Cadillac DTS
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Cadillac DTS has 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 32. The most common issue is electrical problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: 2010 cadillac dts. consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical system recall notice. *smd. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
32
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
11 complaints- • 2010 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
- • 2010 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
“2010 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL NOTICE. *SMD”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Cadillac DTS
Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 55K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
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. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Cadillac DTS
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Cadillac DTS
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Cadillac New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Cadillac. If you're buying a used 2010 DTS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Cadillac dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 32 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 2010 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND THE LOW ENGINE POWER WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE EMERGENCY BR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: 2010 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER STATES HEAD REST IS TOO FAR FORWARD FOR HIS WIFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE ADJUSTED THE SEAT FOR DRIVING, THE HEAD REST FORCED HER HEAD DOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE, WAS TO HAVE THE TWO HEAD REST SUPPORTS BENT DO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: SUBJECT VEHICLE READ ENDED SUV THAT WAS STOPPED FOR A STOP LIGHT. VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER WAS BADLY INJURED AND IS STILL IN A COMA. PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE IS STILL A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Cadillac dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Cadillac DTS — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 4
- Injury reports
- 5
- Segment avg
- 32
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Cadillac DTS