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2007 Cadillac DTS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Cadillac DTS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Moonroof water leak into stability control wiring.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Cadillac DTS.

Reported to NHTSA

Moonroof water leak into stability control wiring

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2023-02

“2007 Cadillac DTS has been giving me problems with leaking water from either the moon roof or roof itself near driver's door.the floor gets soaked with water and has caused a part called a yaw under the seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507782
“HELLO!I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2007 CADILLAC DTS WITH 71,000 MILES GOOD FOR THIS YEAR.WHEN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING WATER FELL ON MY LEGS.I TOLD DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THE DEALER SENT IT TO A CADILLAC DEALER TO FIX THE LEAK.SO I PURCHASED THE 2007 CADILLAC DTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11277417
“WHEN IT RAINS WATER JUST POURS DOWNS US FROM THE SUN ROOF TOP CAUSING THE FLOORS OR CARPET TO SMELL FROM THE WATER ... PLEASE HELP WITH DIRECTION WITH THIS PROBLEM .. THUS ACCUSED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN THE RAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172392

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front brake rotor vibration under sustained braking

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2009-01 → 2017-02

“WE HAVE A SEVERE VIBRATION IN OUR 2007 CADILLAC DTS THAT STARTS AT 55MPH AND ALSO REPEATS ITSELF AS WE COME TO A STOP. THINK THIS VIBRATION IS ALWAYS THERE, BUT WE FEEL IT AT THESE TIMES. THIS VIBRATION WAS SO SEVERE THAT ON ONE OCCASION WE WERE COMING DOWN A MOUNTAIN SIDE IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10453860
“WE HAVE AN APPROXIMATELY 14 MILES DOWNHILL RUN FROM THE SKI SLOPE TO I-95. THE DTS DOES NOT COMPRESSION BRAKE. CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT HOLD A DOWNHILL SPEED. SO I AM ON THE BRAKES MOST OF THE WAY DOWN. HALFWAY DOWN THE HILL THE FRONT END STARTS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY I AM GUESSING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10946916

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition switch recall repair part unavailable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2014-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661441
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THREE WEEKS DUE TO THE RECALL PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640120
“YOU ALREADY SHOW RECALL INFORMATION ON 2007 CADILLAC DTS FOR IGNITION KEY SAFETY PROBLEM BUT I WOULD LIKE TO COMPLAIN THAT GM TELLS ME IN THEIR RECALL LETTERS THAT THE PARTS TO FIX THIS ARE NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10627423

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and blowout

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2022-05

“The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac DTS equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: Exclaim HPX A/S (Alpha Sierra), Tire Size: 235/55/R17, DOT Number: A37AWBXP3317. The tire was a replacement tire. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the front passenger’s side tire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11464828
“2007 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TIRES *TGW IN JUNE 2010 THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. IT HAPPENED AT A LOW SPEED, SO THERE WAS NO DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT. THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10374596

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leaks and burning odor from Northstar V8

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2020-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF AN OIL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL OIL BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337885
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED OIL BURNING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786797
“I WAS BLOWN AWAY TO FIND OIL UNDER MY 07 DTS CADILLAC, THEN TO LEARN IT'S COMMON. THINKING IT WAS A DRAIN PLUG OR OIL FILTER CHANGED THE OIL. NO SUCH LUCK, IT'S THE ENGINE LOWER END LEAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10513789

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heated and cooled seat wiring connector melting

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2021-06

“The 2007 Cadillac DTS has heated/air-conditioned front seats. They went out. Looking on the Cadillac users' website it seems to be a common problem. The connectors burn out, even though they are connected to a 30 amp fuse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11421083
“THE FRONT HEATED/COOLED SEATS WERE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING, SINCE JANUARY 2017. TWO WEEKS AGO THEY STOPPED ALTOGETHER. UPON INVESTIGATION I HAD TO REMOVE THE PASSENGER SEAT IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE CONTROL MODULE. I FOUND TWO WIRES BURNED AND THE LARGE PLUG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10957315
“CONNECTOR UNDER FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MELTED DUE TO SOME SORT OF HIGH CURRENT PROBLEM. FROM WHAT I READ ON THE CADILLAC FORUM, THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10576514

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight and exterior lighting failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2008-02 → 2020-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. THE INDICATOR BULB BURNED OUT AND BURNED THE HOUSING OF THE HEADLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320304
“THE ISSUE WAS REGARDING THE FAILURE OF THE BALLASTS IN THE HID HEADLIGHTS WHICH, PER NTSB AND OTHER WEBSITES, HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE WITH THIS AND OTHER GM MODELS. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE DIAGNOSED GENERALLY AS WATER BACKING DOWN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY INTO THE BALLAST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785963
“HEADLAMPS WOULD FLICKER AND GO OUT INTERMEADLY THEN THE OTHER NIGHT THEY DID THIS AND BOTH WENT OUT I WAS DRIVING ON A DARK ROAD AND COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ALOT OF DTS OWNER HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10423890

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss of assist

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2019-11

“WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE OWNER TOLD ME THE POWER STEERING WAS BAD AND THAT THEY WOULD FIX IT. THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO GET INSPECTED SO I COULD GET IT TITLED, IT FAILED THE INSPECTION DUE TO A LEAK IN THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282518
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141294

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

92 crashes 1990–2024

How the 92 occupant deaths break down

65

driver deaths

27

passenger deaths

92

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Cadillac DTS reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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