2003 Cadillac STS

○ Not enough data
2003 Cadillac STS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:36.323Z

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 8 complaints 2003 8 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 101 complaints 2006: 139 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 15 complaints 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints
1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 8 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 101 complaints 2005 2006: 139 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2007 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 15 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011
1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 8 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 101 complaints 2005 2006: 139 complaints 2006 2007: 52 complaints 2007 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 15 complaints 2009 2010: 4 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011

2003: 8 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19983
199913
200012
200112
20027
20038
20047
2005101
2006139
200752
200850
200915
20104
20117

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

4 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing horn and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was idling in driveway during strong electrical storm. Lightning appeared to hit a tree nearby. Simultaneously, several dash warning lights came on and stayed on, including anti-lock brake, traction and stability control warnings.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-05

Also filed under Service brakes and electronic stability control (esc)

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Service brakes

2 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Suspension

1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Car scrapes front end going into or out of driveways even at slow speed 1 to 2 miles an hour. Also hits curb parking stops. My mechanic told me to take it back to the dealer I pruchased it from and the warranty should cover it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-17

Steering

1 of 8 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing column.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving the bolt came out of the steering column. *nlm there were engine problems/stalling, air bag light had come on, the radio cuts on by itself, horn was inoperative, engine light would come on, and steering wheel locked up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-24

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Cadillac STS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 2003 Cadillac STS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac STS?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac STS have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.