Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact turned sharply to avoid an animal. The engine stalled, but the vehicle continued to coast and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact was launched through the windshield. The contact sustained lower back, neck, and head injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system); however, the failure was already experienced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine stalled. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle pushing it off the road. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained back injuries that required medical attention and the other driver sustained hip injuries that also required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign id number: 14V394000 (electrical system). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the repair for NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system) was performed; however, the repair did not remedy the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times while driving and that the 'remove disable key' warning light illuminated. The vehicle could be restarted and resumed to normal function. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the key was difficult to insert, remove, and turn to start the ignition. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V394000 (electrical system) and was repaired, but the failure recurred and worsened. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The contact was not able to turn the key to restart and drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the authorized dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 18% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Cadillac CTS electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-394 (ignition, Jul 2, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac CTS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system 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.