repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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.
2003 Cadillac CTSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 313 owner complaints about the 2003 Cadillac CTS, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-394 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 9, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: Rblimas at English Wikipedia, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Cadillac CTS has problems
313 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
56Electrical system8 crash/fire/injury
38Engine and engine cooling4 crash/fire/injury
37Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
36Air bags18 crash/fire/injury
29Engine4 crash/fire/injury
28Steering4 crash/fire/injury
25Service brakes, hydraulic
25Power train
24Vehicle speed control
12918 other systems16 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 56 | 8 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 38 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 37 | 1 |
| Air bags | 36 | 18 |
| Engine | 29 | 4 |
| Steering | 28 | 4 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 25 | 3 |
| Power train | 25 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 24 | 5 |
| 18 other systems | 129 | 16 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2003 Cadillac CTS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
no report yet
Steering
Risk. AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED BOLT COULD LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
91kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 39 electrical system complaints. 62% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles24under 100k miles15100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other CTS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CTS median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Cadillac CTS safety ratings
2003 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What CTS owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds the vehicle would suddenly stalled and the instrument panel would illuminate. The message stating "starting disabled remove key" would display. The contact stated that they would be able to coast and…
The computer isn’t telling the alternator to charge the battery so the batteries are being all of the way drained without anything recharging them. Beans new batteries get ruined fast.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
Own a 2003 CTS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.