Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
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).
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.
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.
2003 CTS - service tracking system began to display and engage frequently. Took to local dealer and was told nothing was wrong with vehicle. Problem continued and began vibrating badly and pulling toward left (unable to brake). Returned vehicle several times before they replaced "steering sensor" $650.00. Two months later began to lose power immediately after start up, dealer replaced battery. While driving vehicle home problem began again. Displayed low battery, then multiple warning lights for service (ABS, tracking, airbag ect...). Returned vehicle to dealer and they are currently replacing alternator. I have no confidence that this is the real problem based on what I have read on-line regarding this same issue. I also have same leakage issues from both coolant and oil sources that I have read on-line. Dealer continues to tell me to replace both gaskets and thermostat. …
My daughter was driving her dad's 2003 Cadillac CTS on 1st March 2014 when she was involved in an accident. A vehicle tried to move over into her lane and when she tried to avoid the car she skidded and spun 360 degree and came to a full stop in a "t" position on the highway in atlanta. After it stopped, the car was completely shut off and could not get started. Thereafter another car broadsided the car and knock it to the curb moving the vehicle form the "t" position. Her dad contacted marietta Cadillac dealer a few days later and informed them of the shut-off and asked if there were any recalls. The dealer said they would check and call back. There was no further response from the marietta, Cadillac dealer. …
Was entering the on ramp on to a freeway and just tapped the brake and noticed and heard the left front tire grind and the steering wheel pulled to the left real hard. I was going into a blind under pass and thought that if it seized up around the blind corner I would surely be in an accident. I first thought that a stone chip was in between the brake and rotor. The car was towed away to a aaa location about 3 miles away. The service station then took it out around the block and was not able to duplicate. The put the car up and the lift and could not see anything that was wrong. Then I took them out around the block real slow and the left front brakes would grind away. They tested it and could not find anything wrong no error codes. They I said could drive the car home from san diego to south orange county not didn't make it a block away before it locked up the left front tire. …
I purchased this vehicle in November 2011 with approx. 97,000 miles showing on the odometer. During a thanksgiving holiday trip of some 1600 miles, consisting mostly of highway driving with the cruise control engaged, and for no apparent reason, the asc (automatic stability control) would disengage the cruise control, "tug" the vehicle to the left or right slightly, seemed to have a slight braking effect (although it May have been the sudden deceleration that caused the sense of braking) and would display " stability control engaged". This occurred numerous times. Also, on this same trip, the "traction control" would engage, without warning or need, and disengage the cruise control causing sudden, unexpected, deceleration. This too happened numerous times. Although I did notice that the "traction control" seemed to engage when in a curve on rough or bumpy roads. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle swayed abnormally from side to side with the illumination of the stability traction sensor light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the stability traction sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 80,204. The consumer stated back in 2012, she started having issues with the stability traction engaged displaying on the screen. When the foot pedal started to vibrate, she checked the manual to find the cause, and it stated the stability traction sensor needed to be replaced. After being quoted a price, of $500, she decided to wait. …
While driving at a steady and even speed my car would suddenly pulled to the left as if the left front wheel had the break apply. Almost instantly my "stability system engaged" display would go on and the car would correct itself. This went on to become a regular event with each time I took the car out. The most it occurred was 30 or so times in a 90 mile trip, but it happened regularly on local 2 mile trips to the store. Sometimes it would be more severe than others . In addition and occasionally, when the breaks were applied, there would be a "loudish" crunch sound and resistance to foot pressure that would give way after the initial break application. There was also a vibration "buzz" through the gas pedal when this all would occur. The first time I took the car to the dealer they could not find anything wrong or duplicate the problem. …
When driving it would engage to stability mode and also service stability.. However the car would get out of control and it would be as if you put you brakes on when you were in water... But no water and I hadn't put the brake until I had to.. Because it went out of control for a quick (but more frequent) time...I took it in finally and asked if there were any recalls becausewhen I purchased it in 2003 new. I had to have the shaft bolt fixed ... Then I had to have the air bag serviced and they charged me for that another time. Then my seat motor went out. Etc. All within the 1st 5 years with low mileage too. So I've bee waiting to fix this since I am a widow and don't who to trust anymore... I was told this time it is leaking in the differential and that's why it runs rough and jolts when I put in gear...and the thermostat and 2 caps in front leaking ... Who knows.. …
I have a 2003 Cadillac CTS with 52,000. Miles ..I bought it new /demo with 4,000. Miles on it. In the last two years I have had the car in the repair shop at the dealership 4x. The stability engaged system light appears and the car pulls to the left and the accelerator pedal vibrates. They can not fix and have replaced several areas of front end. Sse light still appears and is now more frequent. Yesterday it happened 6x in 20 min. I got off at the next exit and then upon brake pressure, vibrating pedal, ABS engaged. I have been to many forums to try to find a fix for this problem to no avail. This problem is increasing and the car pulling and vibrating is going to cause an accident. Is that what it's going to take to demand this problem be repaired?you have to look into this problem. …
Traction Control complaints in other CTS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2003 Cadillac CTS?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 8% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is automatic (asc) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Cadillac CTS traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to stability & traction control 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.