MotorDeets

2006 Cadillac Sts: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Cadillac Sts: 4 recalls, 139 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
139owner complaints
16mention a crash
19best combined mpg
2006 Cadillac Sts
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #06V007000 · 2006 · 1,327 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECM on these vehicles free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2006.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #06V020000 · 2006 · 17,462 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the engine stops running, the operator will not be able to restart the vehicle which could increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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…

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #07V589000 · 2007 · 275,936 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and May experience a fluid leak.

Why it matters: A rear differential failure May cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #14V542000 · 2014 · 10,005 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module May overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags57
Electrical21
Engine20
Fuel & propulsion18
Transmission & drivetrain13
Engine & cooling8
Stability control8
Other / unknown6

What owners describe

The 2006 Cadillac Sts has 139 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 14 Sts model years for complaints (4.5× the average Sts year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (30 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 72,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (101 complaints, 3 recalls), 2007 (52 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive162519Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive152418Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Cadillac Sts.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Cadillac Sts manual

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FAQ

Does the 2006 Cadillac Sts have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Cadillac Sts. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2006 Cadillac Sts problems?

Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (57), electrical (21), engine (20).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Cadillac Sts get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S5)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 Cadillac Sts repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sts years

19981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011