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2010 Cadillac Dts Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Cadillac Dts carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and cables. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical system recall repair parts unavailable.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V355000 · Jun 23, 2014

Issue: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Campaign #10V553000 · May 11, 2010

Issue: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COULD WEAR THROUGH THE LINE, CAUSING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.

Risk: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #09V480000 · Dec 17, 2009

Issue: GM IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 CADILLAC DTS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL, WHICH LISTS THE PROPER TIRE AND VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION, WAS NOT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE TWO LABELS AFFIXED TO AFFECTED VEHICLES THAT INCORRECTLY DESCRIBE THEM AS AN INCOMPLETE VEHICLE. ONE LABEL IS THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL, WHICH CERTIFIES THAT THE VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS. THE SECOND LABEL IS THE SERVICE PARTS IDENTIFICATION LABEL, WHICH LISTS VARIOUS COMPONENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE.

Risk: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Cadillac Dts.

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical system recall repair parts unavailable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2015-01

“THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10677038
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10653037
“THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10626317

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leaks from undercarriage

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2021-06

“The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an oil change and he was informed of an oil pan leak coming from a bolt-on undercarriage causing damage to the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11422341
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC DTS. WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR PARKED, OIL LEAKED FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A QUART OF OIL HAD TO BE ADDED EVERY TEN MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120475
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991355

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Head restraint position and rear seat belt fit

SEAT BELTS, SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2010-12

“HEAD RESTRAINT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED, WHICH CAUSES A DRIVING HAZARD. POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO MY HEAD WHEN I SIT UP STRAIGHT, THE HEAD RESTRAINT CAUSES MY HEAD TO POINT TOWARD MY LAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10375870
“THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAD REST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE HEAD REST, WHICH WAS TILTED FORWARD WHICH MADE SITTING ALL THE WAY BACK IN THE SEAT IMPOSSIBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10364752
“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 DOWN BACKWARDS A LITTLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10347691

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump relay and fuse box overheating causing stalls

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2025-07

“I was traveling on Stevenson expressway at 55 mph when the fuel pump relay overheated and melted, which burned up the REC (Rear Electrical Electrical Center /fusebox)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677365
“The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to the side of the roadway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11535546
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10655193

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and brake failure

AIR BAGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2015-02

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10681765
“I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH COMING TO AN INTERSECTION. TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS RED AND SOME CARS WAITING. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PUT IT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE APPROACHING THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT THE PEDAL WENT SOFT TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10313457
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10493342

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment and warning light

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2023-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10577080
“The vehicle "service Airbag " warning keeps flashing. Should I keep driving this vehicle, Is my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502415

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

14 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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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