2008 Cadillac DTS: headlights failing or too dim

5 of the 86 complaints about the 2008 Cadillac DTS describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 6%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

2008
5
2007
12
2006
73
2005
1

What owners say

Filed Dec 20, 2019 · Electrical · 219,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac dts. The contact smelled a rotting odor inside the vehicle and the radio remained in valet mode. Also, the turn signals failed to activate correctly and the headlights failed to illuminate to full capacity. The contact also experienced several other electrical failures with the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to les standford chevrolet (located at 21730 michigan ave, dearborn, mi 48124, 313‑444‑7537), but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall the approximate failure mileage was 219,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2018 · Lights · 105,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 cadillac dts. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the headlights were projecting too much heat and caused the plastic covers to burn and melt from the inside. The vehicle was taken to riley chevrolet buick gmc (2033 christy dr, jefferson city, mo 65101, (573) 298-6142) where the contact was informed that the failure was cosmetic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 68,000 miles · MN

The daytime running lights and front turn signal light sockets in both headlamps have burnt contacts. I took my 2008 cadillac dts to the dealer to have the bulbs replaced as my turn signals weren't working. They replaced the bulbs. Two days later they quit working again. I took the car back and they checked it again and informed me that the lamp sockets were burnt and that I would have to replace the entire headlamp assembly because there wasn't a replacement socket available. The cost was going to be approximately $1000 each with labor. I believe this a safety issue and cadillac should either provide a replacement socket or cover a part of the part and labor. Right now I have the sockets temporarily repaired with paper clips and aluminum foil because on social security I can't afford their cost to fix but I won't drive on the road with no front turn signals and endanger other folks on the road.

Filed May 14, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · IL

2008 cadillac dts. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical problems. *smd the consumer stated he lost power for a couple of seconds, then everything returned to normal. When it happened again, everything, did not return to normal. The battery, alternator and headlight had to be replaced. Also, the windshield washer heater burned out. The heater was replaced.

Filed Feb 3, 2011 · Lights · 200 miles · VA

Dash lighting is dimmed when ever headlights are on during daylight hours. Automatic system does not return panel light levels to daylight brightness. This makes the dash invisible in bright daylight. Condition exists until the sun is high in the sky. Dealer says this is a design issue! Owners manual says that "parade dimming" capability in car electronic is intended to prevent this from happening. This is a major safety hazzard. I have taken the car to the dealer several times, they have no cure. I have called the customer assistance number. No one ever returns my call. E-mail are also unanswered.