NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac CTS; the most frequently affected component is electrical system — ignition. Owners filed 321 complaints, most often about electrical system. Among the 15 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #7 for number of recalls.
Electrical system — IgnitionCampaign 14V394000 · 02 Jul 2014
Problem: 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.
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic — Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCampaign 10V105000 · 17 Mar 2010
Problem: 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.
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.
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.
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
SteeringCampaign 03V115000 · 24 Mar 2003
Problem: Some passenger vehicles have a condition in which the intermediate steering shaft bolt may be loose.
Risk: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 39 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system13 · 33%
Air bags9 · 23%
Engine9 · 23%
Service brakes7 · 18%
Electronic stability control (esc)5 · 13%
Fuel/propulsion system3 · 8%
Steering3 · 8%
Structure3 · 8%
When complaints were filed
20152
201611
20176
20188
20196
20203
20211
20221
20231
From owner complaints
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 128,900.
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,…
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),…
Purchased car from dealership in oct 2015. While driving, i begin to smell burning oil and noticed oil leak under vehicle on left side. Took it to a mechanic to see where leak is coming from and he stated that valve cover gasket is leaking oil out as well as oil is present in the spark plug reservoirs. Will have to…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.