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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CADILLAC-STS
2006 · cadillac

cadillac STS problems

1 safety recall. 141 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

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

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
52 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
19 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
18 reports · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
5 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
4 reports · avg $450
moderate
cruise control
4 reports · avg $600
severe
suspension
3 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 STS · airbags
2006 CADILLAC STS. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED ON MAY 7, 2007, SHE HAD TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NINE MONTHS LATER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS. THEY…
12/23/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10660662.0
2006 STS · brakes
SUDDEN FAILURE H2505 ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE 2006 CADILLAC STS ALLL WHEEL DRIVE 50799 MILES REPAIRED AT DEALER. *TR
12/22/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10372151.0
2006 STS · airbags
WHILE STARTING MY CAR, A LIGHT CAME ON MY CAR INDICATING "SERVICE AIR BAG". I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MODULE FOR THE AIR BAG NEEDED REPLACEMENT IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE SERVICE AIR BAG ISSUE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR INCLUDING…
12/20/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811342.0
2006 STS · steering
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the driver's side tie rod fractured into two pieces. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
12/19/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11560931.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 06V007000 13/01/2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND A 3

WITHOUT THESE FUNCTIONS ENABLED, A PERSISTENT ECM FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A THROTTLE OPENING GREATER THAN COMMANDED BY THE DRIVER AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM ON THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Cadillac STS reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Cadillac STS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

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

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 52 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Cadillac STS 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 STS?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 141 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 6 hours ago. 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.
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