2003 Cadillac CTS steering problems

The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 28 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

Steering complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

CTS steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have?

NHTSA has 28 complaints about the 2003 Cadillac CTS steering — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Cadillac CTS steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 03V115000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.