Cadillac · CTS · 2003
2003 Cadillac CTS
4
Recalls
316
Complaints
N/A
NCAP overall
The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 4 recalls and 316 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most frequent stored component label: electrical system (28 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2003 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 4783
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2003 Cadillac CTS page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is electrical system with 28 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2003 Cadillac CTS reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2003 Cadillac CTS currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 316 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows no overall NHTSA safety rating in our current dataset.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are electrical system (28), exterior lighting (26), engine and engine cooling (23).
- Vehicle
- 2003 Cadillac CTS
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 316
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- Not available in this dataset
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2003 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 4783
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
No overall score is available in our current dataset. The individual results below are not a combined safety rating; compare vehicles within the same test program and model year.
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: OptionalForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 14V394000July 02, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 10V105000March 17, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 03V250000July 15, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 03V115000March 24, 2003
STEERING
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
316 totalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 6, 2021
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.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
FIRENov 14, 2020
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...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 5, 2020
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 ...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 2, 2020
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Nov 1, 2019
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 ...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 28, 2019
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. F...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Jul 1, 2019
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY SON THAT GO TO COLLEGE AT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY, HIS BEEN USING THIS CAR SINCE 2015 TILL 2019. RECENTY ABOUT A MONTH AGO HIS COMPLAINING THE CAR HAS BEEN OVERHEATING FOR NO REASONS, HE SAYS THAT THE GAUGE GOES ALL THE WAY UP EVERYTIME HE DRIVE IT BUT ...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
FIREMar 12, 2019
AT ABOUT APPROXIMATELY 4:22 AM THIS MORNING MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS AWAKENED BY MY CADILLAC CTS 2003 CAR ALARM AS THE FLAMES WE'RE VISIBLE THRU MY BEDROOM WINDOW. AT WHICH TIME I RAN OUTSIDE TO TURN ON THE WATER HOSE TO TURN OFF THE FIRE AS MY FAMILY W...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 8, 2019
THE CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO BYPASS THE IGNITION WITH A JUMPER IN THE FUSEBOX
AIR BAGS
Dec 23, 2018
DRS AIRBAG LIGHT ON ON DASH
Showing 10 recent complaints from 316 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2003 Cadillac models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Cadillac CTS Years
2004 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2003 for complaint and recall shifts.6r229c2005 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2003 for complaint and recall shifts.6r284c2006 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2003 for complaint and recall shifts.6r271c2007 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2003 for complaint and recall shifts.6r217c2008 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2003 for complaint and recall shifts.2r174c2009 Cadillac CTSCompare this year against 2003 for complaint and recall shifts.5r167c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have?
The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has received 316 owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Cadillac CTS.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
An overall NHTSA safety rating is not available in our current dataset for the 2003 Cadillac CTS. Individual crash-test results may still be available.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2003 Cadillac CTS are electrical system (28 reports), exterior lighting (26 reports), engine and engine cooling (23 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2003 Cadillac CTS. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.