10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,228 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #28

Jul 172012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 51,000 miles
My 2006 Cadillac Dts hid headlight will intermittently, but not frequently, shut off. You can restore the headlight by just shutting the headlamp off and back on. My understanding is this is a common problem with the early GM hid systems included on the Cadillac and corvette. I believe this is due to a design defect. There is no indication this will occur and there is no warning on the dash of any kind. You simply have diminished view suddenly which is a risk to being able to see what is in the roadway.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #27

Apr 012011

DTS 8-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights flickered on an intermittent basis. The contact had to pull the lever on and off in order for the lights to illuminate again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Westland, MI, USA

problem #26

Mar 162013

DTS 8-cyl

  • 78,129 miles
We were driving on I-40 West in sampson county, North Carolina when the headlights went out. They came back on shortly. They blinked a few times after that. We were nearly 100 miles from home at night and traffic was heavy. This was very frightening.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #25

Nov 152012

DTS

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that the headlights flickered on and off without any warning. The driver had to use the switch to get them to turn back on. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. After diagnosis, the contact was informed that the bulbs and the ballasts were burned out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The current mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- New Carrolton, MD, USA

problem #24

Nov 292012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 65,901 miles
This 2006 Cadillac Dts was purchased used in November of 2011. At the time of purchase the vehicle only had 30,743 miles, was lightly used and never involved in any accidents. The vehicle currently has approximately 69,000 miles. A couple of months ago, I noticed the right side hid headlight flickering and going out while driving. Thinking it was a bulb, I spoke to the dealer by phone who advised it may be a bulb, ballast or loose connection. From research and dealer conversation, I learned it was a costly and time consuming repair just to replace the bulb, due to design issues requiring removal of the entire bumper cover just to access the headlight. I took it to the dealer for repair, but was told that they could not duplicate the problem. Since then, the flickering has gotten worse, now affecting both headlights. They randomly flicker off and on while driving proving to be a distraction to me, as well as drivers of other vehicles. It is also a safety issue as there is no warning when they are going to go out. A search of this issue via google reveals this is not an isolated instance with my vehicle, but in fact, is very widespread with many documented cases mirroring my situation. Cadillac / GM to my knowledge has not offered any relief to an issue that is obviously a defect. Per the dealer, repair of the ballast could be well over $1000. However, reviewing other's experience, there has been little success in finding or repairing the issue. Cadillac is supposed to be a flagship for GM and a premium automobile. I would think reliable, safe and functional headlights would be a minimum threshold for safety. I ask your assistance in reviewing the documented issues from many frustrated Cadillac owners who experience the same issues that I am having and exert some pressure on GM / Cadillac to rectify this known issue.

- Lebanon , VA, USA

problem #23

Apr 052012

DTS 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,700 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight would fail sporadically. The dealer was notified and an appointment was scheduled for repairs. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance to the contact. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 69,700. Updated 08/28/12 the dealer replaced the ballast, which was faulty. Updated 08/29/12

- La Crosse, WI, USA

problem #22

Jul 092012

DTS 8-cyl

  • 67,000 miles
Continued problem with left headlight going out.

- La Crosse, WI, USA

problem #21

Sep 152011

DTS

  • miles
The left headlight will turn a rose color & then go out. The right is O.K. I bought the car used last July & possibly the right has been repaired already. The high cost to change a bulb is because of the design of the front. The inner fender & the front fasica has to come off to access the ballast or bulb. I think G.M. should pick up the cost for headlight repairs.

- Bowmanville , On. Canada. , FL, USA

problem #20

Feb 012011

DTS

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that the headlights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that water entered the head light capsule through a faulty vent, causing it to corrode. The dealer stated that the head lights needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 77,000. Updated 05/10/12

- Morristown, NJ, USA

problem #19

Jul 012010

DTS 8-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
Headlight failure began at approximately 90,000 miles. Initially, it started with the interior instrument panel light growing dim and then bright at any given time. Then, headlights started doing the same thing. Soon thereafter, the right headlight started going out on a regular basis. It would initially flicker, then go totally out. After a few months, the left headlight started doing it. Recently, about 18 months after the first incident, they both go out at the same time! during an 80 mile trip I make on a regular basis, at least twice a week, my headlights will go out between 8 and 20 times! I can get them back on by jiggling the on/off light switch. But, one or both will turn back off within a matter of a few minutes. I try to drive during daylight hours as much as possible, but this trip is usually just before dawn or after dusk. I have called the dealer where I purchased the car, and have been told they've not heard of this problem. I don't believe that... all they have to do is talk to other Cadillac owners, as I have; or look on the internet. This has to be a widespread problem! in checking with another dealer, they told me it was a ballast problem, and would be between $1400 and $1800 to repair. This is a $7000 car. For Cadillac to expect me to pay 20% plus of the car's value to have headlights that work, is way out of line. I purchased this car new at a cost of $44,000. I expect to have headlights that work!! this is a safety issue and Cadillac should be responsible for providing a fix!

- Sulphur Springs, TX, USA

problem #18

Mar 152011

DTS 8-cyl

  • miles
Tampa fl the headlights will flicker then one of them will shut off, turn the switch on and off the lights will comeback on and then the other will flicker and go off. This will happen while driving.I have replaced one bulb, it stopped for one day then the problem is ongoing, same as the other postings on this side, maybe a recall should be put in place, before somebody will get hurt do to this problem with the headlights shutting off while driving @ night. Thank you.

- Valrico, FL, USA

problem #17

Nov 032011

DTS 6-cyl

  • 51,000 miles
Right light flickers then went off. Reset went on again for a while, then same problem.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #16

Jul 202010

DTS 8-cyl

  • 46,900 miles
The right headlight started going on and off for no reason. It might go off while driving or sitting still. It might come back on in a few minutes or stay off for a full evening. Sometimes turning lights from automatic to manual will make it work, but not always. It has been doing this since July 2010, or for about 33,000 miles. It is dangerous when driving, plus I have been pulled over by police and so far I have been able to convince them the light had just gone out that evening. Now I have to limit my night driving near home, as I do not want the same officer to stop me. I have read many forums plus your site, and I see many, many people with the same problem. I have called the Cadillac consumer complaint department and they just say they have never heard of such a problem. I told them to check the internet. Today, I called the dealer that I bought it from, out of state, 15 months ago. I explained it and he said he has been selling them for 20 years and has never heard of such a problem. I told him to check the internet. I also asked him to try and get me a number for the Cadillac area rep, so I can talk to him. Please help before I get a ticket or worse yet hit while turning left at night. Thank you

- Ottawa, KS, USA

problem #15

Sep 012011

DTS

  • miles
Headlights flicker on and off then one or both will just go out.

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #14

Nov 042010

DTS

  • 85,000 miles
TL-the contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact was driving 25 mph when the driver side headlight malfunctioned intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive at night. The contact was unclear as to what was causing the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The failure mileage was 85,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #13

Mar 152011

DTS

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the headlights unexpectedly turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the headlight bulbs were replaced. The failure continued after the replacement of the bulbs. The contact also stated the head lights would unexpectedly flicker. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed. The contact did not know the repairs that needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Charleston, SC, USA

problem #12

Oct 152010

DTS

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed that both the driver and passenger side headlights were flickering abnormally and suddenly stopped functioning. The contact stated that the failure occurred when driving at any speed, intermittently. The vehicle was taken to two different independent mechanics who were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

- Brockton, MA, USA

problem #11

Oct 162010

DTS 8-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
2006 Cadillac Dts left headlights flicker on and off, turn on manually to get them back on. Sometimes both of them. It's very dangerous because it happens without warning. Dealer says they cannot duplicate.

- West Chester, PA, USA

problem #10

May 012008

DTS

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Cadillac Dts. The contact stated that the right headlight failed intermittently; it would turn off and on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer while under warranty and the right headlight assembly was replaced but the failure continued. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000 and the current mileage was approximately 68,000.

- Upper Marlboro , MD, USA

problem #9

Dec 202010

DTS 8-cyl

  • miles
2006 Cadillac Dts left hand headlight was intermittent and had signs of water inside the lens. Complete assy. Replaced at dealer expense within 30 days of vehicle purchase. Right hand light assy has now become intermittent and also shows signs of water inside lens.

- Surrey Bc Canada, 00, USA

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