Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2010 Cadillac DTS electrical problems

moderate Owners of the 2010 Cadillac DTS have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →

Complaints
8
Recalls
2
Avg fix
$850
electrical complaints on the Cadillac DTS, by model year
Model yearelectrical complaints
2006 DTS 68
2007 DTS 26
2008 DTS 35
2009 DTS 12
2010 DTS (this page) 8
2011 DTS 6

When does it fail?

Of the 8 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Cadillac DTS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (33.3%)
50-75k
1 (33.3%)
75-100k
1 (33.3%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Electrical accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.

All 2 active electrical recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 14V355000 June 23, 2014

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.
severe NHTSA 10V553000 November 5, 2010

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.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin PIP4723J Oct 2024

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 20-NA-132 Oct 2024

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin PIC5650L Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Campaign General Communication Aug 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 09-06-04-026Y Aug 2024

This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 8 most recent

electrical · 90,000 mi · filed 12/04/2017

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) confirmed that no recalls were associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…

electrical · filed 11/20/2013

2010 Cadillac dts. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical system recall notice. *smd

electrical · 63,760 mi · filed 11/15/2014

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 repair: $675.00. *tr

electrical · filed 11/06/2014

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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

electrical · filed 10/07/2014

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Cadillac dts. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign: 14v355000 (electrical system). However, the parts needed were unavailable. The dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available to service the vehicle under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the problem and had not given the contact an explanation and stated that they…

electrical · filed 08/19/2014

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.

electrical · 41,000 mi · filed 05/24/2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Cadillac dts. The contact stated that there was an internal leak in the vehicle, but was uncertain of its origin and what part was affected from the failure. There was a presence of a constant intermittent fluid leak. The dealer (medina auto mall 3205 medina rd, medina, oh 44256 (877) 424-0881) was notified and inspected the vehicle, but did not provide a specific…

electrical · filed 01/21/2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Cadillac dts. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system) however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Had electrical trouble with your 2010 Cadillac DTS? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Cadillac DTS?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?

Based on the 8 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 64,920 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to electrical?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Cadillac/DTS. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
Sponsored
Get a free warranty quote →