Model year guide

2009 Cadillac DTS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Cadillac DTS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 37 on record.

2009 Cadillac DTS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Cadillac DTS at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints35
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$9,688

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

2009 Cadillac DTS recalls 2

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 #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.

2009 Cadillac DTS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
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.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2009 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 2009 Cadillac DTS worth?

Low
$5,700
Typical price
$9,688
High
$13,995

From 37 comparable 2009 Cadillac DTS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Cadillac DTS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,550
Total$24,550
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,688) with the same model 3 model-years older ($5,154), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Cadillac DTS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Performance
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl · 4.6L 8-cyl

2009 Cadillac DTS vehicles on record

Other Cadillac DTS model years

2009 Cadillac DTS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Cadillac DTS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Cadillac DTS?

Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Cadillac DTS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Cadillac DTS at about 18 mpg combined (15 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2009 Cadillac DTS worth?

Comparable 2009 Cadillac DTS listings run roughly $5,700–$13,995, typically around $9,688 (from 37 vehicles).

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