2003 Cadillac CTS

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Cadillac CTS
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2003: 313 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	313
2004	224
2005	277
2006	269
2007	217
2008	175
2009	167
2010	67
2011	101
2012	65
2013	72
2014	144
2015	46
2016	31
2017	26
2018	8
2019	10

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 48 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

MY 2003 CADILLAC CTS CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMAN SAID THAT IT WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR HOURS AND FIRE STARTED WHILE WE WAS SLEEPING. THE WHOLE ENGINE IS BURNT UP AND THE CAR IS TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180204

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 30 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030127

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 29 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130215

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

MY CAR FAIL TO STOP ON THE INTERSTATE I-80 CAUSED A CRASH . WITH ALOT INJURY ON MY BODY . *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130807

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 313

R 20030320 — steering

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

Campaign 03V115000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20030820 — equipment

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 DO

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

Campaign 03V250000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20100504 — service brakes, hydraulic

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,

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

Campaign 10V105000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140915 — electrical system

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.

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.

Campaign 14V394000 — check if this car was fixed