2006 Cadillac Dts

Above average

Owners filed 255 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

202 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 66,023 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System52
040
Exterior Lighting48
000
Engine33
030
Steering23
211
Exterior Lighting › Headlights12
000
Vehicle Speed Control8
000
Air Bags6
508
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control5
000
Service Brakes4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 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) 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.

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.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy. 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Electrical System08V441000
Filed Aug 28, 2008857,735 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.

Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy. 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 AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections06V105000
Filed Apr 5, 200612,862 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 ENGINE,THE POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY CRIMPED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FLUID LEAK.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST MAY BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED AT LOW SPEEDS. ALSO, IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID WERE TO CONTACT HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING GEAR INLET HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jul 23, 2026192,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that a recurring power steering failure had occurred at startup, and the steering wheel was firm. The contact stated that upon adding power steering fluid to the power steering reservoir, there was an immediate power steering fluid leak. Additionally, the brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V105000 (Steering). However, after contacting the manufacturer, the contact was informed the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to a local dealer for potential assistance from Goodwill. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 17, 2024IA

Driving at night on I-29 South and headlights went off intermittently but not simultaneously. Headlamps continued intermittent cut-out until reached destination (approx 3 hours later). As a safety issue for driving while dark, had both assemblies replaced at Cadillac dealer for approx $3,950.00. Replacement was Cadillac recommendation as it was stated the electronics do fail in these headlight assemblies. After replacement and as a follow-up, new assemblies were installed and are not sealed against the elements. In February 2024, on a 5,000 mile trip, drove several hours during cold, snowy and raining conditions. Both headlight assemblies had a considerable amount of moisture inside the lens housings (see photo). Cadillac dealer did replace one of the new headlight assemblies due to moisture accumulation in assembly under parts warranty, but not both.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 17, 2024IA

While driving at night in July, 2023 on [XXX] , both headlights began to go out intermittently but not simultaneously. Continued driving for approximately 3 hours to final destination. Took to local Cadillac dealer for diagnostics (Invoice [XXX]) and after dialogue with dealer had both assemblies replaced as was informed the electronics have been noted to fail in these assemblies. I replaced both assemblies for approximately $2,950.00 (Invoice [XXX}). As a follow-up, during a recent 5,000 mile trip during February 2024, driving in cold, rain, snow and road spray conditions for days, both headlight assemblies accumulated a significant amount of moisture (see photo) behind the lenses. Cadillac dealer did replace left assembly (drivers side) under parts warranty but not the right side. Both headlight assemblies are operating without incident since replacement, except as noted above on assemblies not sealed against environment/elements. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Jan 30, 2024MS

Suffered chemical burn to my right lower arm after airbag deployed & ruptured in my 2006 Cadillac DTS sedan during a front-impact motor vehicle accident.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Oct 17, 202278,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, no failure was found. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and no failure was found. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated there was a button on the radio that was stuck, causing the battery power to be drained. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2022132,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated he became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the oil pan was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred and the oil pan was replaced again. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 132,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 11, 2022CA

The Service Stabilitrak and Service Traction Control error message come on periodically and when on the car seems to run rough. Message shuts off then could hit a bump and comes on again. You never know when it is going to come on and when on it shuts off the traction control and could be dangerous.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 23, 2022GA

I called OnStar because my car would not start and they sent someone from GM. The guy looked at my car, could not identify the problem, so I got it towed to a repair shop. Ends up, I had to replace the transmission. The repair shop ran electric test on the vehicle and no codes or issues. My dash is now reading service power steering and this is a safety issue that needs to be fixed by the manufacturer.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 2021CA

So we bought the car. In 2012 or 2013. And in 2014 we received a yellow letter in the mail saying that our car needed to be serviced for a recall. We set it up. Ended up taking it in To be serviced for the recalls. Not knowing in 2008 they recalled what is now going wrong in the car, I didn’t say anything at the time we repaired it. It they didn’t either I believe and even if we didn’t say anything they honestly should’ve just repaired the part that was messed up for us and then let us know: now we have spent so much money towing our car back to our house so that it is safe, and have missed appointments, been stranded, I mean we have really, honestly and truly, very very compromised but this issue with the electrical system Our car is having all the time since this recall repair was administered: NOW IT HAS JUST GOTTEN SO BAD WE CAN NOYT EVEN DRIVE IT. We will get stuck where ever we turn it off unfortunately. I’ve not looked online at information taken all the necessary needs to find out if my vehicle was given the recall before we owned it just to be sure too, it was not. I know that everything that I have read relates directly perfectly to Every single issue that we are have ig Now on our car. The recall from 2014 the key doesn’t come out the ignition anymore and that’s very good, but I know that The CADILLAC Dealer, DID NOT!! Install any other part into the car but that service it asked for. Like beyond a doubt I don’t know what to do and would love to be able to get some

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2021CA

Stabilitrak light on

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Oil Cooler
Filed May 19, 2021104,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he became aware that the oil pan was leaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. Consumer stated leak in the oil pan and vehicle is at the dealership.

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 202155,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED AN OIL LEAK UNDER HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE HEAD GASKET TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 1, 202158,000 milesWI

I BOUGHT THIS CAR, AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS(AUDIO/CRUISE CONTROL) HAVE NOT WORKED, PRIOR OWNER WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE BCM. FRONT DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOES ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL SWITCH TO ADJUST THE HEIGHT, ANGLE, AND SETTINGS FOR EACH DRIVER ALSO ARE NOT WORKING. APPARENTLY THESE ARE KNOWN ISSUES. I HAD SIMILAR ISSUES WITH MY 2000 CHEVY IMPALA, AND MY 2004 CHEVY IMPALA SS.

Steering
Filed Jan 28, 2021NC

POWER STEER SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. I ACTUALLY LOOKED UP SEVERAL RECALLS ON ALLDATA.COM AND THEY'RE ARE NUMEROUS OF RECALL. THESE RECALLS ARE SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE RECALLS ARE ACTUALLY SAFETY RECALLS. I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE RECALLS SERVICED BY ANY LOCAL DEALERS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 4, 2020160,000 milesMI

MY LIGHTS I HAVE CHANGED AND TRIED EVERY THING ONLY GOT 1 TO WORK SO FAR ! I SMELL A ! BURNING SMELL ! MY POWER STEERING IS SCREWED AND LIKES A SMALL LEEK ALL ELECTRIC SOME THINGS HAS HAD ISSUES ! BLOW FUSES CIGARETTE LIGHTER STOPS WORKING CAN'T CHARGE PHONE ! BACK REAR POWER STRUTS ONLY WORK PART TIME ME L BACK UP LIGHTS THAT WARNS DON'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME ! MY KEY CAN TURN THE CAR BUT DRIVE WITH OUT KEY IN THE IGNITION THE IGNITION CAN SWITCH IT SELF ! HAVE HAD TO FIX BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS AND FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS!

Engine
Filed Oct 29, 202093,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED TO LOCATE WHERE THE ENGINE OIL LEAK ORIGINATED FROM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN CADILLAC DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE OIL LEAK WOULD GET WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. *BF*JB

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2020AL

THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL, NOT JUST SPOTS, ACTUAL DRIPS, HAVE TO ADD MUCH OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2020114,600 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED FROM THE PARKING SPOT AT THE RESIDENCE, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSANI BROS CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 6101 W SLAUSON AVE, CULVER CITY, CA 90230, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IF THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED, CAREFUL ATTENTION SHOULD PLACED ON THE OIL LEVEL AT ALL TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,600.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 23, 2020GA

PARASITIC BATTERY DRAIN. AFTER CHECKING ALTERNATOR, CURRENT WHILE REMOVING FUSES, CURRENT WHILE IN 'SLEEP' MODE, AND REPLACING BATTERY THREE TIMES THE CAR WILL RUN FOR TWO DAYS, ON THE THIRD DAY IT WILL NOT CRANK AND THE BATTERY IS TOTALLY DEAD. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 202075,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF AN EXCESSIVE OIL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUBER CADILLAC SERVICE (11102 W DODGE RD, OMAHA, NE 68154) WHERE THE OIL LEAK WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH *JSE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

20 of 255 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201116200Routine
201022300Routine
200935210Routine
200886360Routine
200797340Routine
2006 — this page2554100Above average
20059000Routine
20047000Routine

Compare every Dts year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Jun 23, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.