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Cadillac CTS 2003 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2003 Cadillac CTS to NHTSA, most often about electrical system.

All reports

40
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE Fire 2023-04-09 · NHTSA 11516158

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).

ENGINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2022-07-05 · NHTSA 11472357

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2021-06-25 · NHTSA 11422321

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.

AIR BAGS 2020-09-17 · NHTSA 11355638

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.

SERVICE BRAKES 2020-07-16 · NHTSA 11339640

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 2020-03-20 · NHTSA 11318864

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2019-12-18 · NHTSA 11289829

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.

SERVICE BRAKES 2019-11-06 · NHTSA 11278555

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), WHICH HE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2019-10-28 · NHTSA 11271664

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.

ENGINE 2019-08-19 · NHTSA 11244966

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 ITS OK IF THE CAR ENGINE IS RUNNING BUT IN PARK MODE. WE ENDED UP GOT THE CAR TOWED TO MERCED. SINCE JULY OF 2019, THE CAR IS THE GARAGE AND NEVER DRIVE. WE ONLY START THE CAR MOSTLY TO WARP UP THE ENGINE BUT NOT DRIVE. WE HAVE A FRIEND MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND CAN'T POINT OUT THE RIGHT PROBLEM, A LOT OF ASSUMPTION POSSIBLE THE THERMOSTAT, OR RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, OR THE FAN, ETC.

POWER TRAIN 2019-04-29 · NHTSA 11204352

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE Fire 2019-03-12 · NHTSA 11186250

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!

AIR BAGS 2018-12-26 · NHTSA 11163404

DRS AIRBAG LIGHT ON ON DASH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2018-10-08 · NHTSA 11138940

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.

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES 2018-10-05 · NHTSA 11133455

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.

ENGINE 2018-07-28 · NHTSA 11114277

I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL ON DALLAS RD IN WEST RICHLAND, WA I STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES TO TURN INTO QUAIL SPRINGS APARTMENT COMPLEX, IDK WHETHER IT WAS DUE TO THE ROAD OR THE WAY I HIT THE BRAKES BUT IT MOVED MY KEY OUT OF THE RUN POSITION CAUSING THE ENGINE TO TURN OFF, I WAS SLOWING DOWN PROGRESSIVELY FROM 55 MILES AN HOUR AND HEARD SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE MY ENGINE HAD FALLEN APART. AFTER GETTING IT STOPPED I POPPED THE HOOD AND NOTICED DAMAGE TO MY TENSIONER PULLEY IT HAD CAME OFF AND MY SERPENTINE BELT HAD SHREDDED, I CALLED AND GOT IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST PLACE I COULD TO GET IT LOOKED AT. WHEN REPLACING THE SERPENTINE BELT THEY SAID IT'D BE GOOD TO CHECK THE TIMING BELT AS WELL JUST IN CASE. UPON CHECKING IT THEY NOTICED PIECES OF SERPENTINE BELT HAD GOTTEN INSIDE OF THERE SOMEHOW CAUSING THE TIMING BELT DAMAGE. WITH THIS TYPE OF ENGINE IF TIMING BELT GETS RUINED 98% VALVES AND PISTONS KISS WHICH CAUSES BENT VALVES ON THE HEAD. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN ANYMORE UNLESS I PUT A BRANDNEW ENGINE IN AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME 6000 FOR THAT, I LOOKED UP A USED ENGINE ON EBAY FOR 650 THEY STILL WANTED 3000, I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY SITTING AROUND AND HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITHOUT MY VEHICLE SINCE THIS HAPPENED. I'VE MISSED WORK AND AM LUCKY ME OR CHILD WEREN'T HURT DURING THIS SITUATION. I CALLED THE LOCAL CADILLAC DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED THE GUY I SPOKE WITH WAS VERY RUDE AND TOLD ME THERES NOTHING THE COULD DO TO HELP ME, I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL AGAIN AND HE SAID I NEED TO CALL CORPORATE I DIALED THE NUMBER HE GAVE ME AND DIDN'T GET THRU TO ANYBODY. LUCKY I LOOKED UP THE NUMBER MYSELF EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO THEM THEY GAVE ME A CASE # AND SAID I'D BE CONTACTED WITHIN 1TO 2 BUSINESS DAYS BY A SENIOR ADVISOR. BOTTOM LINE IS I'M STILL STUCK WITHOUT A WORKING VEHICLE DUE TO THIS RECALL.

SERVICE BRAKES Fire 2018-07-16 · NHTSA 11111750

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND THE LOW BRAKE FLUID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE TIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REFILL THE BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

AIR BAGS,SEATS 2018-07-09 · NHTSA 11110244

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.

AIR BAGS 2018-05-19 · NHTSA 11096879

I PURCHASED A 2003 CADILLAC CTS FROM CAR MART IN ANNISTON, ALABAMA ON OR ABOUT MAY 5, 2017. SHORTLY AFTER SIGNING THE CONTRACT, WHICH INCLUDED AN AIRBAG REFERENCE, THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON. THEY COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES AND INCLUDE SERVICE AIRBAG ANDREW AIRBAG ICON. I DID NOT NOTICE THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER STEERING WHEEL HAD A SMALL CRACK ACROSS IT THAT YOU COULD ACTUALLY SEE THE AIRBAG CONTAINER. AFTER BEING ASSURED THAT AN EXCUTIVE OF THE COMPANY WOULD REVIEW OUR CONTRACT AND GET BACK WITH ME ON THIS COMPLAINT AROUND 2 WEEKS AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF VECHICLE. AS OF TODAY I HAVE HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED EVEN AFTER CALLING AND LEAVING MESSAGES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY.78 WEST WHEN THE LIGHTS FIRST CAME ON AND CONTINUE TO DO SO AT RANDOM TIMES. MY WIFE IS SHORT SO SHE IS ALMOST UP TO THE STEERING WHEEL. I ALSO HAVE A 5 YR OLD DAUGHTER. I AM IN CONSTANT FEAR AND WORRY THAT THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY PREMATURELY OR WHEN HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE. I HAVE CHECKED FOR ANY RECALLS FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND THERE ARE NONE. I WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE I CAN GET TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER Fire 2018-02-04 · NHTSA 11066874

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.

AIR BAGS,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2017-12-24 · NHTSA 11056283

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

AIR BAGS Crash 2017-09-25 · NHTSA 11025439

ON THE MORNING OF 9/21/2017 I WAS IN A ACCIDENT. THE FRONT OF MY CAR ABOVE THE BUMPER WAS SMASHED IN THE ENGINE WAS PUSHED BK AND IS TIPPED. NOT ONE OF MY AIR BAGS WENT OFF IN THE ACCIDENT. MY SON WAS IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY CAR. BY THE AIRBAGS NOT GOING LOFF I COULD'VE DIED AND MY SON WOULD'VE BEEN MOTHERLESS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2017-09-04 · NHTSA 11021360

CAR SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY/AND CITY LEAVING ME TO HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO START BACK UP. WHILE CAR IS ROLLING .

AIR BAGS 1 injured 2017-09-01 · NHTSA 11021071

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO THE REVERSE POSITION, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MINOR PAIN, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE WORDEN-MARTIN BUICK GMC DEALER (1404 N DUNLAP ST, SAVOY, IL) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

STRUCTURE 2017-06-12 · NHTSA 10994435

MY CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT FOR 13 YEARS, ONLY CAME OUT IN THE SUMMER AND WEEKENDS. THE LAST 2 YEARS I HAVE BEEN USING IT AS A DAILY DRIVER.. IN 2012 MY MECHANIC NOTICED A LOT OF CORROSION ON MY CHASIS RAILS, I NOTIFIED CADILLAC, THEY SENT ME TO THE DEALER TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT AND OFFERED ME 3,000 OFF A NEW VEHICLE. 2 WEEKS AGO I WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND MY MECHANIC NOTICED HOW WORSE THE GOT. I CALLED CADILLAC AND THEY TOLD ME THE CORROSION WARRANTY WAS OVER. MY CADILLAC ONLY HAS 113,000 MILES, NOW THAT I NOTICED HOW BAD THEY GOT I WILL NOT PUT MY FAMILY IN THE CAR.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2017-03-20 · NHTSA 10967374

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, SHOULDER, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER Fire 2016-09-30 · NHTSA 10910704

I SAW A BLUE SPAKE WHEN I HAD GOTTEN OUT OF MY CAR AND LEFT THE DOOR OPEN. THE SPARK WAS LOCATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. I GOT BACK IN MY CAR. IT SHOWED THAT THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS AJAR. I RESHOT THE DOOR IT STILL SHOWED THE DOOR WAS AJAR. I PRESSED THE CLEAR BOTTOM THE CAR SEEMED SMOKY I TRIED TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW BUT MY WINDOWS WAS NOT WORKING NOR WAS THE RADIO. I DROVE A MILE TO MY HOME AND PARKED AWAY FROM THE HOUSE. I RUSHED TO GET EVERYTHING OUT OF THE CAR. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN SO I LET THE BACK SEAT DOWN SO I COULD REACH MY THINGS. THE CAR CONTINUED TO SMOKE AND ENDED IN A FULL BLAZE. WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE TRUCK CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE.

VISIBILITY 2016-08-05 · NHTSA 10893565

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT 2016-07-25 · NHTSA 10888335

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT 2016-06-07 · NHTSA 10872979

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.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2016-05-18 · NHTSA 10865652

THE CRANK AND CAM SENSORS HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING OR BEING STOPPED. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN MY CAR AND OTHER GM CARS. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE YOU RECEIVED FOR THIS ISSUE IN GM CARS. IT SEEMS THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS SINCE IT IS A WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED ISSUE AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH CARS STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND WHILE BEING STOPPED. I STALLED ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP, AT A STOP SIGN AND WHILE BEING PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2016-05-10 · NHTSA 10863889

2003 CADILLAC CTS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STARTS UP AND DRIVES FOR A WHILE THEN SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE IDLER ARMS AND CRANK SENSORS WERE REPLACED. *JB

AIR BAGS 2016-04-11 · NHTSA 10854864

PASSENGER SEAT BELT (FEMALE) ASSEMBLY USING A TAKATA INITIATOR (CYLINDER ALONGSIDE THE SEAT) FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SENSOR FAILURE. DEALER SAYS PARTS IN NO LONGER MADE, NO ONE MAKES AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR THE SRS, THEREFORE NO REPAIR CAN BE MADE AND JEOPARDIZES SAFETY AND OMITS THE PURPOSE OF AN SRS.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2016-04-06 · NHTSA 10853813

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ON BOTH SIDES UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHERE THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED WATER LINES THAT DRIPPED ON THE FRAME CAUSING IT TO RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH ON ONE SIDE AND THE OTHER IS ALMOST THERE. THE DEALERSHIP AND AN AUTO BODY MAN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CAR SO THAT I COULD KEEP IT FOR A LONG TIME. I CANNOT DRIVE OR EVEN SELL MY CAR. THIS IS A DEFECT FOR THE 2003 BUT HAS NOT BEEN CALLED AND I WANT TO KNOW WHY? I WANT MY CAR FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER....

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2016-04-06 · NHTSA 10853912

WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVING AT 50 MPH OR HIGHER A MESSAGE IS SENT ACROSS THE DASHBOARD SAYING TO "SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM" I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC SO SENSORS WERE BAD AND HE COULD NOT FIND THE ISSUE, WHEN THIS MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD AT HIGH SPEEDS IT FEELS LIKE ABS KICKS IN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE BRAKES AT ALL, SO THE CAR WILL BRAKE ON ITS OWN AND ALMOST CAUSED A MULTI-CAR PILE UP BECAUSE MY CAR STARTED BRAKING ON ITS OWN OUT OF MY CONTROL

AIR BAGS 1 injured 2016-02-26 · NHTSA 10838587

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE (BACKED IN). I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THEN PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTED IT. MY LEFT HAND WAS ON THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL, MY RIGHT ON THE GEAR SELECTOR, AND MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS I PULLED THE GEAR SELECTOR FROM 'PARK', THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED (VERY LOUD EXPLOSION!). THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND DID NOT MOVE - I RETURNED THE GEAR SELECTOR TO PARK, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND EXITED IT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. I WAS NOT INJURED, EXCEPT FOR THE RINGING IN MY EARS THAT DISSIPATED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

ENGINE 2016-02-03 · NHTSA 10824083

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER OVERNIGHT FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER THAT, DUE TO A STRIPPED SCREW IN THE OIL PAN, THE OIL CHANGE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS RETRIEVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2016-01-17 · NHTSA 10820728

CAR SHUTDOWN DURING DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN DECEMBER 2015

SERVICE BRAKES 2015-12-16 · NHTSA 10810684

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, INCLUDING VIN BREAK WERE THE SAME. REPAIR IS BEING DONE IN FACILITY, NOT UNDER RECALL.

ENGINE 2015-11-05 · NHTSA 10788602

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 GET GASKETS REPLACED BEFORE FURTHER DAMAGE IS CAUSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE AND I RECENTLY SAW ON NEWS WHERE GM RECALLED OTHER MODELS AND YEARS OF VEHICLE WITH SAME ISSUE. WHY WASN'T THIS MODEL CADILLAC INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN IS SHOULD HAVE?

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
Problems with electrical system: 13 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 2 and a fire in 5. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.