Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | 25,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% | 64,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% | 107,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% | 198,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 7% | 23,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | 67,000 miles |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% | 112,000 miles |
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 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the service stability traction control and service stability rack warning indicators kept randomly illuminating. Also, the brake lights remained illuminated. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and back on to reset the computer system; however, the warning indicators continued flashing. An unknown dealer diagnosed that the sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting on a response. The vehicle was received as a trade-in from a 2004 Cadillac Escalade that exhibited the same failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Headlight installed height on taller vehicles such as category 1 and 2 trucks (commonly called SUV, crossover, van, pickup truck, etc.) is of such a design that it commonly (perhaps unavoidably) ends up blinding drivers in passenger cars at lower heights by directing the 'hot spot' of headlight low beams directly into the eyes of passenger car drivers. In addition, bumper height on these same vehicles is not designed to meet bumpers on other vehicles, resulting in higher than necessary injury and fatality rates. Please have someone contact me to discuss ways to develop safer vehicle designs and regulations.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger side headlights failed to operate due to condensation and moisture. The contact then stated that the moisture caused the bulbs and the ballast to fail. The contact contacted Cadillac of norwood ([phone], 700 boston providence hwy, norwood, ma 02062) where the contact stated that the dealer refused service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
My truck normal driving and a few miles loose power meters go up and down looose power train conection this trucks on particular has electric problems ground problems I need to stop turn off the key and turn on again check engine light go on and you can see tons of videos on you tube very dangerous if you driving on a highway . I really concern about that and the dealers know the problem and doesn"t make a massive recall on that I just report that if I had a accident I report on the NHTSA page.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. While driving 45 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the rear roof light. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed smoke and fire coming from the rear roof light. The vehicle caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. Police and fire reports were not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. While driving between 30-40 MPH with the automatic headlights activated, the high beam (flash to pass) feature suddenly engaged to warn opposing drivers of an animal in the roadway. The high beam (flash to pass) feature was functional whenever the automatic headlight feature was deactivated by manually turning off the headlights and flashing the high beams. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. They stated that the high beam (flash to pass) feature was operating as the manufacturer designed. The technician recommended that the manufacturer be notified of the issue. The manufacturer investigated the issue and stated that the component was operating to their satisfaction. In addtion, the rain tracker automatic windshield wipers sensor failed to operate properly in precepitation or mist. …
When this device is used to replace the Flasher Module (my had failed so I ordered this replacement from Amazon) I found that the brake light circuit to any trailer connected tot he vehicle would no longer work. Under further research on Amazon via reviews and other online sources, I found that all of the Chinese clone parts have this same failure mode. Since most people check trailer lights with Directionals or 4 Way flashers, they would not be aware of the failure of the brake (stop) lamps not working on the trailer leading to critical dangerous situation if they need to slow as the driver behind them is likely to rear end the trailer due to the failure of the stop lamps to light.
Headlights and ballets been replaced 3times.. They comes on only when not driving then I start driving then all the lights start flickering. Seatbelt in rear was repaired twice but wont retract after unbuckleing.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Escalade years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (13), 2007 (7) and 2004 (5) model years. Headlight complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Escalade headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 22V-903 (software, Dec 8, 2022); 22V-827 (software, Nov 3, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac Escalade headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (8 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.