Wrench.Pro

2006 Cadillac STS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Cadillac STS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear differential and axle seal failure.” 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.

Save this car as:

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 STS.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear differential and axle seal failure

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2006-12 → 2016-02

“THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCK-UP WITHOUT WARNING GOING AT 65 MPH ON I-94 EB FREEWAY AT THE 10 MILE RD EXIT IN MICHIGAN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE OUT OF CONTROL AND SPIN AROUND THREE TIMES IN A CIRCLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10175760
“TO DATE THREE REAR DIFFERENTIAL "REPAIRS" HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON MY 2006 CADILLAC STS AND I AM MAKING AN APPOINTMENT FOR A FOURTH. EACH TIME THE PARTS WERE SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10283550
“CAR IS 2006 CADILLAC STS4 AWD WITH 3.6L V6 ENGINE. REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS OIL, CAR HAS 7,000 MILES. BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND A SEAL WAS REPLACED. LESS THAN 60 DAYS LATER IT IS LEAKING AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10186138

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger-side air bag presence sensor failure

AIR BAGS

42 NHTSA complaints · 2005-09 → 2020-03

“STARTED RECEIVING A CONSTANT, "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING MESSAGE AFTER 125,000 MILES. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE NEEDED REPLACED. IT WILL COST $1,000 FOR THE PART, LABOR, AND PROGRAMMING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025314
“WE OWN A 2006 CADILLAC, STS, V8. AT APPROXIMATELY 96K MILES THE AIRBAG SENSOR WARNING ILLUMINATED. AT FIRST IT WAS INTERMITTENT. THEN BECAME CONSTANT. DEALERSHIP SAIS IT WILL BE $900-$1100 TO REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851872
“AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN VEHICLE WHEN NO ONE WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP PAID TO HAVE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED WAS TOLD. PASSENGER SEAT PRESENCE SYSTEM FAILURE. QUOTED PRICE FOR $900 TO REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10629493

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Non-deployment of air bags in a crash

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2006-12 → 2016-09

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH A CRASH OCCURRED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON TO INDICATE THAT IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10299640
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE ON THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO THE SHOULDER LANE, STRIKING THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY OF A SEMI TRACTOR CAB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10256978
“OCTOBER 8, 2006 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MY 2006 CADILLAC STS WHERE A TRUCK CROSSED THE MEDIAN ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY AND HIT MY CAR IN THE SIDE. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE IT BENT THE CENTER POST BETWEEN THE DOORS AND NEEDLESS TO SAY I HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10175736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden engine stall and loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

19 NHTSA complaints · 2006-11 → 2020-08

“WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS, THE CAR STALLS TEMPORARILY NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE OR ACCLIMATE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING, THE TRACTION ACTIVE SYMBOL IS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11001777
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON BUT AS SOON AS PRESSURE WAS RELEASED FROM THE BUTTON, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10618189
“CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING HAPPEN 4 TIMES IT STARTS UP GO ABOUT HALF A MILE SHUTS OFF AGAIN AFTER 4 TIMES IT WAS OK UNTIL ABOUT A MONTH LATER IT HAPPEN AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10508324

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel module leak and fire following recall delay

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2021-11

“4/14 - CAR WAS SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY, PULLED OVER IN HOTEL PARKING LOT AND A GENTLEMEN CAME UP TO CAR TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS SMOKING, GOT OUT AND THERE WAS A FIRE AT THE REAR OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725628
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V542000 (FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715854
“THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAILING IN THE SAME MANNER THAT I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CADILLAC OWNERS HAVE GOTTEN REPAIRED THROUGH A RECALL ALREADY IN PLACE. EVERY SINGLE TIME I PUT GAS IN THE TANK THE CAR REFUSES TO TURN ON WITH THE FIRST ATTEMPT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661288

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain stretch and engine misfire

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2017-07

“ON THURSDAY 18 MAY 2017, WHILE DRIVING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 405 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT NORMAL SPEEDS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISS OUT; AND THE BRAKES LOST POWER ASSIST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002667
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10865431
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC STS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10622119

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)

42 crashes 1990–2024

How the 42 occupant deaths break down

33

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

42

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 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.

17

complaints mentioning a crash

6

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 STS 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.

Check another vehicle →