Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Cadillac DTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, no failure was found. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and no failure was found. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated there was a button on the radio that was stuck, causing the battery power to be drained. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.
While driving at night in July, 2023 on [redacted] , both headlights began to go out intermittently but not simultaneously. Continued driving for approximately 3 hours to final destination. Took to local Cadillac dealer for diagnostics (Invoice [redacted]) and after dialogue with dealer had both assemblies replaced as was informed the electronics have been noted to fail in these assemblies. I replaced both assemblies for approximately $2,950.00 (Invoice [[redacted]}). As a follow-up, during a recent 5,000 mile trip during February 2024, driving in cold, rain, snow and road spray conditions for days, both headlight assemblies accumulated a significant amount of moisture (see photo) behind the lenses. Cadillac dealer did replace left assembly (drivers side) under parts warranty but not the right side. …
Driving at night on I-29 South and headlights went off intermittently but not simultaneously. Headlamps continued intermittent cut-out until reached destination (approx 3 hours later). As a safety issue for driving while dark, had both assemblies replaced at Cadillac dealer for approx $3,950.00. Replacement was Cadillac recommendation as it was stated the electronics do fail in these headlight assemblies. After replacement and as a follow-up, new assemblies were installed and are not sealed against the elements. In February 2024, on a 5,000 mile trip, drove several hours during cold, snowy and raining conditions. Both headlight assemblies had a considerable amount of moisture inside the lens housings (see photo). Cadillac dealer did replace one of the new headlight assemblies due to moisture accumulation in assembly under parts warranty, but not both.
I called OnStar because my car would not start and they sent someone from GM. The guy looked at my car, could not identify the problem, so I got it towed to a repair shop. Ends up, I had to replace the transmission. The repair shop ran electric test on the vehicle and no codes or issues. My dash is now reading service power steering and this is a safety issue that needs to be fixed by the manufacturer.
So we bought the car. In 2012 or 2013. And in 2014 we received a yellow letter in the mail saying that our car needed to be serviced for a recall. We set it up. Ended up taking it in To be serviced for the recalls. Not knowing in 2008 they recalled what is now going wrong in the car, I didn't say anything at the time we repaired it. It they didn't either I believe and even if we didn't say anything they honestly should've just repaired the part that was messed up for us and then let us know: now we have spent so much money towing our car back to our house so that it is safe, and have missed appointments, been stranded, I mean we have really, honestly and truly, very very compromised but this issue with the electrical system Our car is having all the time since this recall repair was administered: NOW IT HAS JUST GOTTEN SO BAD WE CAN NOYT EVEN DRIVE IT. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning and caught fire. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
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. I have since pulled the fuse for the heated/cooled seat module, and repaired it. There should be a recall on this if not I'm almost sure a class action lawsuit will be in GM's near future for such a dangerous fault. Upon replacement of the module I note several burnt wires and melted connectors on the module. Not even a week after I replaced the module it happened a second time! This time there was even more smoke and I was sure there was a fire. There wasn't; just burning wires again. Dealers charge upwards of $800.00 for this repair!! …
The drivers side headlight shuts off and on or flickers - most noticeable during night time driving. Our dealer, ed shults Chevrolet, advised us that this particular model of the Cadillac cts was not under recall. We wanted an explanation as to why when all of the testimonials from other 2006 Cadillac owners reported the same problem. They dealer stated it had to do with where the car was manufactured. The total charge to us was $901.80 to replace the light + labor. This was probably happening all the time we were driving but we only began to notice it during night time driving, most especially driving back from the buffalo international airport on the thruway. We live in the city of jamestown, ny so it wasn't really noticeable because of the city lights. After that, we were more diligent when driving at night and discovered0 it was on a daily thing. That was very scary.
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 was extinguished. The vehicle was then turned off and brought to a GM dealership that diagnosed it as having a bad connector. Dealership also stated that this is a common issue on these cars. In order to fix this and make it safe it required the module under the passenger seat and the connector to be replaced. Was informed that the new module is an improved design that shouldn't have the same issue. All service was performed and the vehicle and accessories is now functioning as they should. ....updated 09-03-14 updated 09/8/2014
As part of state inspection, told dealer that front seats are not heating. Told by dealer that problem was "connector to climate control seat module burned/shorted out module" and to replace connector and module would cost $1016. Asked dealer personnel if a safety issue and they said it is a routine/recurring problem with these components melting from the heat but don't worry it's not a safety issue (despite reference to " burned/shorted out"). Internet search showed similar problem with same components in other cadillacs but accompanied by/with smoke and/or fire-- if occurs while operating vehicle at a high speed on a busy street or highway, could result in a major accident involving serious injury or death. Needs to be investigated.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
Electrical system
GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; Saturn outlook; and model year 2009…
Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently…
Electrical system
GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, Saturn outlook; and my 2008 Buick enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners May contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or http://www.Cadillac.com;…
NHTSA investigations
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In a letter dated August 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population.
Electrical complaints in other DTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Cadillac DTS?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Cadillac DTS, 31% of the model year's 255 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Cadillac DTS electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014); NHTSA recall 10V-240 (electrical system, Jun 4, 2010); NHTSA recall 08V-441 (electrical system, Aug 28, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Cadillac DTS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.