I've had plenty of Cadillac in the bay over the years, and the lighting complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,642 on the NHTSA record across 33 model-year entries (2005–2024) is not a fluke. The 2015 Cadillac SRX leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 25 crash reports and 7 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 892 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 68,437 miles. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin CADILLAC / LIGHTING
33 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Cadillac lighting problems
1,642 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Cadillac vehicles for lighting issues. 1 active recall campaign. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
1,642
Recalls
1
Year-models
33
Avg fix
$250
25crashes
2fires
7injuries
Worst-affected Cadillac model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2015 Cadillac SRX
287 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 Cadillac SRX
251 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2012 Cadillac SRX
221 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Cadillac SRX
208 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2010 Cadillac SRX
201 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 Cadillac SRX
186 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Cadillac SRX
94 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Cadillac DTS
57 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2024 Cadillac Lyriq
17 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Cadillac DTS
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2012 Cadillac CTS
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Cadillac Escalade
8 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 Cadillac CTS
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Cadillac DTS
6 complaints · ~$250 severe
2013 Cadillac ATS
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Cadillac XTS
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Cadillac CTS
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2007 Cadillac STS
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Cadillac CTS
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Cadillac CTS
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 Cadillac XT4
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Cadillac CTS
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Cadillac Escalade
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Cadillac SRX
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Cadillac lighting 4 on file
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Cadillac CT6 vehicles
The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install right and left side in-line headlight jumper harnesses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N162016079.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Cadillac CT6 vehicles
If the turn-signals do not automatically deactivate, the driver may fail to turn them off manually. An erroneous active turn-signal may mislead pedestrians and other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the turn-signal switch. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. The Cadillac number for this recall is N182207090.
On certain passenger vehicles, the daylight running lights (drl), turn signal, and parking lamps use the same bulb
If this were to occur, the driver would notice that the arrow in the instrument panel would flash faster than normal when the turn signal is activated. The loss of the drl and turn signals could fail to warn others of the driver's presence or intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the socket and bulb in both lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 31, 2006. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Gm is recalling 4,586 my 2008 Cadillac sts and sts-v passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
These indications of a system malfunction do not work. Premature tire failure could result in a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the remote control door lock receiver module free of charge. The recall began on march 18, 2008. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
Common questions
How many Cadillac lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,642 complaints across 33 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 1 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Cadillac lineup.
Which Cadillac model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2015 Cadillac SRX leads with 287 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 SRX (251) and 2012 SRX (221).
What does it cost to fix Cadillac lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Cadillac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Cadillac lighting recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Cadillac vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Cadillac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.