2010 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 10%of 67 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2010 Cadillac CTS, 10% of the 67 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“My rear tail lights for my wagon have separated from the top of the car due to poor design. Spoke with Cadillac & GM, both refuse to believe it's a design flaw on the wagon models. Both stated car out of warranty due to mileage/year. Asked if they could tell me what was used to attach lamps to vehicle, neither has a clue. Dealer wants $2100 to replace, but no guarantee that it won't happen again. Since january 2019, car has been to dealer 3 times for car not starting on 1st try. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208871, filed 2019-05, 110,100 miles“The tail light lens do not fit properly. They warp out at the top ends, causing very sharp protrusions that can catch your hand when washing or wiping the vehicle. These were replaced with new ones at the dealership. However, after a few months the same condition has re-occurred. This in my opinion is a safety issue that should be addressed by manufacture. I have managed to cut my hand on more than one occasion because of this condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10487401, filed 2012-12, 21,000 miles“I was traveling approximately 65 MPH at around 7pm when a dump truck suddenly moved into my lane. I had to immediately slam on the brakes. Simultaneously, I sounded my horn and flicked my high beams multiple times at which point all of my outside lights went off. I was completely in the dark, traveling in excess of 55 MPH, with no street lights and no car lights. I slowed as quickly as I could and pulled over to the side of the road. I turned the car off and then restarted. Once the car restarted, the lights came back on and functioned normally. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659341, filed 2014-11, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the rear left and right top plastic retaining lamp fell off. There was a one forth inch of space between the tail lights and the body of the car. The manufacturer was contacted and did not offer a remedy. There was thirteen tail lamps replaced on the vehicle. The failure recurred. The failure mileage was 5,322.”
NHTSA complaint #10619358, filed 2014-08, 5,322 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac CTS. The contact noticed that both tail lights were separated from the molding frame line. The dealer diagnosed that the tail lights clips were fractured and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired twice by the previous owner for the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000. Updated 10/18/17”
NHTSA complaint #10883539, filed 2016-07, 56,000 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.
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 2010 Cadillac CTS
16 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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