2005 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 277 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Cadillac CTS, 2% of the 277 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“I would like to complain about the new headlights on the latest model cars, they may be nice for the driver of the auto but, the glare and non-dimming to the oncoming driver, I feel is a definite hazard to the oncoming driver. I am also concerned about the fog lights that many cars have, if they were truly fog lights they would be yellow. We don't need 4 head lights. Please give some serious thought to these concerns. Thanking you in advance.”
NHTSA complaint #10176116, filed 2006-12“The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be identified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10872078, filed 2016-06, 204,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The left and the rear brake lights are inoperative. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. However the technicians could not identify the cause of the failure, therefore they could not provide a remedy. The failure mileage was 90,000. The current mileage was 103,565”
NHTSA complaint #10286367, filed 2009-10, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac CTS. While reversing at a speed of 3-4 MPH, the contact was advised that the third brake light had failed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and she was advised that the entire brake light component would need replacing. The mechanic also replaced another brake light bulb. There were no further repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 57,068 and the current mileage was 59,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10345259, filed 2010-07, 57,068 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 2005 Cadillac CTS
82 complaintsAir bags
74 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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