2006 Cadillac STS: common problems and reliability

The 2006 Cadillac STS has 141 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag northstar v8 engine oil leaks — very frequent leaks from valve covers, oil pan, and less commonly the half-case seal. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2006 model year

141
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
17
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Cadillac STS vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
58
electrical system
21
engine
20
fuel/propulsion system
18
power train
13

Recalls affecting the 2006 STS

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 14V542000

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, 20…

vehicle speed control

Campaign 06V007000

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 TORQU…

power train:axle assembly:axle shaft:seal

Campaign 07V589000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.

fuel system, gasoline:delivery

Campaign 06V020000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. Long-term owners of the second-generation (2005-2011) rear-wheel-drive STS express strong affection for its driving dynamics, describing it as a "thrill to drive," with precise, "rifle-like

  • Northstar V8 engine oil leaks — very frequent leaks from valve covers, oil pan, and less commonly the half-case seal. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Driveline component failures — worn motor mounts, differential bushings, and driveshaft carrier bearings (especially on AWD models) causing clunks, shudders, and shifting harshness. Frequency: very frequent.
  • V6 (3.6L LLT/LFX) timing chain issues — related to excessive oil consumption from a flawed PCV system; can lead to chain stretch and failure if oil is not monitored and topped up frequently. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Parts scarcity for AWD models — specific components like the AWD driveshaft carrier bearing are not sold separately by GM, requiring entire assembly replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior material quality — use of hard, brittle plastics and overall fit/finish criticized as subpar for the luxury segment, especially in mid-2000s models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the STS.

Typical used price

Used STS listings typically run $4,995–$8,495 across 2005 to 2011 model years.

Full Cadillac STS owner reportCompare against another car