2003 Cadillac CTS: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 313 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The computer isn't telling the alternator to charge the battery so the batteries are being all of the way drained without anything recharging them. Beans new batteries get ruined fast.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2021
“Everything was really grate no problems. My brakes sounds like there is LOTS of AIR Coming from somewhere. My key ignition sometimes want turn over or easy to come out. Than the car started running hot. I've had it looked at Few times and can't seem to fix the problem. I've even brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the coolant tank please help me I don't know what to do. To complete this message I've even had a smog twice nonpassable. - Thank you any Questions [XXX] call/ text INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2020
“The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds the vehicle would suddenly stalled and the instrument panel would illuminate. The message stating "starting disabled remove key" would display. The contact stated that they would be able to coast and restart the vehicle. Other times the contact would have to pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“There is a open recall effecting this year & make although my VIN says there's no recalls on my cts. I had both front brake hose assemblies fail while driving. Luckily we didn't wreck. I've since had both repaired. Curious as to know why car was not listed with open recall.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,900.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2019
“I bought this car for my son that go to college at san jose state university, his been using this car since 2015 till 2019. Recenty about a month ago his complaining the car has been overheating for no reasons, he says that the gauge goes all the way up everytime he drive it but its ok if the car engine is running but in park mode. We ended up got the car towed to merced. Since july of 2019, the car is the garage and never drive. We only start the car mostly to warp up the engine but not drive. We have a friend mechanic look at it and can't point out the right problem, a lot of assumption possible the thermostat, or radiator, water pump, or the fan, etc.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019
“Driving 70+mph on freeway in fast lane. Car stop accerlating and no rpm the steeling wheel then locked on me while in the fast lane on freeway. I immediately pulled over restarted the car and was able to move safely off freeway.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2018
“While driving at a steady speed and for no apparent reason, the stability system engaged, I was unable to control vehicle, could not engage brakes, vehicle began losing power & stalled in freeway traffic. Lastly, the brakes vibrate and the car's valve cover gaskets are made of plastic which may leak & start a fire.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2018
“Airbag light is stuck on. After researching issue there was a recall on the passenger side seat airbag sensor. Called dealer and was told this car wasn't part of the recall for this issue. Seems like the same reason the other cars were recalled.”Owner report · Seats · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking brake fluid and the low brake fluid warning indicator illuminated. The contact observed smoke coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle near the tire. An independent mechanic confirmed the failure, but did not diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact was advised to refill the brake fluid container. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 29 of these complaints and injuries in 21 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact CTS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Cadillac CTS reliable?
NHTSA has 313 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Cadillac CTS. The most complained-about area is electrical system (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac CTS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 73,319 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.