MYRModel Year Report

2003 Cadillac CTS

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Cadillac CTS
BUILT 2026-09-02

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

Complaints per year, Cadillac CTS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2003: 313 complaints 2003 2004: 224 complaints 2005: 277 complaints 2006: 269 complaints 2006 2007: 217 complaints 2008: 175 complaints 2009: 167 complaints 2009 2010: 67 complaints 2011: 101 complaints 2012: 65 complaints 2012 2013: 72 complaints 2014: 145 complaints 2015: 47 complaints 2015 2016: 31 complaints 2017: 27 complaints 2018: 8 complaints 2018 2019: 10 complaints 2019
2003: 313 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003313
2004224
2005277
2006269
2007217
2008175
2009167
201067
2011101
201265
201372
2014145
201547
201631
201727
20188
201910

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

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

Also filed under STRUCTURE and VISIBILITY/WIPER

SERVICE BRAKES 16%

16% of complaints: service brakes — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 12%

12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and tail lights.

CRASH
AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Cadillac CTS — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (57 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (49 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V115000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 03V250000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V105000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V394000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2016 ▲ 2015 ▲ 2012

WORST YEARS

◆ 2005 ◆ 2006 ◆ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Cadillac CTS reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Cadillac CTS is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac CTS?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.