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2006 Cadillac Cts

The Verdict

46 Proceed with Caution

The 2006 Cadillac Cts has 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (108 complaints) and brakes (54 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 46/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Cadillac Cts, consider the 2018 model year which has 97% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2018 has 97% fewer complaints

View the 2018 Cadillac Cts dashboard →

46

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200388401007419
20046040552648
20053729964973
200628541084537
20072754783326
20084717445314
20094012315925
2011236411622
20122392374
201316533810
201437216980
20151456517
201690958
2017130418
201810412
201940042

By Category

Electrical
108
Brakes
54
Engine
45
Transmission
37
Body
28

By Severity

1
131
2
116
4
24
5
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

Engine burns 1quart of oil, 100 miles. Brakes went to floor, brake lines had holes at 69,000 miles. Driver rear axel leaks. 2006 Cadillac CTS is a lemon!! Money Pit !!!

1mo ago
Electrical 2

The air bad light on passenger side and on the review mirror it passenger airbag bag off that a safety issue it won’t work if in a accident need to be recalled

3mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control set to 75 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the computer was not communicating with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called but the phone disconnected. The failure mileage was approximately 181,475.

13mo ago
Body 2

Driving out of a driveway with a slight slope, my traction engaged. It has done this 3-4 times in perfect driving weather and I had not swerved or experienced any issue prior to the light illuminated "TRACTION ENGAGED". It is pretty noisy under my car as well and the ride is not smooth and rather bumpy. It has engaged just backing up in a parking lot.

22mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated when the vehicle was started with the key in the ignition, it was difficult to shift from park(P) to reverse(R). The contact stated that once she was able to reverse the vehicle onto the roadway, it was difficult to shift the vehicle into drive(D). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift into drive(D). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off. While attempting to start the vehicle, it was difficult turning the ignition key. The contact stated that she was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that she was only able to jiggle the key enough to turn the vehicle off. The contact called a local dealer and explained the failure. The contact advised the dealer that she had a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The dealer advised the contact that the key that was stuck in the ignition was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,520.

27mo ago
Electrical 1

Well I am uncertain but we have two 2006 Cadillac cts and both have had multiple transmissions replaced. Multiple differential problems and air bag and wireing problems

28mo ago
Electrical 1

The driver-side tail light lens fell off. I don't know where, but it probably fell off while I was driving, and if so, could have caused an accident. Cadillac does not stock this tail light assembly anymore, so I had to order it online, and then have it installed by a local shop. I am uploading photos of 1) repair invoice 2) new tail light box 3) old tail light (missing lens).

30mo ago
Body 4

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving in reverse and reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove in reverse across a parking lot crashing into two parked vehicles, and hitting a tree before driving across a side road and into a ditch. During the incident, the front driver sustained neck stiffness and the front passenger sustained a bruised right elbow. Neither injury required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later driven to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 86,500

40mo ago
Electrical 2

Service airbag light on dash is on. No one ever sits in the passenger front seat. The rear view mirror indicates that the passenger seat airbag is off. I dont know how to turn it on just to see if the RVM will indicate an on position. I took the car in for a diagnosis and it it indicated that the PPS Module needs replacement. ($1280.79) Even if I do find out how to turn it on I would be afraid to turn it on if it’s going to explode that’s my problem what should I do

46mo ago
Electrical 1

I am deaf and the “service Air Bag” and the symbol came on several times and I took it to a certified mechanic who spent two days checking. This is the what he said upon diagnosis, “ The part you need for the air bag light has been discontinued not available anymore.” I met him in person and he said the same thing. This is a safety issue. Please help! Thank you!

47mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the rear windshield shattered. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused it to shatter. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested photos of the vehicle, the contact's driver's license, vehicle registration, and vehicle title. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

53mo ago
Engine 1

Thank these things i feel cadilac should consider fixing due to milage before and after i purchased the cadilac due to the miles before and after purchase. Due to being 100% disabled since 2009, Air bag & safety belt system light comes on when i have onstar diagnose the problem they said it has something to do with my seat belt system on passenger side which mind you isnt used often at all and cadilac will not help with the cost and was told by onstar it needs repairs asap because it could cause air bags to pop out while driving or not come out during a crash. Im afraid some times driving it. In the 7yrs of owning this i maybe put around 40,000 miles on the car its in good condition. Which lead me to the other problem due to miles. When i purchased the cadilac a few days later the check engine light came on it was the catalytic converter it was almost $800 it has two of them the dealer repaired it. Here the other day i had onstar do a complete system scan and the report showed the converter was in the process of going out again but just hasnt triggered my check engine lite. I was shocked because of the miles i drivewhich is under 6000 miles a yr and i use top grade fuel there isnt any way these converters should be going out they should have lasted for the rest of my life and the cars life i take very good care of it changing the oils on a regular bases and other cares are met but when talk to cadilac they didnt even consider my care and miles driven at all or find out why tne converter is needed twice since i owned the car when most cars never need converter replacement. Im 62 yrs old, these are concerns i have but mostly the treatment by cadilac (GM) the safety part being on passenger side that seat never hardly get used but could cause air bags to open while driving and two convertersin 6-7 years of ownership when most cars never need one and othhers just once. Which tells me theres a problem some where else causing it to not work properly, but it didnt matter.

57mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated. The contact called a local dealer who informed her that the cause could be an electrical failure or a defective airbag. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. ir

57mo ago
Electrical 1

MY CAR AIRBAG LIGHT JUST COMES ON AND NEVER CUTS OFF IT JUST STAYS ON AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE AND I'M JUST WONDERING IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH EVERY AIR MAKING MODEL OF THE CAR THAT I HAVE

68mo ago
Transmission 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LYNCH CADILLAC OF AUBURN (154 W CREEK PKWY, AUBURN, AL 36830) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LEAKS WERE SEEN BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V589000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,090.

71mo ago
Electrical 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE SERVICE AIR BAGS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V644000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

72mo ago
Engine 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 73 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE AND TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTON RODS AND CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO C & C AUTO (834 E MAUMEE ST, ANGOLA, IN 46703, (260) 624-2011) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REPLACED THE STARTER HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.

74mo ago
Electrical 1

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS NEVER WENT OUT. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS FROM THIS MANUFACTURER AND POSSIBLE MODEL. MU VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. HOWEVER, I'M UNABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST INVOLVED AND IF IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS INVOLVED. I WOULD CERTAINLY LIKE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CHECKED BEFORE MYSELF OR A PASSENGER IS INJURED AS A RESULT TO THIS ISSUE, THANKS.

82mo ago
Brakes 2

WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, TURNING SLIGHTLY OR SHARPLY INTO A PARKING SPOT, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL BEGINS TO LOCK UP WHEN PRESSING ON IT TO STOP. UPON LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM, MORE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THE HUB AND EBCM SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ISSUE WAS STILL RECURRING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE FAULT OR PROBLEM THAT CREATED THIS UNSAFE CONDITION IS STILL UNKNOWN BY GM.

83mo ago
Electrical 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

84mo ago

272 total

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