2004 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,324miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Cadillac CTS, 3% of the 224 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,324 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car was in motion on the interstate. The car is used but excellent condition and recently purchased. I felt a jolt got off the next exit and car will not start, all batteries come on, everything else works”
NHTSA complaint #11073444, filed 2018-02, 110,000 miles“On my 2004 Cadillac CTS the area where the backup lights are leaks from rain, or a car wash. This causes the constant replacement of bulbs because of rain and moisture getting into the area causing the short circuit of the bulbs, and corrosion of electrical sockets, let alone the risk involved of backing up and someone hitting our car from the rear because of failure of the back up lights, (we've had to replace the bulbs four times in 2 months). …”
NHTSA complaint #10207902, filed 2007-11, 75,000 miles“January 29, 2012, vehicle headlamp went out. I observed condensation in the headlamp assembly. It was taken to the dealer who determined water had entered assembly and shorted out ballast and bulb on high intensity discharge headlamp assembly. Repair cost: $646. Approximately may 5, 2012, during rainy weather, same headlamp went out. Again, condensation in headlamp assembly. Bulb and ballast shorted out due to water. Required replacement headlamp assembly, repair cost in excess of $1200. Complained to GM, and they provided goodwill cost adjustment, but still had to pay an additional $671. …”
NHTSA complaint #10511756, filed 2013-05, 82,649 miles“The dimmer switch stays on, and consumer would be unable to see the instrument panel during daytime. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10101173, filed 2004-11, 74,400 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed. The contact mentioned that the brightness of the headlights were very dim. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10908761, filed 2016-09, 88,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10246003Oct 16, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will…
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 7% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 37 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac CTS
52 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology