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* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac DTS. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the headlights were projecting too much heat and caused the plastic covers to burn and melt from the inside. The vehicle was taken to riley Chevrolet Buick GMC (2033 christy dr, jefferson city, mo 65101, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the failure was cosmetic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
The dash lights are intermittent, or very dim. The brightness does not come on for miles at a time. You cannot see the speedometer to see how fast you are going. It is a safety issue. In motion, city streets and on the highway. Have reported this to Cadillac and have had it to the Cadillac dealer. They say there is nothing wrong. I have had it to earnhardt Cadillac scottsdale, az. So far no fix. This has been going on for years. After the warranty stopped I did not go back to dealer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Cadillac DTS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact activated the right turn signal. The indicator bulb burned out and burned the housing of the headlight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlight housing assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,700.
The issue was regarding the failure of the ballasts in the HID headlights which, per ntsb and other websites, has been a significant issue with this and other GM models. The issue seems to be diagnosed generally as water backing down the headlight assembly into the ballast causing the failure. There is also a TSB on the issue: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/Cadillac-DTS-forum-2006-through-2012/173283-TSB-flickering-headlights.html and pages of the ntsb filings about the headlamps are here http://www.carcomplaints.com/Cadillac/DTS/2006/lights/exterior_lighting-3.shtml after being stopped twice by law enforcement for a headlamp out, we took the car to ron carter Cadillac in houston, texas where we were charged about $850 to replace the right front ballast. The left one was also just starting to show the same problem so I made the contact to GM and was working with kim. …
While driving at night in July, 2023 on [redacted] , both headlights began to go out intermittently but not simultaneously. Continued driving for approximately 3 hours to final destination. Took to local Cadillac dealer for diagnostics (Invoice [redacted]) and after dialogue with dealer had both assemblies replaced as was informed the electronics have been noted to fail in these assemblies. I replaced both assemblies for approximately $2,950.00 (Invoice [[redacted]}). As a follow-up, during a recent 5,000 mile trip during February 2024, driving in cold, rain, snow and road spray conditions for days, both headlight assemblies accumulated a significant amount of moisture (see photo) behind the lenses. Cadillac dealer did replace left assembly (drivers side) under parts warranty but not the right side. …
Driving at night on I-29 South and headlights went off intermittently but not simultaneously. Headlamps continued intermittent cut-out until reached destination (approx 3 hours later). As a safety issue for driving while dark, had both assemblies replaced at Cadillac dealer for approx $3,950.00. Replacement was Cadillac recommendation as it was stated the electronics do fail in these headlight assemblies. After replacement and as a follow-up, new assemblies were installed and are not sealed against the elements. In February 2024, on a 5,000 mile trip, drove several hours during cold, snowy and raining conditions. Both headlight assemblies had a considerable amount of moisture inside the lens housings (see photo). Cadillac dealer did replace one of the new headlight assemblies due to moisture accumulation in assembly under parts warranty, but not both.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac DTS years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (79), 2007 (14) and 2008 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Cadillac DTS headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Cadillac DTS 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 DTS headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (15 mentions), followed by the tail lights (3).
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.