PROBLEM GUIDE

2006–2011 Cadillac DTS Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated March 2026

86

complaints filed for this model year

2006–2011

Model years affected

$232 – $2,247

Typical repair cost, by problem

This generation's most severe and most common problem: roughly 20 complaints describe the fuel pump relay overheating and melting, along with fuse block failures, with owners describing the fuse box as "too hot to touch and smelled like burning wires." Five separate fire incidents are documented in NHTSA data, and the same failure is tied to vehicle stalling and — critically — loss of power steering AND braking simultaneously. Separately, an ignition switch recall (14V355000) addresses a defect where the key falls out while driving, but parts have reportedly been unavailable across a wide mileage range.

Quick Scan: 17 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Fuel pump relay overheating and fuse box failures

Multiple documented fire incidents

Check engine light: On

Roughly 20 complaints describe the fuel pump relay overheating and melting, along with failures of the fuse block, located under the rear seat. Owners describe the fuse box as "too hot to touch and smelled like burning wires." Five separate fire incidents are documented in NHTSA data. The same failure is also tied to vehicle stalling, failure to start, and loss of power steering and braking simultaneously.

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Ignition switch failures, recall parts unavailable

Key can fall out while driving

Check engine light: On

Roughly 8 complaints describe ignition switch failures where the key falls out while driving, or the engine is difficult to start unless the steering wheel is held in a specific position. A recall (14V355000) is referenced but parts have reportedly been unavailable.

50,000 – 219,000 mi

A recall exists, but owners report replacement parts have been unavailable.

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Oil leaks from multiple engine sources

Oil reported leaking onto hot engine-compartment surfaces

Check engine light: On

Oil pan, crankcase, oil filter housing, and engine manifold leaks are all reported, with oil described as "leaking onto the hot surface in the engine compartment" — a secondary fire-adjacent risk distinct from the fuel-pump-relay fire pattern above.

$400 – $1,40075,000 – 115,000 mi

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Steering wheel seizure resulting in crashes

Different from the power-steering loss described above

Check engine light: On

Among 4 steering-related complaints, steering wheel seizure has directly resulted in crashes.

90,000 – 112,000 mi

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Contaminated brake fluid

Stark cost disparity between dealership and independent-shop pricing

Check engine light: Off

One repair case describes contaminated brake fluid requiring extensive repairs, with a stark cost disparity between dealership ($2,247) and independent shop ($232) pricing for what appears to be the same repair.

$232 – $2,247

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Steering Wheel Position Sensor May Fail

Steering wheel position sensor fails

Check engine light: Off

Steering wheel position sensor fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 80 owner reports on file.

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Rubber Transmission Cooler Lines Can Leak Fluid

Rubber transmission cooler lines leak fluid

Check engine light: Off

Rubber transmission cooler lines leak fluid. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.

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ABS Light Due to ABS Control Module Failure

ABS light due to ABS control module failure

Check engine light: Off

ABS light due to ABS control module failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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Misfire Due to Failed Ignition Coil

Misfire due to a failed ignition coil

Check engine light: On

Misfire due to a failed ignition coil. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.

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Intermittent Headlamp Operation Due to Overheating Wiring

Intermittent headlamp operation due to overheating wiring, resulting in flickering

Check engine light: Off

Intermittent headlamp operation due to overheating wiring, resulting in flickering. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.

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Check engine light from a gas cap issue

Check engine light due to a gas cap issue

Check engine light: On

Check engine light due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 22 owner reports on file.

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Coolant Leaks From Water Pump and Radiator

Coolant leaks from the water pump and radiator

Check engine light: Off

Coolant leaks from the water pump and radiator. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 18 owner reports on file.

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Engine Overheating May Cause Cylinder Head to Expand

Engine overheating causes the cylinder head to expand

Check engine light: On

Engine overheating causes the cylinder head to expand. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

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Engine Performance Problems Due to Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Engine performance problems due to crankshaft position sensor failure

Check engine light: On

Engine performance problems due to crankshaft position sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.

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Power Window Regulators May Fail and Cause Window to Fall Into Door

Power window regulators fail, causing the window to fall into the door

Check engine light: Off

Power window regulators fail, causing the window to fall into the door. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.

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Vacuum Brake Release Switch Can Fail

Vacuum brake release switch fails

Check engine light: Off

Vacuum brake release switch fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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Vacuum Leak From Intake Manifold

Vacuum leak from the intake manifold

Check engine light: On

Vacuum leak from the intake manifold. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.

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This generation has a confirmed ignition switch recall (14V355000), but parts have reportedly been unavailable for owners seeking repair. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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