Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Cadillac CTS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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, [phone]) 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system). The contact was informed by the technicians that the brake lines and calipers needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The contact was advised of NHTSA campaign number: 10V105000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,578.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop after the brakes were engaged. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor boards. The vehicle was not taken in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Recall 03V115000 concerning intermediate steering shaft bolt. While driving 5-10 MPH vehicle suddenly lost, steering gear off to the right and hit a curb. This was the second incident that occurred with this issue. The consumer stated that at the time of the accident the break line was bad as indicated on the traction control indicator.
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.
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.
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 15% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Cadillac CTS brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-105 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 17, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac CTS brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.