Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 while inspecting the vehicle, he became aware that the oil pan was leaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. Consumer stated leak in the oil pan and vehicle is at the dealership.
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated he became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the oil pan was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred and the oil pan was replaced again. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 132,000.
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 operating the vehicle, the odor of burning oil was present. While parked, the contact noticed oil leaking under the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (bud davis Cadillac located in memphis, tennessee) where it was diagnosed that the engine gaskets and seals were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While approaching a stop sign, an oil odor was coming from the engine. The contact noticed that gray smoke was coming from the hood of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where he was informed the oil pan gasket was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,450.
I own a 2006 Cadillac DTS which I bought at an auction with 138,000 miles. Well maintained and zero obd2 codes. It ran great but had a small oil leak which has progressed to the whole underside of the passenger engine being wet with oil. Seems to be coming from either the crankcase or oil pan gasket which are both required to pull the engine to repair, extremely expensive and the average person cannot afford these repairs. Horrible design for such a difficult engine to work on. Other then that the car runs extremely well, no other problems and has been well maintained by me and previous owner. I love the car but if I have to pay over $2K for these kind of repairs that I cannot do myself then I will never own another GM car. Needs to be a recall on both the crankcase and oil pan as there are many complaints of these issues. Oil should not leak from a parked car not running. …
On oct,30,2017 I was sitting in the car with it idling. After about 10 minutes the car started registering "hot". The dash board said it was running hot. The thermostat hand had moved to the red point . I cut the car off and waited for about 5 minutes and started back up and drove it to crest dealership . At this point the hand or needle had gone back to normal level. The customer service person informed us that it could be the gasket. We left the car with them and was told 2 days later that it was indeed the gasket going out and would cost around $6300.00 to fix. The problem is that the car is serviced on a regular basis, oil changes, winterized belts checked,etc. I have had numerous problems with the engine and had it fixed. The car has about 45,000 on it. This engine has given more trouble and I have spent a lot of money. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact noticed oil was leaking. The contact placed cardboard under the vehicle to verify if the leak was stoppable. There no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the oil chamber needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. Lexus of arlington (1510 w dundee rd, arlington heights, il 60004, [phone]) was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that when the vehicle was moved from the parking spot at the residence, there was an excessive amount of oil on the ground. The vehicle was taken to nissani bros Chevrolet located at 6101 w slauson ave, culver city, ca 90230, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that if the engine was not replaced, careful attention should placed on the oil level at all time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,600.
Engine complaints in other DTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Cadillac DTS?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Cadillac DTS, 18% of the model year's 255 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Cadillac DTS engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Cadillac DTS, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Cadillac DTS engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.