2003 Cadillac CTS recalls and problems
The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 4 safety recalls and 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Cadillac CTS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Cadillac CTS recalls
Recall 14V-394: Electrical System
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 10V-105: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-250: Equipment
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-115: Steering
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.
Fix: 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.
2003 Cadillac CTS problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 57 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 42 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 39 | |
| Air Bags | 38 | |
| Engine | 29 | |
| Steering | 28 | |
| Power Train | 26 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 26 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 24 | |
| Structure | 22 | |
| Service Brakes | 21 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 20 |
Most reported parts
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 12
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 11
- Structure › Body — 9
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 7
- Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 7
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 7
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 5
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,300 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Cadillac CTS complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Cadillac CTS years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac CTS: 14V-394 (electrical system), 10V-105 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-250 (equipment), 03V-115 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (57 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,300 miles.
Are Cadillac recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.