2006 Cadillac Dts Problems
The 2006 Cadillac DTS has 254 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls, with electrical and headlight issues dominating owner reports. Based on 254 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2006 Cadillac Dts has 254 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2006 Cadillac Dts Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2006 Cadillac Dts trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2006 Cadillac Dts Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CADILLAC DTS 2006 has 254 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults and headlight failures each totaling 79 reports. Engine problems (47) and steering defects (32) are also common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Dts
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 254
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2006 Cadillac Dts problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2006 Cadillac Dts?
The 2006 DTS has a high complaint count for a single model year, especially in electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical faults and headlight failures can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. Engine and steering issues further raise ownership risks.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer who is handy with repairs or willing to invest in aftermarket fixes, and who values the DTS's luxury features at a low entry price.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance luxury sedan should avoid the 2006 DTS due to its high complaint volume.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Cadillac Dts
Inspection Focus
- Test all lights and electrical accessories for proper operation.
- Check engine for unusual noises, leaks, and check engine light history.
- Inspect steering system for looseness, noise, or vibration.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or steering issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Cadillac Dts, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Cadillac DTS shows a high volume of electrical faults and headlight/taillight failures, each with 79 complaints. Engine problems (47 complaints) and steering defects (32 complaints) are also notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2006 has the highest complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase.
- Electrical faults and headlight/taillight failures each account for 79 complaints.
- Engine problems total 47 complaints, and steering defects total 32 complaints.
- There are 14 crash-related complaints and 17 reports of unintended acceleration.
- Electrical faults (79 complaints) may cause intermittent failures of multiple systems.
- Headlight/taillight failures (79 complaints) reduce nighttime visibility and safety.
- Engine problems (47 complaints) could lead to stalling or reduced performance.
Full breakdown
All 2006 Cadillac Dts complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Cadillac Dts. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 79 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 79 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 47 | — | 3 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 32 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 11 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | — | 4 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Cadillac Dts. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 a…
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 ha…
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.
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 vehi…
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 con…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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 W…
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…
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…
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 S…
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. T…
THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL, NOT JUST SPOTS, ACTUAL DRIPS, HAVE TO ADD MUCH OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.
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 …
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 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…
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 W…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Cadillac Dts.
Safety recalls
2006 Cadillac Dts recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Cadillac Dts. With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Cadillac Dts buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Cadillac Dts reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 254 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 DTS has a high complaint count for a single model year, especially in electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Cadillac Dts?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (79 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (79 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (47 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Cadillac Dts?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Cadillac Dts?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Cadillac Dts, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 10 fire reports out of 254 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Cadillac Dts have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Cadillac Dts. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Cadillac Dts?▾
The 2006 DTS has a high complaint count for a single model year, especially in electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Electrical faults and headlight failures can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. Engine and steering issues further raise ownership risks. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Dts reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Cadillac Dts based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.