Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While driving 70 MPH, the transmission intermittently fails to shift into gear. The brake light also illuminates intermittently. The dealer tested the computer the first time. The second time, they cleaned the transmission valve body and replaced it the third time. The fourth time, the dealer reprogrammed the computer. The fifth time, the dealer test drove the vehicle and found no failure. The sixth and final time, the manufacturer informed the dealer not to take any action. The failure mileage was 8,000 and current mileage was 17,000. Updated 03-11-08 updated 03/11/08
Dt: the contact stated while driving at night applied the right turn signal switch and experienced total loss of the exterior headlights. When disengaging the turn signal switch the headlights came back on. He tested this several times, and each time that he engaged the turn signals the headlights went out, but would come back on when the turn signal switch was not in use. He took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. 12/27/05.
Turn signals do not turn off after making a turn, consumer has to either turn them off manually or turn the wheel 90 degrees. Dealer stated that's the way turn signals are designed. Consumer took vehicle to norwood Cadillac where its service writer informed consumer that the turn signals were designed that way and that all vehicles of this model operated in the same manner. Nothing was done because of the design. The hood bounces and flutters at highway speeds only. The hood bumpers and panel were not adjusted. They were aligned and adjusted. Also, when the wipers are in delay mode, the operation is erratic. Consumer was informed that the windshied and wipers are water sensitive. The wipers will speed up if the windshield is very wet.
2001 Cadillac Deville. Consumer states vehicle would not stay in park. The consumer also stated the vehicle just stopped, for no reason. The dealer replaced the brake light switch, the idle control valve, the belt tensioner and crank and oil sensors.
Consumer was traveling on the highway and suddenley vehicle accelerated and took off in traffic, consumer had both feet on the brakes, the vehicle did not respond appropriately for brakes, vehicle was out of control. Consumer states that the drivers seat heater is inoperative, driver and passenger front seat belt buckles were out of position, and the passenger side plastic retainer was broke, while pulling into a parking space consumer lost all power steering, dealer replaced rack and pinion, engine is making a knocking noise, while accelerating vehicle started in third gear, which the gears seem to lock up internally, vehicle starts vibrating at approximately 50 MPH, the right center dash A/C vent closes by it self, the night vision lens is cracked and the console holder and latch broke.
When turning on the headlights interior lighting on the dashboard dim, making it difficult to read the speedometer and other controls. The consumer suggests that there should be a switch to control the brightness of the lights on the dashboard.
Dash lights continuously stay on. ABS/cruise control malfunctioned. Also, there are noises which come from body of vehicle. Information system does not work properly. Right front hub replaced. Strut mount replaced.
Instrument panel digital lighting is very hard to read in daylight or sunny days, according to Cadillac manual the digital lighting display automatically brightens when it becomes light outside consumer says this is not so. Nlm
NHTSA investigations
Erratic turn signal operation
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Deville years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (45), 1997 (32), 1996 (12), 1995 (7) and 1999 (5) model years. Headlight complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Deville headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Cadillac Deville 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 Deville headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (53 mentions), followed by the turn signal (14).
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.