DecodedCars2006 Cadillac STS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Cadillac STS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 25 highway), 7% worse than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 STS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 STS →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -7% | $3,550 | 468 |
| STS | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -12% | $4,550 | 494 |
| STS AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -12% | $3,700 | 494 |
| STS AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -17% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Cadillac STS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Cadillac STS (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Lexus GS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Lexus ES | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Cadillac CTS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 9, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V542000 · 10,005 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module may overheat resulting in the melting of the flange material.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14405.
Not every 2006 Cadillac STS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Cadillac STS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 29 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 99,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Cadillac STS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other STS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →