The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 321 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag transmission problems: includes shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and complete failure. affects the 8-speed automatic (8l45/8l90) in later models and older automatics in earlier models. very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 7 CTS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 321 (2003). With 321 complaints, the 2003 CTS sits abovethe model's median of 175.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 14V394000This 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 a…
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 10V105000GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUS…
equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Campaign 03V250000CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE ME…
steering
Campaign 03V115000SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and specific powertrain. The third-generation CTS (2014-2019) and its high-performance variants (CTS-V, V-Sport) receive significant praise for their handling dynamics, competitive…
Owner insights cover all generations of the CTS. See the full CTS owner picture and every model year.
Used CTS listings typically run $10,979–$17,080 across 2008 to 2019 model years.
Compare every CTS year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.