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2006 Cadillac DTS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Cadillac DTS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine oil pan and gasket leak.” Cadillac uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm watches engine revolutions, temperature, and load, then lights the change-oil message — typically around 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, with dexos-approved oil. Turbo fours in ATS, CT4, XT4, and XT5 are harder on oil than the indicator suggests in short-trip driving. Northstar-era V8s (DeVille, Seville, Eldorado) live and die by their cooling system — coolant condition checks are not optional on those cars. Escalade shares its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed with GM's trucks and follows the same fluid schedule.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Cadillac DTS.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine oil pan and gasket leak

ENGINE

30 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2022-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11367038
“THIS AUTOMOBILE HAS AN OIL LEAK THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND GENERAL MOTORS ARE REPAIRING VEHICLES, BUT WILL NOT MAKE A RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10390751
“FAULTY FACTORY GASKETS AND SEALS CAUSING OIL LEAK FROM OIL PAN. CAR ONLY HAS 92700 MILES. MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND NO ACTION TAKEN. REPAIRS WILL BE OVER $1000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11081807

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intermittent headlight failure while driving

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

67 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2024-03

“2006 CADILLAC DTS LEFT HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF, TURN ON MANUALLY TO GET THEM BACK ON. SOMETIMES BOTH OF THEM. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10375482
“WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON AUTO, OR MANUAL, THE LIGHTS FLICKER, TURN OFF, SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND THEN BACK ON THUS FAR. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND DON'T KNOW THE CAUSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10552022
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10552764

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering hose fluid leak

STEERING

20 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2026-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED MORE FORCE TO MANEUVER AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE ROAD SIDE AND OBSERVED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS LEAKING SEVERELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882661
“THE POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING...THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS STILL DRIVING. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 35 MPH AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664499
“AFTER EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VERA CADILLAC IN PEMBROKE PINES, FLORIDA. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS LEAKING AT THE CRIMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10496801

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition switch key-in-run failure and stall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2020-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UPON TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE IGNITION MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10598890
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT NOTICED. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640642
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMPSTARTED AND THEN THE KEY WAS RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10633532

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heated and cooled seat module overheating

SEATS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2017-01

“HEATED AND COOLED SEATS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AFTER BURNING SMELL AND SMOKE THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDER PASSENGER SEAT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918769
“I HAD MY HEATED/COOLED SEAT MODULE REPLACED IN AUGUST 2013. THROUGH THE WINTER MY HEATED SEATS WORKED FINE. TODAY I TURN ON MY SEAT HEATERS ONLY TO HEAR A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT FOLLOWED BY PUFFS OF WHITE SMOKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10585502
“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. I VISUALLY NOTED A SMALL AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10547780

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in frontal or side impact crash

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2014-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC DTS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10373997
“AIR BAG FAILURE - 2006 LUX III CAR TOTALED 12-03-12 51558 MILES TOTALED CAR. WE WERE HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BY A 2003 1/2 TON EXTENDED CAB CHEVROLET PICKUP TRUCK AT 35 TO 40 MILES PER HR., THE DRIVER WAS DRUNK AND BEING PURSUED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10488916
“DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. WHOLE DRIVERS SIDE SMASHED IN AND PERSON WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN INJURED AS BADLY HAD IT GONE OFF LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10361922

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-11 → 2019-11

“I OWN A 2006 CADILLAC DTS WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES DUE TO CORROSION AT MY EXPENSE. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY BRAKE FAILURE, AS THE VEHICLE SENSORS WARNED THERE WAS A PROBLEM,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10364228
“I STARTED THE CAR, APPLIED THE BRAKE, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND BEGAN TO PULL OUT OF PARKING SPACE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL HIT THE CARPET. I BUMPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NO DAMAGE. I TOWED THE CAR TO A GARAGE AND THEY FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES, 2 OF THEM HAD RUSTED THRU”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564343

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 full synthetic on modern engines; Blackwing and supercharged V-Series run hotter and should not stretch the indicator. Northstar V8s: watch for consumption and leaks at the rear main and oil-pan perimeter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two. Staggered-fitment V-Series cars can't rotate front-to-rear; budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Brembo-equipped V-Series wear faster than the base cars; magnetic-ride models should also get a look at shock condition while it's on the lift.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM lists roughly 45,000 miles under severe service (which includes most city commuting) for the 6/8/10-speed automatics. Older 4T80-E units behind Northstars respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Turbo fours (ATS 2.0T, CT4, XT4): roughly every 60,000 miles. Naturally-aspirated V6s and V8s carry iridium plugs rated to 97,500–100,000 miles — check the manual for your engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at oil changes in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM recommends fluid replacement about every 45,000 miles or 3 years. Magnetic-ride and V-Series cars driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing. Supercharged V-Series engines have a second, dedicated blower belt — inspect both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — sooner if the climate fan has lost its punch.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On Northstar V8s this is the schedule that decides the engine's fate — low or contaminated coolant is how head-gasket trouble starts. Check level and condition at every oil change on those cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped models and anything with Super Cruise use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, and expect shorter life from the electrical load these cars carry parked.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

99 crashes 1990–2024

How the 99 occupant deaths break down

76

driver deaths

23

passenger deaths

99

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

10

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Cadillac DTS reflects Cadillac's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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