Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 that a recurring power steering failure had occurred at startup, and the steering wheel was firm. The contact stated that upon adding power steering fluid to the power steering reservoir, there was an immediate power steering fluid leak. Additionally, the brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V105000 (Steering). However, after contacting the manufacturer, the contact was informed the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to a local dealer for potential assistance from Goodwill. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the front passenger side tire blew out and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, causing the vehicle to spin and crash into a fence. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Power steering fluid is squirting all over my engine compartment. There is a recall for the make model and year of my vehicle, but Cadillac keeps telling me that it's not a problem for my VIN. When I drive the car, power steering fluid contacts the hot engine parts and begins smoking. They've had a recall for this. I don't want my car to catch fire so I stopped driving it. I shouldn't have to pay for something that they already know is a problem, hence their own recall. They tell me I'll have to pay for the repair and if it's part of the recall, I might get reimbursed.
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 pulling out of the driveway, the contact noticed that the steering was difficult to turn. Upon further examination, the contact noticed a slight fluid leak and the vehicle had a smell of burning fluid. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel required more force to maneuver and smoke appeared from the hood. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the road side and observed that the power steering hose was leaking severely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06V105000(steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,179.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, an abnormally loud noise was heard from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering inlet hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 06V105000(steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,684.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right without warning and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a shoulder injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,995.
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain vehicles equipped with a v8 engine,the power steering hose connectors May have been inadequately crimped which could result in a fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear inlet hose. The recall began on March 29, 2006. Owners May contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Steering complaints in other DTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Cadillac DTS?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Cadillac DTS, 13% of the model year's 255 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Cadillac DTS steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-105 (hose, piping, and connections, Apr 5, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Cadillac DTS steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to steering 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.