Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 2 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

2 total · 2 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Electrical system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 14V355000 · Jun 2014

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.

Remedy
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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Electrical system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 10V553000 · Nov 2010

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.

Remedy
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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

16 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
5

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 3electrical shorts 1
A recent report: Car power shut off while driving on the highway to church and almost got in an accident. Pulled to the side and smelled smoke. Lifted the back seat and opened the fuse box and looked. Lifted the fuel…
Read full complaint

Car power shut off while driving on the highway to church and almost got in an accident. Pulled to the side and smelled smoke. Lifted the back seat and opened the fuse box and looked. Lifted the fuel pump fuse and it was burnt. Me and my family got stuck on the side of the highway instead of church and spending time on a holiday.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11732561 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
5

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 5
A recent report: 2011 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE DECIDED NOT TO COMPLY WITH THE RECALL, DUE TO THE FACT…
Read full complaint

2011 CADILLAC DTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE DECIDED NOT TO COMPLY WITH THE RECALL, DUE TO THE FACT CHRYSLER IS NOT PROVIDING A PROPER SAFETY FIX. HOWEVER, HE DID REMOVE THE ADDITIONAL KEYS. *JB UPDATED 07/08/15.*JB

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10723998 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
2

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 1
A recent report: STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED IN THE MOST HIGHEST POSITION. IT CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED TO ANY OTHER POSITION. *TR

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10621379 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
4

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 4
A recent report: Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion…
Read full complaint

Airbags did not deploy in a rear end crash. Seat belts may have failed as well. Car is located at an offsite strorage facility for insurance purposes. I suffered head trauma and a concussion. Bruising on my torse from what I believe was from the seatbelt. Car is totaled and no inspection has been done by a service center. Insurance will be doing a valuation of the value only. No warning lights or messges were visible prior to the accident.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761619 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 16 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2012 and 2026, roughly 1 a year, which is fewer than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 16 complaints on file, fewer than the 2010 (22). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.