NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 272 owner complaints for the 2006 Cadillac CTS. Most complaints involve air bags (87) and power train (45). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH REPEATED FLEXING OF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE MAT TO KINK, BEND, OR FOLD. THIS FLEXING CAN BREAK THE CONNECTIONS IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE SENSOR MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AND WILL DISABLE THE AIR BAG.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each CTS model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 319 |
| 2004 | 229 |
| 2005 | 284 |
| 2006 | 272 |
| 2007 | 218 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 108 |
| 2012 | 67 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2014 | 146 |
| 2015 | 50 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 27 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 10 |
“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”
“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 !!!”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 2.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| CTS Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| CTS Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 25 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| CTS Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 272 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (87), power train (45), electrical system (43). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Cadillac CTS at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).