VehicleVerdict

2003 Cadillac CTS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 450 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median CTS year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 17 CTS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 34 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (87), engine (71), and brakes (49), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

450

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

46

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

34

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other CTS years?

See all CTS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Cadillac CTS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8719%
Engine7116%
Brakes4911%
Lighting399%
Airbags388%
Steering286%
Transmission266%
Speed Control245%
Body & Structure225%
Other143%
Tires & Wheels123%
Suspension112%
Fuel System112%
Visibility & Wipers92%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Seats31%
Seat Belts10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V394000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2014 · 554,328 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.

10V105000BrakesMarch 17, 2010 · 139,131 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE FITTING AT THE CALIPER MAY CORRODE DUE TO SNOW OR WATER, CONTAINING ROAD SALT OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS, ENTERING AND BEING RETAINED IN THE ROUTING SLEEVE. IF THE FITTING CORRODES SIGNIFICANTLY, THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence

THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

03V250000OtherJuly 15, 2003 · 1,707,825 units

Defect

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V115000SteeringMarch 24, 2003 · 47,835 units

Defect

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED BOLT COULD LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT AND ENSURE THAT IT IS TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE CONSUMER STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN HE PROCEEDED AND BEGAN TO SKID ON UNSEEN ICE AND HIT A UTILITY POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES WORKED, AND THEY ARE AS FOLLOWED: AIR BAGS, ABS BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL, AND THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 5, 2002 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EMITTED SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 15, 2006 · fire

RECALL 03V115000 CONCERNING INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST, STEERING GEAR OFF TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A CURB. THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED WITH THIS ISSUE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE BREAK LINE WAS BAD AS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 7, 2004 · crash

THE CLEAR BACK LENS OF THE 2003 CTS IS FULL OF CONDENSATION AND WATER. TOOK IT TO THE CAR DEALER IN NEW ROCHELL . THEY DRILL PILOT HOLES TO ALLOW FOR THE WATER TO DRAIN, THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I STILL HAVE PLENTY OF CONDENSATION IN THE BACK CLEAR WHITE LENS IN THE BACK TRUNK. WHAT SHOULD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 1, 2004

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A DUMPSTER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 12, 2013 · crash

2003 Cadillac CTS — common questions

Is the 2003 Cadillac CTS reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 450 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 17 CTS years. It is one of the CTS years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 CTS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (87 complaints), engine (71 complaints), brakes (49 complaints).

Does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac CTS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CTS years to avoid are 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2004, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among CTS years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.