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 Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Ignition recall: on 12 March 2015 I took my 2003 Cadillac Deville into valley Cadillac rochester, ny as part of the GM ignition recall. Prior to that my vehicle would just shut down for no reason. After having my vehicle serviced, I hit a pot hole on the city street and my vehicle stopped running. Last week I was turning a corner after coming off the freeway off ramp turning on to a city street and my vehicle stopped again and everything locked up. The recall fix did not repair my vehicle. I am calling valley Cadillac first thing Monday to get it serviced again.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system) and that the recall remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 3/31/15
My car turns off while driving. No power for brakes, steering or lights. I had recall for key rotation completed last week but my car turned off last night while doing 70 on interstate. The mossy of picayune dealership states that the recall May not be the cause but from what I read before taking car in...the problem with key rotation causes car to turn off without warning. I consider this a life threatening problem and need to know how to proceed to prevent bodily harm to myself and possibly others. The car had been turning off prior to the recall.
For the second time in about one month, the engine died and electric power went out (dashboard lights). The car restarted without difficulty when I pulled off the road and put it into park. We received a recall notice on this vehicle in August. After the first incident I carefully checked the battery cables and found nothing wrong. The battery is almost new. After getting the recall notice I checked the operation of the ignition switch and I found that the detent works perfectly. I had turn the key ccw by a large amount to turn off the engine and no amount of jiggling would cause the fault. Two different keys were involved in the two episodes. There is no possibility that my failures are related to weight hanging on the key.even so I asked the local dealer as well as the GM hotline when they can install the "fixes" and I was told that no parts May be available for months. …
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! …
I was driving at approximately 60 mhp on i77 north - without notice of any kind it became very difficult to steer my vehicle and I lost control as well as all power & acceleration. All of this happened so fast but I looked down and noticed several dash board/warning lights on. These lights normally only go on for a second or so when starting the car. Having no power or acceleration I was able to navigate my car to the side of the road with out an accident but immediately noticed that my ignition was already turned off. The ignition key was not all the off - just in the position as if I was parked and wanted to listen to the radio. Once pulled over I placed the car in "park" turned the key all the way off and restarted the car. It started right up. However, now both my "service engine soon light" and "air bag" light stays illuminated at all times. …
A recall letter was sent to me, I contacted to GM to let them know their recall was a little too late and luckily I was not on the road when this happened I was in a store parking lot when this occurred. I experienced complete loss of brakes,steering and electrical. I thought it was a battery issue. I purchased a new battery. I had to carry the battery 3 miles each way, it was not the battery .car was towed, repairs were found to be ignition problem and a module needed to be replaced, costing over $800, how do I get reimbursed for this? GM said they would get back to me and its been 3 weeks,I have heard nothing. I would appreciate your help. I have all the receipts and had we been told of the recall a big expense might of been saved,how do I get some sort of claim form to get reimbursed?
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 23, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Cadillac Deville, 36% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Cadillac Deville electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac Deville electrical 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 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.