Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 3% | 38,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 7% | 31,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% | 30,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% | 41,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% | 56,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% | 35,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% | 104,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% | 110,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% | 82,000 miles |
| 2003 | 37 | 12% | 69,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving in the early morning, the headlights became inoperable. The contact checked the headlights and noticed both headlights were out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic was informed that both headlights went out simultaneously. The headlight assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was notified but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe and could cause a possible accident. The VIN was not available.
I have a damaged right daytime run light on my 2014 Cadillac CTS. I have not been able to get the replacement part (part# 20896556). GM now says there are non available in the system and have provided no help to secure one. This part fits 2014 thru 2016 CTS's. The vehicle is not safe to drive and Cadillac doesn't seem to thank it is their responsibility or care that they have created this safety hazard. My GM complaint number is 8-2572310479. I would think that the ntsb should be concerned that GM is doing nothing about this safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at night, he was informed that the driver's side headlight was not illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the headlight was not illuminated. The vehicle was taken to heritage Cadillac, inc. (303 w roosevelt rd, lombard, il 60148) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the seal on the headlights were improperly installed and that there was a cost to repair the headlights. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac CTS. While driving, the contact stated that the headlights were very dim. Upon inspection, it was discovered that water was present inside the driver's side head lamp assembly. The vehicle was taken to falkner Cadillac (447 e. St rd, trevose, pa) where it was diagnosed that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced to prevent the water from leaking inside the assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.
While driving heard clanking under the car for about 2 blocks then stoped. Took it to the dealer and found out 2 bolts had backed out of the drive shaft and one had sheared. Had the exact same problem with a 2011 CTS. I had purchased a warranty when I bought the car in 2018, car was repaired. I did notify Cadillac. Right front headlight has moisture. Understand Cadillac used inferior seals previously. Will need to replace. Light cost approximately $250.00.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that there was moisture in the headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to Cadillac of naperville [phone], located at 1507 w ogden ave, naperville, il 60540) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. While driving, the headlights failed to respond without warning. On March 25, 2017, the vehicle was taken to suburban Buick of troy (1810 maplelawn, troy, mi 48084 (248), 643-0070) where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. On February 15, 2018, the headlights failed to illuminate again without warning. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 8-3904418827. The failure mileage was 37,532.
Purchased this car brand new in 2012 from camargo Cadillac in cincinnati,ohio vechile has 41,000 miles and well taken care,in 2015 noticed headlight on passenger side having a lot of condensation.took vehicle back to dealer and was told car out of warrenty. 6 months later drivers side doing same thing. Told it would cost 2800.00 hundred dollars to replace both headlights. Car has never been in any type of accident. This is outrageous. If I had known these headlights was such a problem would have never purchased vechile. At this time drivers side daytime running light is out. The lights are called HID/xenon leds.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac CTS years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (37), 2012 (10), 2004 (9), 2011 (8) and 2006 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Cadillac CTS headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Cadillac CTS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac CTS headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (20 mentions), followed by the tail lights (6).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.