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
- 255
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2006
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 255 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 255 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 86 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
33% · 84 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and tail lights.
Show 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, 2024-03-17
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
32% · 81 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.
Show 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, 2013-10-13
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, 2018-02-21
Engine
15% · 38 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Oil leaks from the engine. Leaks happen both while driving and when parked in all situations.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-20
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, 2017-11-20
Steering
14% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and rack and pinion.
Show 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, 2013-01-23
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, 2006-04-28
Also filed under Air bags and latches/locks/linkages
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23
Vehicle speed control
7% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2006-03-29Steering06V105000 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.
-
I
2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
-
R
2008-09-12Electrical system08V441000 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…
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…
-
R
2010-06-11Electrical system10V240000 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…
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…
-
R
2014-09-23Electrical system14V355000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Cadillac DTS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 84 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 81 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 38 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V105000 · Steering
- Recall 08V441000 · Electrical system
- Recall 10V240000 · Electrical system
- Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system
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 exterior lighting, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Cadillac DTS have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.