Most common 2003 Cadillac CTS problems
Share of the 313 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac CTS complaints by model year
Best CTS years: 2018, 2019, 2017. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005, 2007, 2003. Compare all years →
2003 Cadillac CTS recalls (4)
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.
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.
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,…
Remedy: Dealers are to replace both front brake hose assemblies free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.
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: 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…
Steering
Some passenger vehicles have a condition in which the intermediate steering shaft bolt May be loose.
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.
What 2003 Cadillac CTS owners say
Engine & cooling all 67 →
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 [redacted] call/ text
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 all 56 →
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.
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. …
Brakes all 47 →
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 [redacted] call/ text
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.
2003 Cadillac CTS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Cadillac CTS a good car?
Based on 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 CTS rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the CTS at the same age. It is one of the CTS years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
The engine & cooling — 67 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (56) and brakes (47).
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac CTS, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac CTS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2019 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2005, 2007 and 2003. See the full Cadillac CTS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac CTS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.