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ProblemsByVinFile / 2010-CADILLAC-DTSNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Cadillac
2010 Cadillac DTS problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 22 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2010 Cadillac DTS has 22 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 8 complaints, typically surfacing around 64,920 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 DTS?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2010 Cadillac DTS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,920 mi · ~$850 to fix
airbags — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 71,000 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 116,463 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 71,000 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2010 DTS· electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Cadillac dts. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle rode roughly and stalled. The contact checked the relays and noticed that the fuse box was melted. The dealer (keyser Cadillac, 4130 sheridan dr, williamsville, ny 14221, 716-568-7045)…
Vehicle was parked, engine off. Upon startup, engine ran rough for a few seconds then died. Car towed to dealer. Problem: engine fuse box shorted and melted. No cause found. Fix: replace fuse box. No after market accessories, etc. Have been installed/used in the car. Cost of…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Cadillac dts. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). However, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
Had a problem with your 2010 Cadillac DTS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
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.
General motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dts and Buick lucerne vehicles equipped with v8 engines
A power steering leak could result in a loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash, and/or the leak onto hot engine parts could cause an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Dealers will secure and if necessary reroute the lines to prevent contact. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 19, 2010. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Buick at 1-866-608-8080 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Gm is recalling model year 2010 Cadillac dts vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
Driving the vehicle with tires that are not properly inflated could result in tire overloading, premature or irregular wear, and/or poor handling increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Gm will mail the three correct labels to owners along with installation instructions. Owners may also take the vehicle and the labels to a dealer for installation. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 22, 2009. Owners may contact gm Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Cadillac DTS reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Cadillac DTS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2010 Cadillac DTS?
The 2010 Cadillac DTS is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2010 Cadillac DTS?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 8 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,920 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2010 Cadillac DTS a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 22 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 64,920 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2010 Cadillac DTS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 8 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,920 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,920 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Cadillac DTS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Cadillac DTS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 22 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Cadillac/DTS.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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