NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2006 Cadillac DTS (Page 3 of 4)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,300 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Cadillac DTS electrical problems

electrical problem

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2006 Cadillac DTS Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #28

Aug 172014

DTS

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). However, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

problem #27

Apr 232014

DTS

  • 87,341 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start upon turning the key in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch and the ignition module were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,341.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #26

May 012012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 55,000 miles
Shortly after purchasing my Dts I began to notice a melting plastic/smoke smell whenever I would turn on the driver's side heated/ventilated seat heater. I took the car to the dealership and was advised this is a common wiring problem on the Buick and Cadillac models and that I should stop using the heated seat function because the wiring is undersized and can melt and burn. The dealership told me the new part has been revised to include larger wiring but the part has not been recalled at this time so there was nothing they could do for me.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #25

Jun 062014

DTS 8-cyl

  • 74,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

High amperage connectors controlling driver and passenger heated and cooled seats shorted at module under passenger seat inside passenger compartment. Car filled with smoke and I had to search and pull the fuse under the rear seat cushion for the wire that shorted under front passenger seat. Trolling forums yielded very quick results with many that had same issue. The module and associated wiring should be recalled by GM (not to mention the stealership charges well over 1,200 for the part alone).

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #24

Nov 232011

DTS 8-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
While driving my car the right headlight will go off. You can turn the switch to the off position and then on again and the lights will come back on. After that sometimes both headlights will go and that's a very scary. Thing when you have the family that you love and care for in there with you...I have taken the car to the dealership and been told the balance controls are over heating, but in winter I can start the car in the drive way and the lights will flicker and go out both of them.....can GM stand behind there product so we can keep our hard earned dollars in America......

- Americus, GA, USA

problem #23

May 012006

DTS

  • 120,000 miles
This problem - the car dies and I lose all power assisted functions like steering and brakes - has happened multiple times, probably two dozen, over a period of time beginning some time in 2006, with model years 2000, 2001, and 2006 sedans. Since 1995 I have driven only Cadillac. It occurs only when I'm stopped, or rolling at a slow speed, and then begin to accelerate the car, such as has happened many times when I'm in a non-raised center median attempting a left turn against oncoming traffic (I have learned to left lots of room now). I hope I, or someone else in a Cadillac, won't have to die or be seriously injured before they admit this problem in their flagship vehicle. I called GM's 'ignition switch recall' line and was told that this sounds exactly like the problem in the other vehicles.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #22

Aug 012013

DTS

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2006 Cadillac Dts. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle headlight problems. The consumer noticed while driving at night, the headlights flickered and eventually went out. The consumer had to turn off the switch and turn it back on again, in order for the lights to come back on. He had to repeat the procedure over and over again.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #21

Dec 292013

DTS 8-cyl

  • 81,960 miles
While driving the vehicle down the road with the heated seat (drivers side) on, I began to notice a burning smell and smoke coming from the passenger seat area. Stopped the vehicle to inspect to find a smoldering wiring harness and module, there was a small flame. The flame was extinguished. The vehicle was then turned off and brought to a GM dealership that diagnosed it as having a bad connector. Dealership also stated that this is a common issue on these cars. In order to fix this and make it safe it required the module under the passenger seat and the connector to be replaced. Was informed that the new module is an improved design that shouldn't have the same issue. All service was performed and the vehicle and accessories is now functioning as they should.....updated 09-03-14 updated 09/8/2014

- Laporte, IN, USA

problem #20

Sep 262009

DTS 8-cyl

  • 52,630 miles
While on a trip in Wisconsin, I was traveling at night on a 4-lane highway with two friends in the car at a speed of 65 mph. Both headlights went out with no indication of failure on the dash. Thankfully, we were the only ones on the road. I slowed down and pulled to the side as best as I could see. Upon stopping the car, I switched the light switch on and off several times until both headlights came on again. I pulled back on the road to proceed - again no indication on the dash that anything was wrong with the headlights. A few miles down the road, one headlight went out. I switched the headlights on-off several times and both came on again. I took the car to the dealer on 28sep2009 and they replaced both headlights under warranty. A few weeks later on 4dec2009, I returned the car to the dealer because the right headlight continued to go out with no indication on the dash. The dealer replaced the right headlamp and I had no further problems until recently. I returned the car to the dealer 8nov2013 because the left headlight would go out, come back on, go out, come back on, etc. With no warning or indication on the dash. This is a big safety issue!!!!! if you read some blogs on this problem on the internet, you will find that this is not a unique case - and there is no explanation why it occurs. If the headlights go out, you should get an indication on the dash that a lamp is bad. Certainly, both lights should never go out at once while you are traveling. It is extremely expensive to replace headlamps in this car >$550 per light!!!!! more importantly, I cannot believe there is no investigation into this problem.

- Long Grove, IL, USA

problem #19

Oct 012013

DTS

  • 66,233 miles
My wife and I turned on our seat heaters, and both noted a smell of burning wire and plastic. We evacuated the vehicle. I then proceeded to check under the passenger seat where the smell was coming from. I visually noted a small amount of white smoke. I have since pulled the fuse for the heated/cooled seat module, and repaired it. There should be a recall on this if not I'm almost sure a class action lawsuit will be in GM's near future for such a dangerous fault. Upon replacement of the module I note several burnt wires and melted connectors on the module. Not even a week after I replaced the module it happened a second time! this time there was even more smoke and I was sure there was a fire. There wasn't; just burning wires again. Dealers charge upwards of $800 for this repair!! a high price to pay for not wanting to be set ablaze for warm of ventilated seats just for it to disastrously fail again! do something about it GM!

- Grindstone, PA, USA

problem #18

Jul 032013

DTS 8-cyl

  • 31,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Stuart, FL, USA

problem #17

Jul 172012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 51,000 miles
My 2006 Cadillac Dts hid headlight will intermittently, but not frequently, shut off. You can restore the headlight by just shutting the headlamp off and back on. My understanding is this is a common problem with the early GM hid systems included on the Cadillac and corvette. I believe this is due to a design defect. There is no indication this will occur and there is no warning on the dash of any kind. You simply have diminished view suddenly which is a risk to being able to see what is in the roadway.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #16

Mar 162013

DTS 8-cyl

  • 78,129 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.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #15

Jan 182012

DTS

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that the power steering assist and the washer pump sensors failed. The contact also mentioned the vehicle experienced a electrical wiring failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed that the heated washer fluid module, the power steering gear inlet hose, and a wire harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V240000 (electrical system), NHTSA campaign number: 06V105000 (steering), or NHTSA campaign number: 08V441000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000 and the current mileage was 185,000.

- Evanston , IL, USA

problem #14

Nov 292012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 65,901 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. From research and dealer conversation, I learned it was a costly and time consuming repair just to replace the bulb, due to design issues requiring removal of the entire bumper cover just to access the headlight. I took it to the dealer for repair, but was told that they could not duplicate the problem. Since then, the flickering has gotten worse, now affecting both headlights. They randomly flicker off and on while driving proving to be a distraction to me, as well as drivers of other vehicles. It is also a safety issue as there is no warning when they are going to go out. A search of this issue via google reveals this is not an isolated instance with my vehicle, but in fact, is very widespread with many documented cases mirroring my situation. Cadillac / GM to my knowledge has not offered any relief to an issue that is obviously a defect. Per the dealer, repair of the ballast could be well over $1000. However, reviewing other's experience, there has been little success in finding or repairing the issue. Cadillac is supposed to be a flagship for GM and a premium automobile. I would think reliable, safe and functional headlights would be a minimum threshold for safety. I ask your assistance in reviewing the documented issues from many frustrated Cadillac owners who experience the same issues that I am having and exert some pressure on GM / Cadillac to rectify this known issue.

- Lebanon , VA, USA

problem #13

Jul 092012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 67,000 miles
Continued problem with left headlight going out.

- La Crosse, WI, USA

problem #12

Jul 012010

DTS 8-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
Headlight failure began at approximately 90,000 miles. Initially, it started with the interior instrument panel light growing dim and then bright at any given time. Then, headlights started doing the same thing. Soon thereafter, the right headlight started going out on a regular basis. It would initially flicker, then go totally out. After a few months, the left headlight started doing it. Recently, about 18 months after the first incident, they both go out at the same time! during an 80 mile trip I make on a regular basis, at least twice a week, my headlights will go out between 8 and 20 times! I can get them back on by jiggling the on/off light switch. But, one or both will turn back off within a matter of a few minutes. I try to drive during daylight hours as much as possible, but this trip is usually just before dawn or after dusk. I have called the dealer where I purchased the car, and have been told they've not heard of this problem. I don't believe that... all they have to do is talk to other Cadillac owners, as I have; or look on the internet. This has to be a widespread problem! in checking with another dealer, they told me it was a ballast problem, and would be between $1400 and $1800 to repair. This is a $7000 car. For Cadillac to expect me to pay 20% plus of the car's value to have headlights that work, is way out of line. I purchased this car new at a cost of $44,000. I expect to have headlights that work!! this is a safety issue and Cadillac should be responsible for providing a fix!

- Sulphur Springs, TX, USA

problem #11

Mar 152011

DTS 8-cyl

  • miles
Tampa fl the headlights will flicker then one of them will shut off, turn the switch on and off the lights will comeback on and then the other will flicker and go off. This will happen while driving.I have replaced one bulb, it stopped for one day then the problem is ongoing, same as the other postings on this side, maybe a recall should be put in place, before somebody will get hurt do to this problem with the headlights shutting off while driving @ night. Thank you.

- Valrico, FL, USA

problem #10

Jul 202010

DTS 8-cyl

  • 46,900 miles
The right headlight started going on and off for no reason. It might go off while driving or sitting still. It might come back on in a few minutes or stay off for a full evening. Sometimes turning lights from automatic to manual will make it work, but not always. It has been doing this since July 2010, or for about 33,000 miles. It is dangerous when driving, plus I have been pulled over by police and so far I have been able to convince them the light had just gone out that evening. Now I have to limit my night driving near home, as I do not want the same officer to stop me. I have read many forums plus your site, and I see many, many people with the same problem. I have called the Cadillac consumer complaint department and they just say they have never heard of such a problem. I told them to check the internet. Today, I called the dealer that I bought it from, out of state, 15 months ago. I explained it and he said he has been selling them for 20 years and has never heard of such a problem. I told him to check the internet. I also asked him to try and get me a number for the Cadillac area rep, so I can talk to him. Please help before I get a ticket or worse yet hit while turning left at night. Thank you

- Ottawa, KS, USA

problem #9

Apr 012010

DTS

  • 15,000 miles
06 Cadillac Dts has had serious electrical/computer system failures since new. Vehicle will suddenly lose all electronics, instruments, lights but engine will still run. After dealer attempted repair, problems continue. Headlights flicker and sometimes go out. Gps goes to night screen during the day. Auto headlight dimmer fails. Power points, instruments, seats periodically fail. One day seat cooler will work, others it won't. windshield wipers automatic function, "rainsense" starts normally but then stops in heavy rain requiring manual operation. All items reported to dealer multiple times with the same result "unable to duplicate customer's problem." Provided cell phone video of system failures but dealer still says they cannot duplicate.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

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