2008 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Cadillac CTS, 3% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“During the day my right headlight does not come on. There was a recall on this but I was told my VIN# was not included in the recall. I don't understand, if I have the problem, why would they not include my VIN# and repair the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11130937, filed 2018-09, 104,000 miles“While I was a passenger riding on a major interstate, in the right front passenger seat, the air bag light (on/off) on the dash/console turned from the on status to the off status. After stopping we followed onstar's directions to turn off ignition and restart the vehicle and sit in the passenger seat once again. The air bag light stayed in the off status. We turned the vehicle off and restarted once again. This time when I sat in the passenger seat the air bag light changed to the on status. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545171, filed 2013-09, 65,000 miles“The problem started with the timing chain, which LED to coil issues and catalytic converters issues which LED to low head beams constantly burning out. Everytime work is done it causes a chain reaction to other parts in the car that requires more and more money. Now the engine light is still on and I am told that since the first catalytic converter was repaired, the second one now needs replacing and the low head beam on the passenger side has wiring issues that will not allow the new bulb to burn, I am told that the wiring appears to be spliced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10788613, filed 2015-11, 174,000 miles“Low beam headlights periodically will not light when ignition turned on, or they can go dark after working correctly, or only 1 or the other low beam light might go dark then come back on, while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10511384, filed 2013-05, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that water leaks into the vehicle from the sunroof causing mold to develop inside the vehicle which caused a respiratory illness to the owner. Also while driving approximately 20 mph the front headlights suddenly shut off causing a visibility problem to the driver who lost control of the vehicle to crashed into a curb. During the crash the driver sustained a neck injury. No medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. …”
NHTSA complaint #11457140, filed 2022-03, 123,000 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.
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 2008 Cadillac CTS
39 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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