Model year guide

2008 Cadillac DTS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Cadillac DTS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 100 on record.

2008 Cadillac DTS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Cadillac DTS at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints86
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$7,548

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Cadillac DTS recalls 3

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 · 23/06/2014

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, 200…

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 (Cadi…

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #08V441000 · 28/08/2008

GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CON…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC…

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #10V240000 · 04/06/2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS …

Fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OW…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Cadillac DTS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Cadillac DTS MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,400

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Cadillac DTS worth?

Low
$4,000
Typical price
$7,548
High
$10,400

From 100 comparable 2008 Cadillac DTS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Cadillac DTS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,000
Fuel only$17,000
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Cadillac DTS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Performance
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl

2008 Cadillac DTS vehicles on record

2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y98U150931 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y58U129493 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Performance1G6KD57918U155985 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y08U204343 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y58U103718 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y98U175442 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57YX8U109515 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y88U111909 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y88U107522 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Performance1G6KD579X8U136061 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y98U154610 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y38U173914 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y68U182641 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y98U136110 2008 Cadillac DTS Performance1G6KD57928U182922 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57YX8U155295 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y08U165186 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y18U124467 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Performance1G6KD57948U147119 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y98U100594 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y88U181748 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y78U197293 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y08U118045 2008 Cadillac DTS 2008 Cadillac DTS Base1G6KD57Y18U166380

Other Cadillac DTS model years

2011 2010 2009 2007 2006

2008 Cadillac DTS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Cadillac DTS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Cadillac DTS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac DTS?

Based on 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Cadillac DTS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Cadillac DTS at about 18 mpg combined (15 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2008 Cadillac DTS worth?

Comparable 2008 Cadillac DTS listings run roughly $4,000–$10,400, typically around $7,548 (from 100 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.