2011 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Cadillac CTS, 8% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,500 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.
“High mount brake light quit working. I replaced the light with a new light. I found out the body control module has gone out not the light and will be around $600 to replace. Since then I have noticed a lot of other Cadillac CTS high mount brake lights are out with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11194171, filed 2019-04, 80,000 miles“I purchased a new 2011 Cadillac cts4 in august 2012 from herb chambers Cadillac in lynnfield ma. Since that time, I have driven the car approximately 60,000 miles. This problem affects virtually all (tens of thousands!) Cadillac CTS and srx vehicles built since 2008. After driving the car for a few months, I noticed that condensation appeared in the headlight assemblies after driving in or parking in the rain. The condensation would naturally evaporate during evaporate after the rain stopped. Over time, the low beams became dimmer and dimmer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11164973, filed 2019-01, 60,600 miles“Both rear taillights are separating from the body at the top. There is a gap of approx. 1/4-3/8 inch from the top peak of taillight to body. This is on a 2011 Cadillac CTS awd luxury wagon.”
NHTSA complaint #10609673, filed 2014-07, 40,500 miles“Purchased this car brand new in 2012 from camargo Cadillac in cincinnati,ohio vechile has 41,000 miles and well taken care,in 2015 noticed headlight on passenger side having a lot of condensation.took vehicle back to dealer and was told car out of warrenty. 6 months later drivers side doing same thing. Told it would cost 2800.00 hundred dollars to replace both headlights. Car has never been in any type of accident. This is outrageous. If I had known these headlights was such a problem would have never purchased vechile. At this time drivers side daytime running light is out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11139127, filed 2018-10, 25,000 miles“This concerns the pwm frequency used on many LED running lights being used on recent model cars. My wife is very sensitive to many of the new LED running lights and refuses to drive at night because of them. The strobing of the LED lights makes them appear to be in more than one place at the same time. This makes driving behind them and passing them very difficult for her. I don't notice it but she does and she will cover her eyes when we're out driving at night and get close to them. Reading on the internet, she is not the only one who complains about these lights. …”
NHTSA complaint #10398087, filed 2011-04Related 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 2011 Cadillac CTS
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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