RoadVitals

2003 Cadillac CTS Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
313
Latest Apr 9, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
41

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Cadillac CTS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

67
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the coolant tank please help me I don't know what to do. To complete this message I've even had a smog twice nonpassable. - Thank you any Questions [XXX] call/ text INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11516158 · filed Apr 9, 2023

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 restart the vehicle. Other times the contact would have to pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ID 11472357 · filed Jul 5, 2022
All 67 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11422321 · filed Jun 25, 2021

THE CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO BYPASS THE IGNITION WITH A JUMPER IN THE FUSEBOX

NHTSA ID 11318864 · filed Mar 20, 2020
All 59 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the coolant tank please help me I don't know what to do. To complete this message I've even had a smog twice nonpassable. - Thank you any Questions [XXX] call/ text INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11516158 · filed Apr 9, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11339640 · filed Jul 16, 2020
All 48 reports naming brakes

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING 70+MPH ON FREEWAY IN FAST LANE. CAR STOP ACCERLATING AND NO RPM THE STEELING WHEEL THEN LOCKED ON ME WHILE IN THE FAST LANE ON FREEWAY. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY OFF FREEWAY.

NHTSA ID 11138940 · filed Oct 8, 2018

WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE STABILITY SYSTEM ENGAGED, I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, COULD NOT ENGAGE BRAKES, VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER & STALLED IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. LASTLY, THE BRAKES VIBRATE AND THE CAR'S VALVE COVER GASKETS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH MAY LEAK & START A FIRE.

NHTSA ID 11133455 · filed Oct 5, 2018
All 42 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CHECK AIR BAG WARNING KEEPS COMING ON. WHEN BROUGHT TO DEALER TO FIX THEY SAID IT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND IT NEEDS TO BE SINCE OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11355638 · filed Sep 17, 2020

DRS AIRBAG LIGHT ON ON DASH

NHTSA ID 11163404 · filed Dec 26, 2018
All 36 reports naming airbags

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE VEHICLE DOORS WITH THE KEY FOB, THE HEADLIGHTS AND OVERHEAD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED EXTREMELY BRIGHT AND THEN DIMMED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A LEGAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

NHTSA ID 10872979 · filed Jun 7, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND ANTI-THEFT WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RUNNING LIGHTS AND THE FOG LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND FAILED TO TURN OFF EVEN WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN OFF AND THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 12/09/14*LJ UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT

NHTSA ID 10598792 · filed Jun 17, 2014
All 36 reports naming exterior lighting

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the coolant tank please help me I don't know what to do. To complete this message I've even had a smog twice nonpassable. - Thank you any Questions [XXX] call/ text INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11516158 · filed Apr 9, 2023

WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE STABILITY SYSTEM ENGAGED, I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, COULD NOT ENGAGE BRAKES, VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER & STALLED IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. LASTLY, THE BRAKES VIBRATE AND THE CAR'S VALVE COVER GASKETS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH MAY LEAK & START A FIRE.

NHTSA ID 11133455 · filed Oct 5, 2018
All 28 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 WAS SLEEPING IN THE HOUSE. MY HUSBAND'S CAR WAS RIGHT NEXT TO MY CADI THAT HAD A FULL TANK OF FUEL. I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO TURN OFF THE FIRE ON THE CADILLAC CTS 2003. AND FOR MORE THAN TEN MINUTES THE FIRE WAS STILL BLAZING AS THE FIREMEN UNABLE TO CONTROL THE FLAMES. MY CAR IS GONE AS IT BURNED DOWN. PLEASE HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPENED. I ONLY CARRIED LIABILITY AS THIS WAS ALL I COULD AFFORD. I THANK THE LORD THAT EVEN WHEN WE WERE IN HARM'S WAY, HE JEHOVAH GOD PROTECTED US. ALL THE GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST THAT THEIR WAS NO LOST OF LIFE. MATERIAL THINGS CAN BE REPLACED. I AM GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND GRACE. HE HAS TOTAL CONTROL AND I KNOW THAT HE WAS WITH US. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THESE CARS HAVE A HISTORY OF CATCHING ON FIRE. I AM GLAD THAT WE WERE NOT ON THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. MY MOTHER SUFFERED A STROKE AND THIS COULD OF BEEN MORE DETRIMENTAL BUT GOD DID NOT PERMIT THE HAND OF THE ENEMY TO TOUCH US PHYSICALLY, HALELUJAH TO THE LAMB OF GOD! I AM BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD! I KNOW THAT HE WILL GIVE US JUSTICE BECAUSE HE DOES NOT FORSAKE HIS CHILDREN AND HE IS A GOD THAT DOES NOT LIE. HE IS GOD EMANUEL! HE IS MY SHALOM!

NHTSA ID 11186250 · filed Mar 12, 2019

MY 2003 CADILLAC CTS CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMAN SAID THAT IT WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR HOURS AND FIRE STARTED WHILE WE WAS SLEEPING. THE WHOLE ENGINE IS BURNT UP AND THE CAR IS TOTALED. NOW I HAVE NO CAR AND NO MONEY TO GET ANOTHER CAR.

NHTSA ID 11066874 · filed Feb 4, 2018
All 22 reports naming body & structure

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND AND THE GEARS SLIPPED WITHOUT WARNING. MARTIN BUICK GMC (12101 W OLYMPIC BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90064, (310) 622-9334) WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY; THEREFORE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AFTER SEVERAL EXTENSIVE REPAIRS FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED WITH A LOANER VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN THREE MONTHS. THE DEALER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT WITHOUT IT BEING REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CASE MANAGER WAS TO FOLLOW-UP WITH THE DEALER AND OWNER TO DETERMINE IF THERE WERE GUIDELINES FOR A REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ID 11204352 · filed Apr 29, 2019

THE PCV VALVE SYSTEM DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. ON (4) OCCASIONS THE PRESSURE BUILD-UP CAUSING MASSIVE OIL LEAKS AT THE VALVE COVER. I EXPERIENCED SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS OIL LEAKED ONTO A HOT ENGINE. A POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE. IT TOOK YEARS FOR THE CADILLAC DEALERS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A EXTREME COLD WEATHER ISSUE. THE AUTOMOBILE WAS IN ARIZONA FOR A FEW YEARS AND THE ISSUE WAS NOT A PROBLEM BUT ONCE RETURNED TO MICHIGAN, THE PROBLEM GOT SERIOUS. I HAVE ALL OF MY REPAIR DOCUMENTS. THIS CAR SHOULD HAS BEEN RECALLED. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS LUCKY AS I WAS NEAR DEALERS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10683560 · filed Feb 15, 2015
All 18 reports naming powertrain (other)

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. FURTHERMORE, THE "REMOVE KEY" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AND THE DOOR LOCK AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED WINTER CHEVROLET (3750 CENTURY CT, PITTSBURG, CA 94565, (925) 232-0290) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKES, KEY, AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA ID 11271664 · filed Oct 28, 2019

DRIVING 70+MPH ON FREEWAY IN FAST LANE. CAR STOP ACCERLATING AND NO RPM THE STEELING WHEEL THEN LOCKED ON ME WHILE IN THE FAST LANE ON FREEWAY. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY OFF FREEWAY.

NHTSA ID 11138940 · filed Oct 8, 2018
All 11 reports naming fuel system

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, MADE A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE, AND THE FRONT END VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CARRIER BEARING HOUSING AND BRACKETS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000.

NHTSA ID 10639928 · filed Sep 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STABILIZATION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,000. UPDATED 8/28/14*CN UPDATED 9/10/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10599025 · filed Jun 17, 2014
All 11 reports naming suspension

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRACTION CONTROL ALWAYS COME ON,AIR BAGS LIGHTS ON,CUTS OFF IF IDLE TO LONG

NHTSA ID 11056283 · filed Dec 24, 2017

DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY W/ BRAND NEW SUMITOMO TIRES FOR REAR PURCHASED ON 1/10/15, THE REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEW CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL SENDING ME INTO THE GUARDRAIL THEN SPUN OUT INTO THE HIGHWAY LANDING HORIZONTAL ACROSS ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC WITH MY TRUNK END IN THE HOV LANE. I WAS THEN STRUCT BY A BOX TRUCK, SPINNING ME BACK AROUND AND TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THE SIDEWALLS TO THE TIRE WE STILL ATTACHED TO THE RIM AND THE TREAD FACE HAD DETACHED. *JS

NHTSA ID 10681903 · filed Feb 7, 2015
All 10 reports naming other / unspecified

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 restart the vehicle. Other times the contact would have to pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ID 11472357 · filed Jul 5, 2022

2003 CADILLAC CTS - I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 03/10/07, WITHIN 1 MONTH THE FIRST FAILURE WAS DUE TO A TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE $370.00. THE NEXT FAILURE WAS A MONTH LATER WHEN THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WENT BAD $752.12

NHTSA ID 10191625 · filed May 24, 2007
All 9 reports naming transmission

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2003 CADILLAC CTS CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMAN SAID THAT IT WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR HOURS AND FIRE STARTED WHILE WE WAS SLEEPING. THE WHOLE ENGINE IS BURNT UP AND THE CAR IS TOTALED. NOW I HAVE NO CAR AND NO MONEY TO GET ANOTHER CAR.

NHTSA ID 11066874 · filed Feb 4, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WITH A LOUD NOISE. THE GLASS SHATTERED INTO PIECES WITHOUT WARNING. THE PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEAT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY SAW A SPARK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OLD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA ID 10893565 · filed Aug 5, 2016
All 9 reports naming visibility

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE COMMENCED TO FISH TAIL WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10097599 · filed Oct 25, 2004

GOODYEAR EAGLE 225/55R16 DOT#M6T4LNDR1203 THE CONSUMER HAD THE TIRES ROTATED ON HIS VEHICLE EVERY 4 MONTHS. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS ONLY 23,000MI ON THE TIRES. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS PUT A HOLD ON THE PRODUCTION OF THESE TIRES. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

NHTSA ID 10089311 · filed Aug 19, 2004
All 8 reports naming tires & wheels

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE ECM REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA ID 10888335 · filed Jul 25, 2016

BRAKES PULSATE WHEN THEY ARE BEING APPLIED, CAUSING DELAY IN STOPPING TIME. AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR IS GONE OUT AND HAS METAL GOING THROUGH THE SYSTEM. HAVE TO GET COMPRESSOR REPLACED ALREADY AND IT IS GOING TO COST AN ADDITIONAL $2300. CAR PULLS VIOLENTLY TO LEFT OR RIGHT, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS, THE STEERING SYSTEM SENSOR IS GONE OUT AND IS GOING TO COST $500 TO GET REPLACED. FM RADIO HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND WORKS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE WORKING. THIS IS THE NEWEST CAR I'VE HAD AND THE WORST CAR. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR WITH THIS MANY PROBLEMS, I THINK THIS CAR IS A TOTAL DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I WAS AT 51000 MILES WHEN THE AIR COMPRESSOR WENT OUT AND I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS UP. THAT IS CLEARLY FAULTY EQUIPMENT THAT WAS USED IN THIS CAR IT IS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS, AND IT HAS MANY PROBLEMS WHICH I FEEL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10164890 · filed Aug 8, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MINOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DRIVERS SEATBELT BUCKLE EXPLODED RELEASING SEATBELT, STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED FROM THE SIDE. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10247456 · filed Nov 2, 2008

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE HEAD REST FAILED. CONSUMER, AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. *AK...CONSUMER AND WIFVE SUFFERED WHIPLASH. IT REQUIRED SEVERAL MONTHS OF DOCTOR VISITS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. *AK

NHTSA ID 10103370 · filed Dec 8, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIRBAG LIGHT IS STUCK ON. AFTER RESEARCHING ISSUE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS CAR WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. SEEMS LIKE THE SAME REASON THE OTHER CARS WERE RECALLED.

NHTSA ID 11110244 · filed Jul 9, 2018

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT ON 2003 CADILLAC CTS IT IS VERY HARD TO GET THE CAR SEAT IN AND OUT OF THE CAR. THERE SHOULD BE SOME WAY THAT THE CAR SEAT COULD BE PUT IN EASIER. *AK

NHTSA ID 10137098 · filed Sep 20, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .