Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The first problem I encountered with the vehicle was a broken clutch pedal return spring that had fallen out from under the dashboard at 8,850 miles. This was repaired under warranty. Second, I had a Cadillac dealership replace the rear differential under warranty due to a whining noise and leak present at 9,021 miles. At this time I had questioned a clank noise present in the driveline when engaging or disengaging the clutch. I was told this is normal, and no problem was present at this time. At 10,530 miles, I was making a right turn from a stop in first gear. I had accelerated to 20mph and shifted into second gear. I began accelerating in second gear when the driveline failure occurred. The vehicle had spun 270 degrees to the right loosing control. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. While traveling in reverse at an unknown speed, the gears jammed and locked the drive wheel. The vehicle crashed into the curb and punctured the tire. The dealer stated that the differential seal was leaking fluid. The failures were repaired under warranty on November 12, 2007. One week later, the contact had to have the same failure repaired again for free. She received a recall notice for failures she experienced and took the vehicle back to the dealer. She inquired about being reimbursed for the charge of $329.46 for the tire and alignment. The dealer repaired the failed seals of the differential. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 6,855 and current mileage was 7,900. Updated 4/2/08 the consumer stated right front tire replaced due to the tire being flat. Updated 04/02/08
I bought the car new, I have had a loud bang in the rear end when the automatic transmission changes gears. I have been into the dealer numerous times with the same complaint but they never corrected it or even explained it. There was a recall on the pinion seal that they did replace but it did not help the bang in the rear end. Recently, I have been told it is a problem with the differential and bushings which are completely worn out and that the differential can shift and cause additional damage. I went back into the dealer who sent 78 pages of repair and complaint history of this car to general motors, who basically said if I would have contacted them while it was under warranty they might take steps with the repair. Well I did contact them during the earlier years so I do not understand why they are not taking responsibility for the defect today.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle independently slowed down after the traction engaged warning indicator illuminated. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal and the vehicle's speed rapidly increased; however, the speed began to independently slow down. The contact stated that the vehicle's manual instructed him to depress the traction button that was located in the glove compartment. The contact depressed the button and it re-engaged the traction; however, the failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that when the vehicle shifted into gear, the vehicle jerked without warning. The vehicle was taken to lynch Cadillac of auburn (154 w creek pkwy, auburn, al 36830) where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion seal failed and needed to be replaced. Leaks were seen by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 07V589000 (power train) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 98,090.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. While driving various speeds, the vehicle slowed down and significantly reduced power when the driver lifted off the accelerator pedal. After discovering fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion seal was faulty and needed to be repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V589000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to crest Cadillac (2121 rosa l parks blvd, nashville, tn) where it was diagnosed that the motor and transmission support were not the correct specifications for the engine installed in the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle decelerated and was not able to exceed 40 MPH. The engine warning light illuminated and the electronic engine reduced message displayed. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition after being repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the shifter assembly failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,585.
Transmission failed without any warning. Should be a recall because easily could have gotten killed in traffic. GM mechanic advised that it is poorly designed coolant system and allowed antifreeze to enter transmission fluid causing the failure without any warning signs.
Related recalls
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and May experience a fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.Cadillac.com; Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.com;…
NHTSA investigations
Failure of the rear differential
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.GM is conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect.
Rear drivetrain component failure
In July of 2007 the office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe07-037 to investigate allegations that the rear differential May fail causing a loss of motive power, and in some instances a loss of control, in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 Cadillac cts, cts-v, and sts vehicles.as a result of that investigation GM issued recall 07v-589 to correct a leaking pinion seal problem.ea07-017 was opened to investigate…
Transmission complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Cadillac CTS, 17% of the model year's 269 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › differential unit (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Cadillac CTS transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-589 (seal, Dec 20, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Cadillac CTS transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.