2006 Cadillac DTS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 254 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 86 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: electrical system — 70 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY WIFE AND I TURNED ON OUR SEAT HEATERS, AND BOTH NOTED A SMELL OF BURNING WIRE AND PLASTIC. WE EVACUATED THE VEHICLE. I THEN PROCEEDED TO CHECK UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131013
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 20240317
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP FLICKERED AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180221
27% of complaints: exterior lighting — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 20240317
15% of complaints: engine — 38 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE. LEAKS HAPPEN BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN PARKED IN ALL SITUATIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171220
ON OCT,30,2017 I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR WITH IT IDLING. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE CAR STARTED REGISTERING "HOT". THE DASH BOARD SAID IT WAS RUNNING HOT. THE THERMOSTAT HAND HAD MOVED TO THE RED POINT .
NHTSA ODI report, 20171120
12% of complaints: steering — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130123
THE STEERING IN THE CONSUMER 2006 CADILLAC DTS WAS SENSITIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE DRIVER OVERCORRECTED TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HIT TWO GUARDRAILS AND OVERTURNED ONTO IT'S TOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060428
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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: 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.
Campaign 06V105000 — check if this car was fixed
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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, SI
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://WW
Campaign 08V441000 — check if this car was fixed
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 E
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 BEE
Campaign 10V240000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Cadillac DTS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (70 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V105000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V441000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V240000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2006 Cadillac DTS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Cadillac DTS?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Cadillac DTS have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.