Most common 2003 Cadillac Deville problems
Share of the 145 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Deville complaints by model year
Best Deville years: 2005, 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 1996, 2000. Compare all years →
2003 Cadillac Deville 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 23, 2014.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, Oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and Pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged v6 (3.8l) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
On certain Mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that May not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on March 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Air bags › Frontal
Certain passenger, Mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
What 2003 Cadillac Deville owners say
Electrical system all 52 →
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The power steering was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the message that the key was not detected was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced at the dealer under Manufacturer Recall Number: N140299. The contact stated that the failure had occurred before receiving the recall repair notification. The failure reoccurred after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch seized. Occasionally, the contact was able to wiggle the switch for the ignition to operate. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn or operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was able to replace the ignition switch on three or four occasions. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine & cooling all 26 →
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt affected. I just want my car to be safe on the road as i have kids, and family that ride with me regularly.
After taking off from a stop sign, I drove up over about 1 1/2 inch vertical rise in the pavement (small bump). The engine and electrical systems shut down. I lost power stirring and power brakes. I got stopped and restarted the engine. This occurred about 3 days after I had taken my car to the GM dealer for repairs covered by GM recall 14299, "unintended ignition key rotation". My key did not rotate. Yesterday April 2, 2015 when driving 45 MPH on a state highway, the engine stopped again without hitting any bumps. I was able to coast, put the car in neutral, and restart the engine, before the car behind me could hit me. There was no shoulder to pull off.again there was no key rotation. I called my GM dealer after the first occurrence and was told I would have to pay for a new ignition switch or what ever was causing the problem. …
Air bags all 25 →
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 30 MPH and approaching a stop light, the brake pedal was applied, but the contact's foot slipped. As a result, the contact crashed into the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact and the passenger sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a parked vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and jaw injuries and the other two passengers sustained neck and back injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system); however, the parts needed for the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
2003 Cadillac Deville engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Cadillac Deville a good car?
Based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Deville rates better than average: 58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Deville at the same age. It is one of the best Deville years by this measure. 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 Deville?
The electrical system — 52 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the engine & cooling (26) and air bags (25).
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac Deville have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Cadillac Deville, the most recent from June 23, 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 Deville?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 1996 and 2000. See the full Cadillac Deville years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac Deville problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 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.