Cadillac · DTS · 2006
4
Recalls
254
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2006 Cadillac DTS has 4 recalls and 254 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: exterior lighting (54 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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> .
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stabilitrak light on
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED FROM THE PARKING SPOT IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE RESIDENCE, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL LEAKED FROM THE CAMSHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
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!
I BOUGHT A USED 2006 DTS CADILLAC FROM A DEALER IN OH. BROUGHT IT HOME AND HAD MY MECHANIC GO THRU IT. HE SHOWED ME AN OIL LEAK AND SAID THE OIL PAN GASKET HAD BEEN REPAIRED. MY MECHANIC SAID HE WOULD NOT FIX THE LEAK BECAUSE THERE WAS TOO MUCH INVOLVED. I HAVE SINCE SEEN THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR VEHICLE. SHOULD BE A RECALL. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO GET THIS FIXED. ALSO FOUND OUT THERE WERE 4 OTHER RECALLS ON THIS CAR. CADILLAC SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS OIL LEAK. MILEAGE IS 81,000
I OWN A 2006 CADILLAC DTS WHICH I BOUGHT AT AN AUCTION WITH 138,000 MILES. WELL MAINTAINED AND ZERO OBD2 CODES. IT RAN GREAT BUT HAD A SMALL OIL LEAK WHICH HAS PROGRESSED TO THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE PASSENGER ENGINE BEING WET WITH OIL. SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM EITHER THE CRANKCASE OR OIL PAN GASKET WHICH ARE BOTH REQUIRED TO PULL THE ENGINE TO REPAIR, EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AND THE AVERAGE PERSON CANNOT AFFORD THESE REPAIRS. HORRIBLE DESIGN FOR SUCH A DIFFICULT ENGINE TO WORK ON. OTHER THEN THAT THE CAR RUNS EXTREMELY WELL, NO OTHER PROBLEMS AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED BY ME AND PREVIOUS OWNER. I LOVE THE CAR BUT IF I HAVE TO PAY OVER $2K FOR THESE KIND OF REPAIRS THAT I CANNOT DO MYSELF THEN I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER GM CAR. NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON BOTH THE CRANKCASE AND OIL PAN AS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THESE ISSUES. OIL SHOULD NOT LEAK FROM A PARKED CAR NOT RUNNING. DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DRIVERS. NO WONDER WERE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, ALL GM CARES ABOUT IS THE MONEY THEY WILL HAVE TO PUT OUT. BUT THIS IS THE REASON THEY'RE SALES HAVE DECLINED AND HAD TO STOP MAKING DEVILLED, NOBODY BUYS THEM BECAUSE GM WON'T RECALL THESE ISSUES. DUH GM ALMOST WENT OUT OF BUSINESS YRS AGO FROM STUFF LIKE THIS, THEY DON'T CARE. SO WHY WOULD ANYONE BUY A GM VEHICLE? THIS WILL BE MY LAST IS THESE ISSUES ARE NOT RECALLED AS THE LABOR IS THE ONLY REASON CADILLACS ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, PARTS ARE REASONABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE AT LINDSAY CADILLAC OF ALEXANDRIA (1525 KENWOOD AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22302, (703) 935-4445), THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE AND FUEL LINES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED CORROSION WAS PRESENT ON THE FUEL LINE AND BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.*CW *DL
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2006 Cadillac DTS has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 254 owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Cadillac DTS.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2006 Cadillac DTS.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2006 Cadillac DTS are exterior lighting (54 reports), electrical system (32 reports), engine (30 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2006 Cadillac DTS. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.