2006 Cadillac Cts

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 269 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,998 milesMedian miles at failure

226 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags68
907
Service Brakes36
400
Electrical System24
000
Power Train19
000
Engine19
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
200
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit9
100
Air Bags › Frontal8
101
Vehicle Speed Control5
202
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump14V542000
Filed Sep 9, 201410,005 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.

Risk. If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.

Electrical System › Ignition14V394000
Filed Jul 2, 2014554,328 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or 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.

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 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive10V644000
Filed Dec 17, 201095,927 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH REPEATED FLEXING OF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE MAT TO KINK, BEND, OR FOLD. THIS FLEXING CAN BREAK THE CONNECTIONS IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE SENSOR MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AND WILL DISABLE THE AIR BAG.

Risk. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING THAT AIR BAG'S DEPLOYMENT MAY REDUCE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AND INCREASE THE RISK OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THEM.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings10V105000
Filed Mar 17, 2010139,131 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE FITTING AT THE CALIPER MAY CORRODE DUE TO SNOW OR WATER, CONTAINING ROAD SALT OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS, ENTERING AND BEING RETAINED IN THE ROUTING SLEEVE. IF THE FITTING CORRODES SIGNIFICANTLY, THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY DEVELOP A LEAK.

Risk. THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal07V589000
Filed Dec 20, 2007275,936 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.

Risk. A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery06V020000
Filed Jan 25, 200617,462 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL LOW INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE WARNING CHIME.

Risk. IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING, THE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2005 AND ASKED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK FUEL LEVEL TO AVOID THIS CONDITION UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THE PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE, OWNER RENOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 1, 2026NJ

Engine burns 1quart of oil, 100 miles. Brakes went to floor, brake lines had holes at 69,000 miles. Driver rear axel leaks. 2006 Cadillac CTS is a lemon!! Money Pit !!!

Air Bags
Filed Apr 4, 2026OR

The air bad light on passenger side and on the review mirror it passenger airbag bag off that a safety issue it won’t work if in a accident need to be recalled

Engine
Filed May 28, 2025181,475 milesFL

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control set to 75 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the computer was not communicating with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called but the phone disconnected. The failure mileage was approximately 181,475.

Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 2024CA

Driving out of a driveway with a slight slope, my traction engaged. It has done this 3-4 times in perfect driving weather and I had not swerved or experienced any issue prior to the light illuminated "TRACTION ENGAGED". It is pretty noisy under my car as well and the ride is not smooth and rather bumpy. It has engaged just backing up in a parking lot.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2024173,520 milesTX

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated when the vehicle was started with the key in the ignition, it was difficult to shift from park(P) to reverse(R). The contact stated that once she was able to reverse the vehicle onto the roadway, it was difficult to shift the vehicle into drive(D). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift into drive(D). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off. While attempting to start the vehicle, it was difficult turning the ignition key. The contact stated that she was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that she was only able to jiggle the key enough to turn the vehicle off. The contact called a local dealer and explained the failure. The contact advised the dealer that she had a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The dealer advised the contact that the key that was stuck in the ignition was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,520.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 2024WI

Well I am uncertain but we have two 2006 Cadillac cts and both have had multiple transmissions replaced. Multiple differential problems and air bag and wireing problems

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 24, 2024FL

The driver-side tail light lens fell off. I don't know where, but it probably fell off while I was driving, and if so, could have caused an accident. Cadillac does not stock this tail light assembly anymore, so I had to order it online, and then have it installed by a local shop. I am uploading photos of 1) repair invoice 2) new tail light box 3) old tail light (missing lens).

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 31, 202386,500 milesNC

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving in reverse and reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove in reverse across a parking lot crashing into two parked vehicles, and hitting a tree before driving across a side road and into a ditch. During the incident, the front driver sustained neck stiffness and the front passenger sustained a bruised right elbow. Neither injury required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later driven to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 86,500

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2022NV

Service airbag light on dash is on. No one ever sits in the passenger front seat. The rear view mirror indicates that the passenger seat airbag is off. I dont know how to turn it on just to see if the RVM will indicate an on position. I took the car in for a diagnosis and it it indicated that the PPS Module needs replacement. ($1280.79) Even if I do find out how to turn it on I would be afraid to turn it on if it’s going to explode that’s my problem what should I do

Air Bags
Filed Aug 13, 2022SC

I am deaf and the “service Air Bag” and the symbol came on several times and I took it to a certified mechanic who spent two days checking. This is the what he said upon diagnosis, “ The part you need for the air bag light has been discontinued not available anymore.” I met him in person and he said the same thing. This is a safety issue. Please help! Thank you!

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Feb 17, 2022100,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the rear windshield shattered. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused it to shatter. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested photos of the vehicle, the contact's driver's license, vehicle registration, and vehicle title. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 25, 2021OK

Thank these things i feel cadilac should consider fixing due to milage before and after i purchased the cadilac due to the miles before and after purchase. Due to being 100% disabled since 2009, Air bag & safety belt system light comes on when i have onstar diagnose the problem they said it has something to do with my seat belt system on passenger side which mind you isnt used often at all and cadilac will not help with the cost and was told by onstar it needs repairs asap because it could cause air bags to pop out while driving or not come out during a crash. Im afraid some times driving it. In the 7yrs of owning this i maybe put around 40,000 miles on the car its in good condition. Which lead me to the other problem due to miles. When i purchased the cadilac a few days later the check engine light came on it was the catalytic converter it was almost $800 it has two of them the dealer repaired it. Here the other day i had onstar do a complete system scan and the report showed the converter was in the process of going out again but just hasnt triggered my check engine lite. I was shocked because of the miles i drivewhich is under 6000 miles a yr and i use top grade fuel there isnt any way these converters should be going out they should have lasted for the rest of my life and the cars life i take very good care of it changing the oils on a regular bases and other cares are met but when talk to cadilac they didnt even consider my care and miles driven at all or find out why tn

Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 2021AL

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated. The contact called a local dealer who informed her that the cause could be an electrical failure or a defective airbag. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. ir

Air Bags
Filed Nov 26, 202012,000 milesSC

MY CAR AIRBAG LIGHT JUST COMES ON AND NEVER CUTS OFF IT JUST STAYS ON AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE AND I'M JUST WONDERING IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH EVERY AIR MAKING MODEL OF THE CAR THAT I HAVE

Power Train
Filed Sep 8, 202098,090 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LYNCH CADILLAC OF AUBURN (154 W CREEK PKWY, AUBURN, AL 36830) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LEAKS WERE SEEN BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V589000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,090.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2020160,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE SERVICE AIR BAGS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V644000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 11, 2020175,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 73 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE AND TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTON RODS AND CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO C & C AUTO (834 E MAUMEE ST, ANGOLA, IN 46703, (260) 624-2011) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REPLACED THE STARTER HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 201914,900 milesFL

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS NEVER WENT OUT. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS FROM THIS MANUFACTURER AND POSSIBLE MODEL. MU VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. HOWEVER, I'M UNABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST INVOLVED AND IF IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS INVOLVED. I WOULD CERTAINLY LIKE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CHECKED BEFORE MYSELF OR A PASSENGER IS INJURED AS A RESULT TO THIS ISSUE, THANKS.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 19, 2019100,000 milesFL

WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, TURNING SLIGHTLY OR SHARPLY INTO A PARKING SPOT, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL BEGINS TO LOCK UP WHEN PRESSING ON IT TO STOP. UPON LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM, MORE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THE HUB AND EBCM SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ISSUE WAS STILL RECURRING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE FAULT OR PROBLEM THAT CREATED THIS UNSAFE CONDITION IS STILL UNKNOWN BY GM.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 14, 201948,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

20 of 269 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201910000Routine
20188200Routine
201727200Routine
201631410Routine
201547320Routine
2014146600Routine
201373200Routine
201265200Routine
2011101230Routine
201067310Routine
2009167503Fatalities reported
2008175230Routine
2007217660Above average
2006 — this page269621Fatalities reported
2005277642Fatalities reported
2004224610Above average
20033134120Above average

Compare every Cts year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 9, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.