Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
Just got off the xway, stopped at red light. While waiting at the light, which was stuck red for about 5 min, both (HID) head lights failed at the same time. They flashed on & off 3 times, than stayed out. I switched on the fog lights so I could drive the last 3 miles home. The dealer had to replace both lights at a cost of over $2,000. The dealer had no idea what caused both to fail at the same time. I wrote a letter to Cadillac customer service. They called me and said they would not forward the info to a technical dept to determine the cause. I estimate there are 10,000 miles on these lights. I wrote a second to Cadillac, again they called me and said they were closing the file on this case. To me this is a safety issue as it could happen again at 70 MPH on a curve. These (HID) lights are a pricey option and are sold that under normal use they should last the life of the car.
I've had numerous problems ever since I bought my 2003 Cadillac CTS. My engine starts smoking under the hood when I turn on my heater when it's cold outside. I replaced my brake lights several times. My windshield wiper module is broke. I had to get a new motor for my window because that broke. I had nothing but problems with this car and many other people have the same conditions as me. Why isn't it on recall ??? I mean we paid good money for it so we should get the same quality back !!! I know GM has to review our comments. They just don't care about there customers. GM needs better customer service because there service sucks!!!! Recall....recall....recall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 updated 08/23/2017
2003 Cadillac safety issues: premature and rampant failure of the ebcm - electronic brake control module. It is widely known these modules fail and cannot be rebuilt. Dealer cost is over $500 with most dealers charging more than $750. Premature and rampant failure of the rear center brake light. GM even admitted failure of the neon lights used for this application and quickly switched to a reliable light media. Replacements range from $250 used (if you can find one that works) to $500 retail at GM. Both of these units are known high failure items and both cost a fortune through your local GM dealer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 60 to 70 MPH, the rear license plate cover fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rear light module was replaced with a new, improved module. The back up lamps and the rear finish panel was also replaced with a safer panel. The manufacturer advised that the failure was not considered a safety hazard and would not provide any assistance. The contact believed the failure to be a manufacturing defect. The failure mileage was 50,556 and the current mileage was 50,700.
The rear back up light panel has a plastic cover over it. Mine fell off and I am having a terrible time replacing it. I contacted Cadillac, but they don't sell that piece anymore. They have redesigned a replacement that will not fall off but it costs over $500 and Cadillac won't cover it because they claim it has not been recalled. As I drive up and down the streets and highways in chicago, I notice many 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS are also missing this part. How can this plastic part fall off with out cause and yet not be recalled?
2003 Cadillac CTS - the backup light assembly came off in car wash... Dealerships are well aware of problem but say their hands are tied because of GM. They said the reason was because the supplier to Cadillac used an incorrect epoxy to build the part. GM knows about the issue but will do nothing. Part is over $550 to replace!! One search on internet brings up hundreds of complaints for same issue. This is ridiculous. I called Cadillac and they said they would call if a recall was issued, but they can do nothing more.
(corrected complaint) headlight low beam on the Cadillac CTS 2003 has a black bar that reduces vision to about 75 feet and on dark country roads, this shortened vision is extremely dangerous. The headlight should be a recall before serious accidents occur as a result of this condition. What was Cadillac thinking? Cadillac doesn't seem to think there is a problem but obviously they don't ever drive their product on dark roads at night. This headlight problem needs to be corrected!! It is awful!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the rear tag panel detached from the vehicle and as a result, water was entering and damaging the wiring of the brake lamps. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the adhesive that was used to hold the panel was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 103,000.
Headlight complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 12% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Cadillac CTS headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2003 Cadillac CTS, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac CTS headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.