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Electrical systemPart report

2006 Cadillac DTS Electrical system Problems

Complaints
79about this part
Share
31%of 255 total for the year
Median mileage
74,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Cadillac DTS, 31% of the 255 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Gm recall 14299 should correct the problem of ignition shutting off while driving. The key moves out of the 'run' position disabling the brakes and steering,. The fix was putting a piece of plastic in my key. This does not fix the problem. I expect the ignition switch to be replaced. I did not pay $50,000 for a cheap 'fix'.”

NHTSA complaint #10655184, filed 2014-11, 78,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11192334, filed 2019-03, 114,000 miles

“Driving along the turnpike all of the car's warning lights came on and locks began to malfunction and there was a burning smell, I thought the car may of been on fire with the smoke and electrical smell. The vehicle began to slow so I pulled to the side of the road as the car was unable to be driven and had to be towed to mechanic. There is a severe electrical problem with this car.”

NHTSA complaint #10523140, filed 2013-07, 31,000 miles

“This 2006 Cadillac DTS was purchased used in november of 2011. At the time of purchase the vehicle only had 30,743 miles, was lightly used and never involved in any accidents. The vehicle currently has approximately 69,000 miles. A couple of months ago, I noticed the right side hid headlight flickering and going out while driving. Thinking it was a bulb, I spoke to the dealer by phone who advised it may be a bulb, ballast or loose connection. …”

NHTSA complaint #10491914, filed 2013-01, 65,901 miles

“We were driving on I-40 west in sampson county, north carolina when the headlights went out. They came back on shortly. They blinked a few times after that. We were nearly 100 miles from home at night and traffic was heavy. This was very frightening.”

NHTSA complaint #10503372, filed 2013-03, 78,129 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2011638%
20101045%
20091234%
20083945%
20072829%
20067931%
2005111%
2004229%

Other parts of the 2006 Cadillac DTS

Exterior lighting
79 complaintsEngine
38 complaintsSteering
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsTires
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Cadillac DTS

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology