Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shook violently and the brake pedal stiffened. In addition, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle crashed into a steel dumpster. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The driver was injured and required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system), but the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. While driving 35 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000. Updated 2/24/15 updated 03/02/15
Back on July 16th 2019, I was stopped at a stop sign about to get a on the main road. When I was rear ended in my 03 Cadillac Deville. Airbags never deployed, causing the passenger to having whiplash/nerve damage. As per myself, now I have lower back issues.
I was driving on chestnut street in easton, mass on 7/24/2007 around 11:30 p.m. A deer ran out of the woods and I tried to avoid the deer and I hit a utility pole head on and the air bag did not deploy in the 2003 Cadillac Deville.
In September of 2014, I received a recall from the state of massachusetts about (1) part that must be repaired in my 2003 Cadillac Deville sedan: (1) ignition switch 14V355000, the only recall showing up on the GM web-site is the ignition switch and the other three and the first are listed here totaling (4) recalls all together! After entering my make, model, year, and VIN, of my vehicle I received three more urgent recalls ! (2) fuel tank pressure sensor 03V238000, (3) driver air bag 03V051000, and the (4) air bag inflator 02V222000. During a recorded phone conversation an agent and a manager at/from (GM) general motors stated that they do no honor any recalls from safercar.gov/NHTSA or any other web-site as they are "not valid" but their own @GM.com. These are serious recalls that require immediate attention and validation by GM before they are sued for much more than simple repairs! …
2003 Cadillac Deville. Consumer writes in regards to several mechanical defect issues. Consumer sent additional correspondence. The consumer stated the water pump and radiator leaked resulting in a coolant leak, and the engine overheating. An independent mechanic determined the metal brackets holding the left side tank had rusted and caused a crack in the left radiator tank. The engine developed an oil leak from the lower crankcase of the engine block. The oil leak caused a defective design in the lower crank shaft. The mechanic informed the consumer the engine needed to be removed to properly repair the oil leak. Also, the tire pressure light illuminated. The consumer stated that a diagnostic from OnStar of the vehicle displayed a malfunctioned airbag. The consumer requested a formal investigation into these issues. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to start the vehicle and the key was hard to remove from the ignition. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated upon attempting to start the vehicle, which was a safety concern. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that a security module failed and there was a disconnection of the electrical system. The vehicle was then taken to vinings enterprises inc. (904 n tennessee st, cartersville, ga 30120, [phone]), but the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.
I took my 2003 cad.Deville to vince webb cad dealer in pensacola fl. Oct.25th to get the keys fixed and the air bags fixed. I took with me NHTSA recall number 2002-08-14. The service writer insisted that there is no recall on this car. I then called GM customer service and got the same the same thing. Now I'd like to know witch one is right, your recall number (2002-08-14 or 03V051000)? Or vince webb no? The light that indicates air bag came on about two weeks ago and I feel that there is a safety issue here and the dealer said they will fix it for $90 dollers, but I feel that if they check the recall it might be what the check air bag light is trying to tell me.
Related recalls
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.
Airbag complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2003 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Cadillac Deville, 17% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Cadillac Deville airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-051 (inflator module, Feb 14, 2003); NHTSA recall 02V-222 (frontal, Aug 9, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac Deville airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 15 injuries to air bags 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.