2006 Cadillac STS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2006 Cadillac STS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2006 Cadillac STS. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. the recall began on february 1, 2008. owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.cadillac.com; pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.pontiac.com; and saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or http://www.saturn.com.
Certain vehicles equipped with V6 engines may have a condition where fuel IS no longer supplied to the engine. this condition occurs without the illumination of the fuel level low indicator light or the warning chime.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the engine stops running, the operator will not be able to restart the vehicle which could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module (ecm) with new software free of charge. owners were notified in december 2005 and asked to maintain at least 1/4 of a tank fuel level to avoid this condition until the parts are available. the parts are now available, owner renotification began on march 23, 2006. owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with all wheel drive and a 3.6L V6 engine, the torque monitoring functions of the electronic throttle control (etc) are not enabled. these functions can limit engine speed and torque if unusual engine control module (ecm) hardware or software failures occur.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without these functions enabled, a persistent ecm failure could result in a throttle opening greater than commanded by the driver and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the ecm on these vehicles free of charge. the recall began on january 24, 2006. owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Owner complaints
139 complaints16 involved a crash6 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the driver's side tie rod fractured into two pieces. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the tie rod was…
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the driver's side tie rod fractured into two pieces. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the tie rod was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed fuel dripping from the fuel tank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign…
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac STS. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed fuel dripping from the fuel tank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V542000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While driving, the entire panel goes "off" shutting down the car completely. The panel board IS completely dark, no electric supply, no gas supply.
- Air bags
Service airbag on the dash / airbag light on
- Electrical system
My car has been diagnosed as having 'extended crank'. my local chevy dealer made approximately fifteen attempts at fixing it to no avail. I'm told it's the check valve, but I have not had that done because all attempts by the dealer didn't work; e.g., new computer (and removed), battery (and…
My car has been diagnosed as having 'extended crank'. my local chevy dealer made approximately fifteen attempts at fixing it to no avail. I'm told it's the check valve, but I have not had that done because all attempts by the dealer didn't work; e.g., new computer (and removed), battery (and removed), fuel pump, etc. very frustrating and I feel it's a matter of health and safety because the car almost never starts on the first attempt, and sounds like it's a dead battery.
- Air bags
I understand that 2006 cadillac CTS has a recall for airbag problems. cadillac doesn't deny that the same system was used in the STS. I've seen several complaints about the same problem. I just wonder why the STS was not recalled. I knew there was no warranty, and that's why I contacted…
I understand that 2006 cadillac CTS has a recall for airbag problems. cadillac doesn't deny that the same system was used in the STS. I've seen several complaints about the same problem. I just wonder why the STS was not recalled. I knew there was no warranty, and that's why I contacted cadillac. knowing this they sent me for a diagnostic, which was a waste of time and money. the end result was that they said it's not under warranty. I would just like you to investigate to see if there should be a recall. this IS a safety issue that cadillac should address. *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
Leaks fuel if you fill the tank to capacity. This was an earlier recall, exact same thing happening again.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Steering · Vehicle speed control
Certain times while driving, the traction assist comes on, and all power IS lost to the engine. Lights are still on, car IS still on, but gas does not accelerate and car IS hard to steer. I have had to pull over 6 times in the last few months, turn the car off, restart and hope it does not happen again.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system
Pump IS going out
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac STS. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. While the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac STS. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. While the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic discovered that the rear tow differential was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. Woodworth cadillac (339 n. Main street, andover, ma) and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Engine · Suspension · Unknown or other
Purchased 2006 cadillac STS built on june 21 2005 last day of 2005 model. Car has had all the issues that 22005 vehicle had. june 23RD 2005 was first day of production. At every corner vin # are noted however for this model the build days which noted by cadillac are the important factors. I…
Purchased 2006 cadillac STS built on june 21 2005 last day of 2005 model. Car has had all the issues that 22005 vehicle had. june 23RD 2005 was first day of production. At every corner vin # are noted however for this model the build days which noted by cadillac are the important factors. I don't think coincidence that I've been companling to cadillacand asking for help with zero help. catalytic converter was extended warrantee for 200000 and 12 years however cadillac always says vin even though dates are the only thing noted. I have called and e,ail for 3 years. My car IS off road and they have refused to look and even if I paid they wouldn't guarantee they would even look at the issues. my car IS in absolute limbo neither a 2006 or 05 or whatever. they have refused every step even though it was based on recalls
- Unknown or other
A high pitch fire alarm noise intermittent going off inside vehicle sometimes deafening, causing the driver to loose all attention and covering ears from sound. The sound seems to be radiating from the 15.1 bose sound system. This problem may present itself at different times weather car IS…
A high pitch fire alarm noise intermittent going off inside vehicle sometimes deafening, causing the driver to loose all attention and covering ears from sound. The sound seems to be radiating from the 15.1 bose sound system. This problem may present itself at different times weather car IS stationary or moving at freeway speeds. this problem has been found in other models ie: CTS, STS, SRX, and other cadillac models with this sound system. It seems to be present in model years 2002-2010.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Driving out of town stop got gas everything fine 20 min from then I pull over the side of road turn car get something out the trunk back in the car turn fuel gauge reads almost empty now I'm way out in the middle of nowhere.did get any warning etc but now I don't know if I've gas it's reading…
Driving out of town stop got gas everything fine 20 min from then I pull over the side of road turn car get something out the trunk back in the car turn fuel gauge reads almost empty now I'm way out in the middle of nowhere.did get any warning etc but now I don't know if I've gas it's reading empty.so had to cut the trip turn around to drive all back which was the six-hour drive I've to spend over $200 gas in the fear of not running finally gets in the shop work on decide to take another road trip and I cant believe this does it again now its back in shop.
- Air bags
Service airbag light stays on.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac STS. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac STS. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that they would communicate with them once a solution was determined. The contact never heard back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Air bags
"Takata recall"
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac STS. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Seat belts
Airbag light IS on telling you to service airbag. I took it to the shop they fixed it, 1 week later came back on. They said it has to do with the seat belt buckle. They said the part thet you connect to secure you in the seat belt needs to be replaced. Until then the airbag light stays on saying service airbag but it's really not the airbag it's the seat buckle. I was in motion on city street.
- Air bags
Started receiving a constant, "service air bag" warning message after 125,000 miles. the dealer told me the passenger presence module needed replaced. it will cost $1,000 for the part, labor, and programming. now I read on this forum that the same issue was found on the CTS model and it was recalled by the manufacturer, but not the STS. it's difficult to justify putting that much money in an older vehicle.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac STS. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit. The dealer was contacted (orr cadillac, shreveport, la 71105, 318-798-7250) and stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Air bags
Takata recall: service airbag warning appeared on the instrument panel. Auto IS currently in the shop for analysis. The 2006 CTS has the same airbag system. And it has been recalled. The STS has not. Why?
- Engine
On thursday 18 may 2017, while driving north on interstate 405 in heavy traffic at normal speeds, the engine began to miss out; and the brakes lost power assist. the problems persisted and worsened, so I exited the freeway to surface streets and began the trip back south on interstate 405 to take…
On thursday 18 may 2017, while driving north on interstate 405 in heavy traffic at normal speeds, the engine began to miss out; and the brakes lost power assist. the problems persisted and worsened, so I exited the freeway to surface streets and began the trip back south on interstate 405 to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis and repair. when stopped on surface streets (and on the freeway), it was necessary to shift to neutral and add fuel to the engine to keep it running. also, it was necessary to apply extra strong pressure on the brake pedal because of the lack of power assist. after arriving at the dealer and shutting off the engine, the mechanic could not get the engine to restart. after extensive exposure of engine internal parts, dealer diagnosis was that a rocker arm had broken at one of the cylinders, resulting in debris falling through the valve opening into the cylinder and scoring the valve seat and the piston. the dealer recommended replacing the engine. -- at that time, the vehicle had accumulated 83,000 miles of moderate driving, and was only a little over 11 years old. the vehicle was purchased new from the dealer in december 2005, and had been maintained exclusively by that dealer since the vehicle was purchased. subsequently, a new (remanufactured) engine was purchased from and installed by the dealer at a cost of $12,678.25. the vehicle was with the dealer for a total of six weeks to complete the repair and installation. -- clearly, had the engine completely failed while driving on the freeway, intensive action would have been required to safely exit the freeway and to bring the vehicle to a stop (especially because of loss of power assist on the brakes). this would have placed my passengers in very high danger and personal risk.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
When making right hand turns, the car stalls temporarily not allowing me to accelerate or acclimate to oncoming traffic. while this IS happening, the traction active symbol IS displayed on the dashboard. within a few seconds it seems to all work again, however it seems to be a safety issue as…
When making right hand turns, the car stalls temporarily not allowing me to accelerate or acclimate to oncoming traffic. while this IS happening, the traction active symbol IS displayed on the dashboard. within a few seconds it seems to all work again, however it seems to be a safety issue as other cars are either assuming I will be at their speed, or assume I am allowing them to go when in fact I am stuck. I have 3 children in the car and I am becoming scared that this may cause an accident and IS a major safety concern.
- Air bags
Passenger seat occupant sensor stops working, disabling the passenger airbag. 2006 cadillac CTS were recalled but the cadillac STS uses the same system but was not recalled. Airbag light came up while driving under normal conditions and its giving the error code associated with the occupant sensor mat system
- Unknown or other
Front passenger door does not always open from the outside while stationary, and/or in park, or whether the engine IS running or off. If this car IS ever in an accident, emergency workers would have to take extra steps, and valuable time, to try to successfully extract any victim from the passenger side. I see it has been reported before!
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Failure of the rear differential
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.gm IS conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect. On december 19, 2007, gm submitted…
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.gm IS conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect. On december 19, 2007, gm submitted a defect information report to nhtsa concerning defective rear axle pinion seals in approximately 275,936 model year (my) 2005-07 cadillac CTS, STS and SRX vehicles as well as my 2006-07 pontiac solstice and my 2007 saturn sky vehicles (recall 07v-589).on STS and SRX vehicles with all wheel drive, the front axle pinion seal also does not meet all of gm's specifications and may experience a fluid leak.gm indicated that the seal supplier made an unauthorized change to the pinion seal material.leaking pinion seals could result in loss of rear differential lubrication which could result in rear wheel lock-up and loss of vehicle control. On december 7, 2007, odi opened an engineering analysis (ea07-017) to investigate complaints of rear drivetrain component failure (e.g., fractured rear differential carrier housing or rear axle half shafts) while driving in approximately 7,600 my 2004 through 2006 cadillac cts-v vehicles.this condition may result in a loss of motive power and vehicle disablement and IS not addressed by recall 07v-589.odi identified 35 complaints (16 to odi and 19 to gm) and 128 warranty claims potentially related to this condition (see ea07-017 opening resume).these complaints are not included in the failure report summary of this closing resume. The complaints and warranty figures given in this resume are limited to those that (a) are most likely caused by a leaking rear pinion seal; and (b) resulted in an allegation of a rear differential failure while driving.the data do not include all reports of seal leakage.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10254209Magnetically Controlled Suspension Electrical Connector Not Seated.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247768This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at low speeds of less than 15 miles per hour and then aggressively applying the throttle, or after making a hard stop followed by an aggressive throttle. This concern may also be present while cruising at highway speeds and then an aggressive increase in throttle.This is considered normal operation of the vehicle the throttle is delayed and opened slowly up to .7 seconds to help minimize driveline lash and clunking or will have approximately .5 seconds of zero torque to allow the transmission to shift to downshift.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247715Terminal Test Probe And Replacement Terminal.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
Every Cadillac STS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.