2003 Cadillac Deville
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 19 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 41 |
| 1988 | 28 |
| 1989 | 49 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 88 |
| 1992 | 135 |
| 1993 | 96 |
| 1994 | 140 |
| 1995 | 129 |
| 1996 | 218 |
| 1997 | 269 |
| 1998 | 237 |
| 1999 | 187 |
| 2000 | 225 |
| 2001 | 175 |
| 2002 | 176 |
| 2003 | 144 |
| 2004 | 167 |
| 2005 | 95 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: electrical system — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The power steering was inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240312
18% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BACK ON JULY 16TH 2019, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ABOUT TO GET A ON THE MAIN ROAD. WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED IN MY 03 CADILLAC DEVILLE. AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO HAVING WHIPLASH/NERVE DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200127
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140902
Also filed under ENGINE
ON 6/8/08 MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE FRONT END IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080618
11% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
CRASH10% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140819
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER O
Campaign 02V222000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE
Campaign 03V051000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-
Campaign 03V238000 — check if this car was fixed
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 23, 2014.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Cadillac Deville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V222000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V051000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V238000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Cadillac Deville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Cadillac Deville is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Deville have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.