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2006 Cadillac DTS

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2006 Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It was offered with a single engine option: the 4.6L Northstar V8, producing 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the Luxury I and II trims and 291 horsepower and 292 lb-ft of torque in the Performance model. The engine was paired with a 4T80E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the DTS for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and classic Cadillac styling. Common complaints include issues with the aging Northstar engine design, electrical problems, and the dated 4-speed transmission compared to newer vehicles.

Engine

4.6L Northstar V8

  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket area, overheating, low coolant level. This is due to head bolts pulling threads from the aluminum engine block, particularly in higher mileage vehicles.
    • Solution: Head bolt thread repair, often involving Time-Sert or similar thread inserts. In some cases, engine replacement is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and front crankshaft seal. Visible oil drips under the car and burning oil smell.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfire, rough idle, check engine light. This is often caused by a failing ignition coil.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per coil, depending on location and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cooling Fan Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, engine temperature gauge rising rapidly, loud fan noise or no fan operation at all.
    • Solution: Replacement of the cooling fan assembly, fan control module, or associated wiring repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T80E 4-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed shifts, transmission slipping between gears, particularly when cold.
    • Solution: Transmission flush and filter change, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, particularly when the torque converter locks up.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sits low, the air compressor runs constantly, and you may see an error message on the dash.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor and check for leaks in the air lines or air struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sags, the compressor runs more frequently, and the ride becomes bouncy.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per strut.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut/Shock Failure (standard suspension)
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll during turns.
    • Solution: Replace the worn struts and/or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on location
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The car battery dies overnight or within a few days of sitting, even with a relatively new battery.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw, which can be caused by faulty modules, lights, or aftermarket accessories.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights flickering, dimming, or not working at all.
    • Solution: Replace the headlight bulbs, ballasts (if HID), or headlight assemblies. Check the wiring harness and connections.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window/Door Lock Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, intermittent operation, or slow movement. Door locks failing to lock or unlock.
    • Solution: Replace the window motor, door lock actuator, or repair the wiring harness.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window or door.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Panel Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (e.g., speedometer, fuel gauge), warning lights staying on or flickering, or the entire instrument panel going blank.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Handles
    • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles breaking or becoming difficult to use.
    • Solution: Replacing the broken door handle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: HVAC system blowing hot air when it should be cold, vice versa, or no air at all. Blend door actuator failure, causing temperature control problems.
    • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator. Diagnose and repair other HVAC components as necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Radio/Navigation System Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Radio not turning on, no sound, or navigation system malfunctioning.
    • Solution: Check the fuses and wiring connections. Repair or replace the radio or navigation unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the issue and if OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or leaking.
    • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks. Repair or replace the sunroof motor or regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Cadillac DTS, while a comfortable and luxurious vehicle for its time, suffers from several common issues typical of aging luxury cars. The Northstar V8 engine is prone to coolant and oil leaks, which can be costly to repair. The 4-speed transmission, while generally reliable, can exhibit harsh shifting and slipping. Electrical issues are also fairly common. The severity and cost of these issues range from relatively minor repairs to major overhauls, with some engine and transmission repairs potentially costing several thousand dollars. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.

Cadillac, DTS
Cadillac DTS 2006
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