Problems with 2006 Cadillac DTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The drivers side headlight shuts off and on or flickers - most noticeable during night time driving. our dealer, ed shults chevrolet, advised us that this particular model of the cadillac cts was not under recall. we wanted an explanation as to why when all of the testimonials from other 2006 cadillac owners reported the same problem. they dealer stated it had to do with where the car was manufactured. the total charge to us was $901.80 to replace the light + labor. this was probably happening all the time we were driving but we only began to notice it during night time driving, most especially driving back from the buffalo international airport on the thruway. we live in the city of jamestown, ny so it wasn't really noticeable because of the city lights. after that, we were more diligent when driving at night and discovered0 it was on a daily thing. that was very scary.

I have 70.000 miles and not only just have to get new air conditioning now i am back in shop and my car is now misfiring on 3 pistons. i should not have to buy a new car and 70,000 miles i have babies i his car with most except endive has and oil changes per r commended mileage. i have another car at dealership too and would hate to think it is dealership but between the 2 i have spent over 15,999 in repairs and the denellli now also has issue with air. that too is 2006 and 70,000 miles.

Headlight ballast failure due to poor headlight design with housing etc... causes headlights to shut of while driving due to moisture. happened at night. i have seen numerous reports about this issue and curious as to why no recalls?

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact stated that the front passenger side headlamp flickered and failed to illuminate. bennett chevrolet (6721 e black horse pike, egg harbor township, nj) was contacted, but diagnostic testing was not provided. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was not provided.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving various speeds, the headlights failed to illuminate. the contact had to reset the light switch by flipping the switch back and forth for the lights to illuminate. the failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven at night. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a bulb or wire caused the headlights to fail. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Heated seat element not working on passenger side front seat.

Passenger side seat heating element not working.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact stated that the key fobik and ignition key failed to open the doors of the vehicle. as a result, the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. the contact mentioned that the key fobik battery was replaced but the failure continued. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 99,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving approximately 60 mph, the gauges failed to operate, all of the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated, and all of the doors locked and unlocked independently. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving 45 mph, the electrical system failed and the vehicle stalled. the contact was able to restart the vehicle on the first attempt. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 45,400.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving various speeds, the headlights failed without warning. the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was approximately 140,000. updated 03/10/16*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while starting the vehicle, the keys could be removed out of the ignition switch while in the on position. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). the failure mileage was 123,000.

I have noticed that when it rains and the streets are wet my steering wheel locks up

Headlights go out when moving especially at night, also causes motor to run rough when this happens. very dangerous when lights go completely out doing 70 mph...begins flickering, and then out. have read 2006 cadillac complaint forums and they are numerous..bought car used from dealer...previous one-owner

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving at approximately 50 mph, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle restarted, but the failure recurred two times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and the upstream oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 117,700.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning and caught fire. there were no injuries and a police report was not filed. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Heated/cool seats stop working. *tr

2006 cadillac dts. consumer states the ignition key slips out of ignition. *ss. the consumer stated the recall letter was misleading, about the parts not being available. gm's intent was to put a small hole into the ignition key opening. *jb

2006 cadillac dts. ignition switch recall. two ignition keys modified. *mw the consumer would like two replacement keys for his automobile or send modification parts. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a recall notification for the electrical system, but 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. the nhtsa campaign number was unknown.

Gm recall 14299 should correct the problem of ignition shutting off while driving. the key moves out of the 'run' position disabling the brakes and steering,. the fix was putting a piece of plastic in my key. this does not fix the problem. i expect the ignition switch to be replaced. i did not pay $50,000 for a cheap 'fix'. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact stated that the key became lodged in the ignition switch and the anti theft warning indicator illuminated intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

As part of state inspection, told dealer that front seats are not heating. told by dealer that problem was "connector to climate control seat module burned/shorted out module" and to replace connector and module would cost $1016. asked dealer personnel if a safety issue and they said it is a routine/recurring problem with these components melting from the heat but don't worry it's not a safety issue (despite reference to " burned/shorted out"). internet search showed similar problem with same components in other cadillacs but accompanied by/with smoke and/or fire-- if occurs while operating vehicle at a high speed on a busy street or highway, could result in a major accident involving serious injury or death. needs to be investigated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). however, the part needed to do the recall was unavailable. the contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure...updated 11/13/14 *bf the consumer stated the problem was resolved. updated 12/02/14*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. when the key was removed from the ignition switch, the key fob was damaged. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 77,105.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). the contact stated that the notification stated that the recall part was available, but the dealer stated that the part was unavailable. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. updated 11/20/14*cn the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired under the recall. updated 5/5/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a recall notification for 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 not notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system); however, the parts were unavailable to remedy the recall. the dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the parts should become available on or after october 1st. the dealer was notified, but they continuously sated that they were not scheduling appointments because the parts were unavailable. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. on another occasion, the contact lost control of the vehicle and rolled over. as a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and the was able to exit the vehicle only through the front driver's side window. the air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle failed to restart. a police report was filed. the driver sustained injuries to the arm that required medical attention. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14v355000 (electrical) after the crash. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* 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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to remedy the recall was unavailable. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tire monitoring system stays on even when tires are properly inflated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system ); however, the part needed for 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 delay. the contact had not experienced a failure. updated 10/03/14*lj updated 3/10/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving at night, the headlights became inoperable intermittently without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 52,000.

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). *tr

Tl* 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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel seized without noticed. the contact had to restart the vehicle in order for it to resume normal function. also, the contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition. the contact had to make several attempts and wait over thirty minutes for the key to release. in addition, the key would become hot. the dealer conducted repairs that were unknown. however, the failure persisted. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the vehicle was included in recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). the approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

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. *tr ....updated 09-03-14 *bf updated 09/8/2014 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving approximately 45 mph, the instrument panel indicators failed to illuminate. the failure occurred multiple times. the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 34,000.

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 $800.00 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! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the key remained stuck in the ignition. the vehicle was jumpstarted and then the key was released from the ignition. the failure occurred on several occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. the contact was informed to wait for the second notice. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

2006 cadillac dts. consumer writes in regards to vehicle headlight problems. *smd 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.

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while operating the vehicle at night, the headlights continusly flashed off and on. occasionally, only one headlight would illuminate and the second light would randomly shut off. also, the interior dome lighting would remain illuminated while driving. the cause of the failures was not diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the local dealer (ed morris cadillac of tampa, florida) was notified of the failures. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 48,000.

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. *tr

Heated and cooled front seats stopped working. noticed burnt wire insulation smell. *tr

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cadillac dts. while driving various speeds, both headlights and tail lights flashed and lost power. the failure recurred on numerous occasion. the vehicle was never diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was unknown. updated 02/02/15*lj

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. *tr

Continued problem with left headlight going out. *tr