TCC SURGE, SHUDDER OR CHUGGLE ON LIGHT LOAD JUST AFTER TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT WITH TRANSMISSION AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Cadillac CTS cruise control problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Among the 5 model years of Cadillac CTS in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 19 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND/OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0833 STORED. THE CONDITION MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED BY THE DEALER YET THE CONSUMER MAY HAVE A REPEAT CONCERN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2006 cts engine raced at high speeds when backing up without any pressure to the gas pedal. *ts the first time the incident happened, there was damage done to the drivers side tire, however the second incident resulted in the vehicle racing down the driveway, across the street and into a neighbors house, which caused considerable damage to the house and the car. The vehicle was totaled. *jb
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2006 Cadillac CTS?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 94,450 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.