ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CADILLAC-DTS NHTSA data synced 4 days ago

2006 · Cadillac

Cadillac DTS problems

254 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

Reliability score

7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2006 DTS?

High-risk ownership

Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.

Electrical system: 68 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 48,000–90,000 mi
Engine: 39 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 58,000–108,000 mi
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical

68 reports · fails ~69,157 mi · avg $850

severe

lighting

57 reports · fails ~63,241 mi · avg $250

moderate

engine

39 reports · fails ~83,256 mi · avg $3,100

severe

steering

32 reports · fails ~86,854 mi · avg $700

severe

cruise control

11 reports · fails ~35,990 mi · avg $600

moderate

airbags

7 reports · fails ~51,724 mi · avg $1,100

severe

powertrain

6 reports · fails ~66,448 mi · avg $2,500

severe

brakes

5 reports · fails ~28,094 mi · avg $450

moderate

Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2006 DTS's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Honest Calculator

Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2006 DTS?

We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.

See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 DTS · lighting

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac dts. The contact stated that the driver side headlight intermittently activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver side ballast needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was…

12/30/2014 · at 40,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669078.0 · see lighting pattern →

2006 DTS · electrical Fire

While driving the vehicle down the road with the heated seat (drivers side) on, I began to notice a burning smell and smoke coming from the passenger seat area. Stopped the vehicle to inspect to find a smoldering wiring harness and module, there was a small flame. The flame…

12/30/2013 · at 81,960 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557887.0 · see electrical pattern →

2006 DTS · engine

Both block halves and the cam covers began leaking and they tell me the repair will cost $3,500.00. The vehicle has always had regular oil changes and maintenance and has low mileage for a 2006. I have heard this is a regular problem with this year cadilac.

12/29/2015 · at 72,005 mi · NHTSA ODI #10816725.0 · see engine pattern →

2006 DTS · lighting

Left headlamp flickers and goes out intermittently while driving. First noticed when pulling into parking garage going to work in 2014, but when I checked before leaving office-lights were working. While driving long distance on freeway in mar 2015, problem became very apparent.…

12/28/2015 · at 75,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10816562.0 · see lighting pattern →

View all 254 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2006 Cadillac DTS? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi

At 80,000 miles

Likely repair cost in next 24 months

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 06V105000 April 5, 2006

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

If this were to occur, power steering assist may be lost and increased steering effort would be required at low speeds. Also, if the power steering fluid were to contact hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Cadillac DTS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 254 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Cadillac DTS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2006 Cadillac DTS?

The 2006 Cadillac DTS is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 68 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 48,000–90,000 mi; Engine: 39 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 58,000–108,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Cadillac DTS?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 68 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,157 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 69,157 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac DTS has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Cadillac DTS?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 254 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Cadillac/DTS. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Cadillac. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.

Cadillac DTS problems

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

Estimate your repair exposure

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

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

Common questions

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