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2003 Cadillac Cts

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cts years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Cadillac Cts are substantially higher than the model-year median of 101.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

219 reports with mileage · 94 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports12 fire reports17 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

21 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2023
EngineService BrakesSteeringFire

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…

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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).

NHTSA ODI #11516158

83,000 miles · Jul 16, 2020
Service Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI #11339640

144,000 miles · Nov 6, 2019
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED AND THE CHECK BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V225000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), WHICH HE RELATE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED AND THE CHECK BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V225000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), WHICH HE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA ODI #11278555

185,000 miles · Oct 28, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. ALSO, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE CONTACT DETECTED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE, THE "REMOVE KEY" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. ALSO, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE CONTACT DETECTED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE, THE "REMOVE KEY" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AND THE DOOR LOCK AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED WINTER CHEVROLET (3750 CENTURY CT, PITTSBURG, CA 94565, (925) 232-0290) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKES, KEY, AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA ODI #11271664

111,992 miles · Oct 5, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

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.

NHTSA ODI #11133455

126,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Service BrakesFire

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11111750

42,473 miles · Dec 16, 2015
Service Brakes

CUSTOMERS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING TO REPAIR SHOP, 3 MILE TRIP, FLUID WAS LOW, P/S FRONT HOSE WAS SWOLLEN AND BUSTED LEAKING FLUID, D/S FRONT HOSE WAS SWOLLEN. LOSS OF BREAKING CONTROL EVIDENT WHILE PULLING CAR INTO SHOP. CONTACTED DEALER TO CHECK ON RECALL, WAS INFORMED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. ALL SIGNS, INCLUDING VI…

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CUSTOMERS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING TO REPAIR SHOP, 3 MILE TRIP, FLUID WAS LOW, P/S FRONT HOSE WAS SWOLLEN AND BUSTED LEAKING FLUID, D/S FRONT HOSE WAS SWOLLEN. LOSS OF BREAKING CONTROL EVIDENT WHILE PULLING CAR INTO SHOP. CONTACTED DEALER TO CHECK ON RECALL, WAS INFORMED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. ALL SIGNS, INCLUDING VIN BREAK WERE THE SAME. REPAIR IS BEING DONE IN FACILITY, NOT UNDER RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10810684

54,578 miles · Oct 15, 2015
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,578.

NHTSA ODI #10782325

68,000 miles · Aug 6, 2015
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10746770

115,909 miles · Aug 2, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

WAS ENTERING THE ON RAMP ON TO A FREEWAY AND JUST TAPPED THE BRAKE AND NOTICED AND HEARD THE LEFT FRONT TIRE GRIND AND THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT REAL HARD. I WAS GOING INTO A BLIND UNDER PASS AND THOUGHT THAT IF IT SEIZED UP AROUND THE BLIND CORNER I WOULD SURELY BE IN AN ACCIDENT. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT A STONE CHIP W…

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WAS ENTERING THE ON RAMP ON TO A FREEWAY AND JUST TAPPED THE BRAKE AND NOTICED AND HEARD THE LEFT FRONT TIRE GRIND AND THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT REAL HARD. I WAS GOING INTO A BLIND UNDER PASS AND THOUGHT THAT IF IT SEIZED UP AROUND THE BLIND CORNER I WOULD SURELY BE IN AN ACCIDENT. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT A STONE CHIP WAS IN BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ROTOR. THE CAR WAS TOWED AWAY TO A AAA LOCATION ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY. THE SERVICE STATION THEN TOOK IT OUT AROUND THE BLOCK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE. THE PUT THE CAR UP AND THE LIFT AND COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING THAT WAS WRONG. THEN I TOOK THEM OUT AROUND THE BLOCK REAL SLOW AND THE LEFT FRONT BRAKES WOULD GRIND AWAY. THEY TESTED IT AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG NO ERROR CODES. THEY I SAID COULD DRIVE THE CAR HOME FROM SAN DIEGO TO SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY NOT DIDN'T MAKE IT A BLOCK AWAY BEFORE IT LOCKED UP THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO MARVIN K. BROWN AUTO CENTER ABOUT A MILE AWAY AND IT WAS THERE FOR TWO WEEKS AND $500.00 FOR A STEERING SENSOR REPLACED. THEN IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN AND THE CTS WAS TAKEN TO TUSTIN CADILLAC AND THEY TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS AFTER SPENDING 2 DAYS AT THE DEALER AND $1700.00 LATER THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE NOT ONLY THE LEFT FRONT BUT NOW IT IS THE RIGHT FRONT. THE BRAKES CONTINUE TO ACTIVATE ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AT ANYTIME AT ANY SPEED. THIS LAST TIME IT FELT LIKE THE LEFT REAR ACTIVATED, THE CAR GOT OUT OF CONTROL EVERY ONE AROUND ME BACKED OFF. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR THROUGH THE LOCKING OF LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT TIRES AND IT DOES SAY DING AND READ " CHECK STABILITY SYSTEM" THIS CAR IT NO LONGER SAVE TO BE DRIVEN AND I WAS TOLD THE LAST PART TO FIX IT IS "OBSOLETE" THE ONLY THING THAT MIGHT WORK IS TO DISABLE THE "STABILITY SYSTEM" BY UNPLUGGING THE FUSES ON IN THE TRUNK ON UP FRONT.

NHTSA ODI #10745675

Official recalls

4

14V394000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 2, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

10V105000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 17, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

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.

03V115000 · Steering

Mar 24, 2003

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED BOLT COULD LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.