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 DevilleProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 145 owner complaints about the 2003 Cadillac Deville, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-355 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 25, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Cadillac Deville has problems
145 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
52Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
25Air bags10 crash/fire/injury
16Engine1 crash/fire/injury
14Power train1 crash/fire/injury
12Steering2 crash/fire/injury
10Engine and engine cooling
10Visibility
8Service brakes, hydraulic
7Vehicle speed control
4215 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 52 | 1 |
| Air bags | 25 | 10 |
| Engine | 16 | 1 |
| Power train | 14 | 1 |
| Steering | 12 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 10 | 0 |
| Visibility | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 42 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2003 Cadillac Deville 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
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED.
no report yet
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT…
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?
58kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 30 electrical system complaints. 60% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles18under 100k miles12100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Deville 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 Deville median. How we score
'71'72'73'74'76'77'78'79'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Cadillac Deville safety ratings
2003 Cadillac DeVille 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 Deville owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch seized. Occasionally, the contact was able to wiggle the switch for the ignition to operate. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn or operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
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. In addition, the contact stated that the message that the key was not detected was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was…
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt…
Own a 2003 Deville?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.