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Cadillac CTS 2006 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2006 Cadillac CTS to NHTSA, most often about air bags.

All reports

40
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 2026-06-01 · NHTSA 11741412

Engine burns 1quart of oil, 100 miles. Brakes went to floor, brake lines had holes at 69,000 miles. Driver rear axel leaks. 2006 Cadillac CTS is a lemon!! Money Pit !!!

AIR BAGS,SEATS 2026-04-04 · NHTSA 11729137

The air bad light on passenger side and on the review mirror it passenger airbag bag off that a safety issue it won’t work if in a accident need to be recalled

ENGINE 2025-05-28 · NHTSA 11663449

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control set to 75 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the computer was not communicating with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called but the phone disconnected. The failure mileage was approximately 181,475.

SUSPENSION 2024-09-05 · NHTSA 11612759

Driving out of a driveway with a slight slope, my traction engaged. It has done this 3-4 times in perfect driving weather and I had not swerved or experienced any issue prior to the light illuminated "TRACTION ENGAGED". It is pretty noisy under my car as well and the ride is not smooth and rather bumpy. It has engaged just backing up in a parking lot.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2024-04-19 · NHTSA 11584032

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated when the vehicle was started with the key in the ignition, it was difficult to shift from park(P) to reverse(R). The contact stated that once she was able to reverse the vehicle onto the roadway, it was difficult to shift the vehicle into drive(D). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift into drive(D). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off. While attempting to start the vehicle, it was difficult turning the ignition key. The contact stated that she was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that she was only able to jiggle the key enough to turn the vehicle off. The contact called a local dealer and explained the failure. The contact advised the dealer that she had a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V394000 (Electrical System). The dealer advised the contact that the key that was stuck in the ignition was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,520.

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS 2024-03-22 · NHTSA 11578995

Well I am uncertain but we have two 2006 Cadillac cts and both have had multiple transmissions replaced. Multiple differential problems and air bag and wireing problems

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2024-01-24 · NHTSA 11567591

The driver-side tail light lens fell off. I don't know where, but it probably fell off while I was driving, and if so, could have caused an accident. Cadillac does not stock this tail light assembly anymore, so I had to order it online, and then have it installed by a local shop. I am uploading photos of 1) repair invoice 2) new tail light box 3) old tail light (missing lens).

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Crash 2 injured 2023-03-31 · NHTSA 11514787

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving in reverse and reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove in reverse across a parking lot crashing into two parked vehicles, and hitting a tree before driving across a side road and into a ditch. During the incident, the front driver sustained neck stiffness and the front passenger sustained a bruised right elbow. Neither injury required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later driven to the home. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 86,500

AIR BAGS 2022-09-16 · NHTSA 11484897

Service airbag light on dash is on. No one ever sits in the passenger front seat. The rear view mirror indicates that the passenger seat airbag is off. I dont know how to turn it on just to see if the RVM will indicate an on position. I took the car in for a diagnosis and it it indicated that the PPS Module needs replacement. ($1280.79) Even if I do find out how to turn it on I would be afraid to turn it on if it’s going to explode that’s my problem what should I do

AIR BAGS 2022-08-13 · NHTSA 11479142

I am deaf and the “service Air Bag” and the symbol came on several times and I took it to a certified mechanic who spent two days checking. This is the what he said upon diagnosis, “ The part you need for the air bag light has been discontinued not available anymore.” I met him in person and he said the same thing. This is a safety issue. Please help! Thank you!

VISIBILITY 2022-02-17 · NHTSA 11452422

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the rear windshield shattered. There was no impact to the rear windshield that could have caused it to shatter. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested photos of the vehicle, the contact's driver's license, vehicle registration, and vehicle title. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE 2021-10-25 · NHTSA 11438082

Thank these things i feel cadilac should consider fixing due to milage before and after i purchased the cadilac due to the miles before and after purchase. Due to being 100% disabled since 2009, Air bag & safety belt system light comes on when i have onstar diagnose the problem they said it has something to do with my seat belt system on passenger side which mind you isnt used often at all and cadilac will not help with the cost and was told by onstar it needs repairs asap because it could cause air bags to pop out while driving or not come out during a crash. Im afraid some times driving it. In the 7yrs of owning this i maybe put around 40,000 miles on the car its in good condition. Which lead me to the other problem due to miles. When i purchased the cadilac a few days later the check engine light came on it was the catalytic converter it was almost $800 it has two of them the dealer repaired it. Here the other day i had onstar do a complete system scan and the report showed the converter was in the process of going out again but just hasnt triggered my check engine lite. I was shocked because of the miles i drivewhich is under 6000 miles a yr and i use top grade fuel there isnt any way these converters should be going out they should have lasted for the rest of my life and the cars life i take very good care of it changing the oils on a regular bases and other cares are met but when talk to cadilac they didnt even consider my care and miles driven at all or find out why tne converter is needed twice since i owned the car when most cars never need converter replacement. Im 62 yrs old, these are concerns i have but mostly the treatment by cadilac (GM) the safety part being on passenger side that seat never hardly get used but could cause air bags to open while driving and two convertersin 6-7 years of ownership when most cars never need one and othhers just once. Which tells me theres a problem some where else causing it to not work properly, but it didnt matter.

AIR BAGS 2021-10-18 · NHTSA 11437227

The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated. The contact called a local dealer who informed her that the cause could be an electrical failure or a defective airbag. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. ir

AIR BAGS 2020-11-26 · NHTSA 11376431

MY CAR AIRBAG LIGHT JUST COMES ON AND NEVER CUTS OFF IT JUST STAYS ON AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE AND I'M JUST WONDERING IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH EVERY AIR MAKING MODEL OF THE CAR THAT I HAVE

POWER TRAIN 2020-09-08 · NHTSA 11353695

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LYNCH CADILLAC OF AUBURN (154 W CREEK PKWY, AUBURN, AL 36830) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LEAKS WERE SEEN BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V589000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,090.

AIR BAGS 2020-08-10 · NHTSA 11344287

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE SERVICE AIR BAGS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V644000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

ENGINE 2020-06-11 · NHTSA 11328398

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 73 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE AND TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTON RODS AND CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO C & C AUTO (834 E MAUMEE ST, ANGOLA, IN 46703, (260) 624-2011) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REPLACED THE STARTER HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.

AIR BAGS 2019-10-05 · NHTSA 11266497

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS NEVER WENT OUT. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS FROM THIS MANUFACTURER AND POSSIBLE MODEL. MU VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. HOWEVER, I'M UNABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST INVOLVED AND IF IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS INVOLVED. I WOULD CERTAINLY LIKE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CHECKED BEFORE MYSELF OR A PASSENGER IS INJURED AS A RESULT TO THIS ISSUE, THANKS.

SERVICE BRAKES 2019-09-19 · NHTSA 11256585

WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, TURNING SLIGHTLY OR SHARPLY INTO A PARKING SPOT, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL BEGINS TO LOCK UP WHEN PRESSING ON IT TO STOP. UPON LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM, MORE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THE HUB AND EBCM SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ISSUE WAS STILL RECURRING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE FAULT OR PROBLEM THAT CREATED THIS UNSAFE CONDITION IS STILL UNKNOWN BY GM.

AIR BAGS 2019-08-14 · NHTSA 11243861

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

SERVICE BRAKES 2019-06-05 · NHTSA 11217986

ANOTHER BRAKE LINE FAILURE MUCH THE SAME AS PREVIOUS RECALLS LOST BRAKE FUNCTION MUCH LIKE THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED.

SERVICE BRAKES 2019-06-05 · NHTSA 11218171

THE BRAKES ON THE CARS LEAK FLUID AND THE BRAKE NOT WORKING PROPER,WANT STOP CAR AFTER YOU APPLY BRAKE STOP A STOP SIGN, AND WILL TRY TO GO WITH BRAKE DOWN. NOT SAFE. HAD BRAKE PAD PUT ON. DRAKE STILL HAVING PROBLEM.

POWER TRAIN 2019-05-30 · NHTSA 11210779

THE CAR REVS UP THE RPM VERY HIGH AND THE CAR WILL ONLY BE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED. THE CAR WAS PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE THAT RETURNED THE CODE P1793.

AIR BAGS 2019-05-13 · NHTSA 11207237

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2019-05-10 · NHTSA 11206833

VEHICLE BATTERY IS DRAINED EVERY 3 DAYS.

SERVICE BRAKES 2019-04-23 · NHTSA 11203077

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE FAILURE. FAILURE WAS ON THE HARD LINE BETWEEN THE ABS DISTRIBUTION BLOCK TO THE CONNECTION POINT WHICH LEADS TO THE CALIPER. CORROSION HAS LEAD TO A LINE FAILING WITH A HOLE LOCATED ON THE TOP SIDE OF BRAKE LINE. CAR WAS BEING PARKED. BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING HELD WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS BEING APPLIED. SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PRESSURE GAVE UP AND THE PEDAL WHEN TO THE FLOOR. LUCKY IS THIS SITUATION THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A WHOLE OTHER CONVERSATION.

AIR BAGS 2019-02-26 · NHTSA 11182517

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR FAILED TO SHOW WHEN IT WAS OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V644000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

SERVICE BRAKES Crash 2018-11-27 · NHTSA 11154340

WHEN TURNING SLOWLY INTO PARKING SPACES THE BREAKS GO OUT AND DO NOT WORK CAUSING THE CAR TO EITHER HIT OR RUN UP THE CURBING. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN ENOUGH THAT WE ARE BECOMING SCARED TO DRIVE CAR. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO MULTIPLE DEALERS AND THEY SAY THEY CANNOT FIXT THE ISSUE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS 2018-11-08 · NHTSA 11150211

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROE MOTORS (201 NE 7TH ST, GRANTS PASS, OR 97526, 541-237-7208) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.

SERVICE BRAKES 2018-10-13 · NHTSA 11140100

I JUST THINK THIS NEEDS DOCUMENTING. MY REAR BRAKES LEAKED FLUID AND WENT COMPLETELY EMPTY ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO AND I HAD NO BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS GOING SLOWLY AND CLOSE TO HOME. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND THEY REPLACED A SECTION OF THE LINES. COST $208 PLUS TOW. A SHORT TIME LATER GM RECALLED THE CAR BECAUSE OF RUSTING PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. LAST WEEK I WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT AND MY BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE FLOOR. THE FLUID DID NOT COMPLETELY LEAK OUT AND I WAS CLOSE TO HOME AND GOT TO MY MECHANIC JUST AS THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY. THIS TIME THERE WAS RUST IN ONE LINE NEAR THE ENGINE. THEY SAID IT WAS BEHIND THE FUEL FILTER. HE SPLICED IN PIECES TO BOTH LINES. COST $187. I HAVE OWNED ABOUT 20 CARS AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE, NEVER MIND 3 TIMES. THREE PROBLEMS IN A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION IS THE REASON I AM NOTIFYING YOU. I LOOKED ONLINE AND A NUMBER OF OTHERS EXPRESSED THINGS CONCERNING THIS. THANK YOU.

AIR BAGS 2018-09-29 · NHTSA 11132301

FIXED ONCE AT DEALER AND FAIL AGAIN AFTER A YEAR

SERVICE BRAKES 2018-08-09 · NHTSA 11118845

THE BRAKES FAIL ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO MECHANICS AND THEY TELL ME THEY CANNOT FIX IT. I'VE TALKED WITH THE DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL. SO I AM NOW STUCK WITH A VEHICLE I CANNOT REPAIR, SELL OR DRIVE. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST GM. I DON"T KNOW IF IT WOULD BE HELPFUL BUT I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED. I NEED THE CAR DAILY AND CANNOT RELY ON IT SINCE IT IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP?

ENGINE 2018-04-10 · NHTSA 11084315

TIMING CHAIN MISSING TEETH DUE TO TENSIONER PROBLEM IN THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MORE THAN COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO GOOGLE REPORTS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND MY CHILDREN AS WE LEFT FROM CHURCH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2018-03-20 · NHTSA 11080345

3/15/2018 CONSOLE LITE UP, SHOWING SYMBOL FOR "EMISSION CONTROL" PROBLEM APPEARED ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE I WAS DRIVING. 3/19/2018 HAD VEHICLE CHECKED. ADVISED CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACEMENT. CADILLAC CONTACTED - THEY DENY ANY RECALL ISSUED. VEHICE ORIGINAL MILEAGE 91632

SERVICE BRAKES 2018-03-20 · NHTSA 11080350

PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL, AND IT WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING VEHICLE. CONSOLE READ "CHECK BRAKE ASSIST". JUST PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING AREA 2/15/2018. CADILLAC RECALL # 10V105 - GM RECALL # 15149 ISSUED 10/28/2010. NAT'L SAFETY RECALL # 09149 - NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 15V225000. CADILLAC REFUSES REIMBURSEMENT $ 1449.

SERVICE BRAKES 2018-03-20 · NHTSA 11080342

WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING MY BRAKE LINES HAD CORRODED NOTING "SERVICE-BRAKE ASSIST ON CONSOLE. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF BRAKING. CADILLAC RECALL # 09149. I CONTACTED CADILLAC. THEY REFUSE TO CONSIDER REPAIR OF DEFECT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *JS

STEERING,SUSPENSION 2018-03-11 · NHTSA 11078530

MY DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED UP , EVEN AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE PINION SEAL WAS COMPLETED. MY VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2017-11-06 · NHTSA 11043747

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CREST CADILLAC (2121 ROSA L PARKS BLVD, NASHVILLE, TN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION SUPPORT WERE NOT THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ENGINE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

SERVICE BRAKES 2017-08-11 · NHTSA 11014730

I HAVE A 2006 CTS CADILLIAC AND MY ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES MY CAR WOULDN'T STOP AND I HAD TO QUICKLY PUT IT IN PARK NOT TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES 2017-06-24 · NHTSA 11001165

BRAKES FAULT ON SLOW SPED LOCK TO HAVE BAD ABS MODULE

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2006 Cadillac CTS?
Problems with air bags: 14 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 2 and a fire in 0. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.