Most common 2003 Cadillac STS problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac STS complaints by model year
Best STS years: 2002, 1999, 2003. Years to avoid: 2006, 2005, 2008, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2003 Cadillac STS owners say
Engine & cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle at various speeds between 5 to 50 MPH the engine stalled without warning, this incident occurred four times. The vehicle has not been to the dealership to be inspected. The manufacturer has not been alerted. The dealer corrected the problem by replacing the battery and crankshaft sensor. Updated 02/21/06.
While driving the bolt came out of the steering column. There were engine problems/stalling, air bag light had come on, the radio cuts on by itself, horn was inoperative, engine light would come on, and steering wheel locked up. Recall #0311500 in re: Cadillac cts. Scc
Electrical system
Vehicle was idling in driveway during strong electrical storm. Lightning appeared to hit a tree nearby. Simultaneously, several dash warning lights came on and stayed on, including anti-lock brake, traction and stability control warnings. Call was made to insurance company and vehicle towed to Cadillac dealership. Service department said cause of the warning light was a bolt near wire to anti-lock brake power control module had worn insulation off, causing failure of power control module.if indeed lightning/power surge did not cause this problem, improperly located bolt or design would seem to be defective.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle at various speeds between 5 to 50 MPH the engine stalled without warning, this incident occurred four times. The vehicle has not been to the dealership to be inspected. The manufacturer has not been alerted. The dealer corrected the problem by replacing the battery and crankshaft sensor. Updated 02/21/06.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Cadillac STS a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 STS rates average: 27% fewer complaints than a typical year of the STS at the same age. It is one of the best STS 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 STS?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (3) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Cadillac STS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Cadillac STS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac STS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 1999 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2005, 2008 and 2007. See the full Cadillac STS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Cadillac STS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 19,000 miles; 67% 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.