Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
Headlights flicker and go out. If you turn auto off and back on, the headlights come back on, but do not stay on. . Right side more often then left, but both flicker and turn off. This condition was there when the car was only a year old but wasn't very bad so didn't get it fixed under warrantee. Now the problem is a safety hazard, but cannot get any dealer to even look at the problem. There was a broad recall by GM covering many other models and years, but this one wasn't listed. If there is ever a loss in headlights at night resulting in an accident, GM May finally show some interest. This usually occurs when motion however not 100%. This started back in 2007 and has been intermittent since then. This has been discussed with dealers in wisconsin and florida to no satisfaction because the car is not on any recall list for this problem.
Left headlamp flickers and goes out intermittently while driving. First noticed when pulling into parking garage going to work in 2014, but when I checked before leaving office-lights were working. While driving long distance on freeway in mar 2015, problem became very apparent. Lights flickered bright, then dimmed, then flickered out (just left side) repeatedly during 3 hour drive in middle of the night. Lights turned back on by turning switch on/off. Of course, cars in front of me thought I was signaling them to get out of the way. (also potentially dangerous) dealer could find no cause and recommended new switch. Replaced switch but problem continues. Took back to dealer - now stating car needs a new headlamp assembly for $1300. Other forums indicate replacing headlamp has not "fixed' the problem. This is a serious safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While driving approximately 45 MPH, all of the exterior lighting failed and the steering wheel seized. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the contact crashed the passenger side of the vehicle into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact and the passenger sustained neck and shoulder injuries, but medical attention was not received. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Head lights go off by themselves while driving, either the left one or the right one. Sometimes even while sitting in the garage warming up the vehicle the headlights will start to flicker and then one will go out. Shut off the light switch weather its in the auto mode or off mode and lights will come back on and my go out again. Very dangerous when driving. Been going on for months now and Cadillac dealer says they have no idea what the problem is and no fix. Why not a recall from GM as a number of others with the same vehicle are having the same problem
My lights I have changed and tried every thing only got 1 to work so far ! I smell a ! Burning smell ! My power steering is screwed and likes a small leek all electric some things has had issues ! Blow fuses cigarette lighter stops working can't charge phone ! Back rear power struts only work part time me l back up lights that warns don't work most of the time ! My key can turn the car but drive with out key in the ignition the ignition can switch it self ! Have had to fix battery and alternator problems and front tire problems!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact had to reset the light switch by flipping the switch back and forth for the lights to illuminate. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven at night. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a bulb or wire caused the headlights to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While operating the vehicle at night, the headlights continusly flashed off and on. Occasionally, only one headlight would illuminate and the second light would randomly shut off. Also, the interior dome lighting would remain illuminated while driving. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (ed morris Cadillac of tampa, florida) was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated that the exterior brake lights failed without warning. Nine months prior, the brake lights were replaced for the same failure. The vehicle was taken to crest Cadillac where the failure was not diagnosed; however, they stated the brake light needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Headlight complaints in other DTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2006 Cadillac DTS?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the lights of the 2006 Cadillac DTS, 31% of the model year's 255 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Cadillac DTS headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to lights 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.