NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System Problems

3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,112 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Cadillac CTS cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2003 Cadillac CTS Owner Comments

problem #7

Oct 272009

CTS 6-cyl

  • 68,782 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I've had numerous problems ever since I bought my 2003 Cadillac Cts. My engine starts smoking under the hood when I turn on my heater when it's cold outside. I replaced my brake lights several times. My windshield wiper module is broke. I had to get a new motor for my window because that broke. I had nothing but problems with this car and many other people have the same conditions as me. Why isn't it on recall "?" I mean we paid good money for it so we should get the same quality back !!! I know GM has to review our comments. They just don't care about there customers. GM needs better customer service because there service sucks!!!! recall....recall....recall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Lynn Haven, FL, USA

problem #6

Oct 292010

CTS 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
2003 Cts - service tracking system began to display and engage frequently. Took to local dealer and was told nothing was wrong with vehicle. Problem continued and began vibrating badly and pulling toward left (unable to brake). Returned vehicle several times before they replaced "steering sensor" $650. Two months later began to lose power immediately after start up, dealer replaced battery. While driving vehicle home problem began again. Displayed low battery, then multiple warning lights for service (ABS, tracking, airbag ect...). returned vehicle to dealer and they are currently replacing alternator. I have no confidence that this is the real problem based on what I have read on-line regarding this same issue. I also have same leakage issues from both coolant and oil sources that I have read on-line. Dealer continues to tell me to replace both gaskets and thermostat. These again are common issues that are posted consistently on-line by consumers. These are seriously dangerous failures based on people's personal safety. GM must step up and honor these safety issues by recalling these items. Inability to control vehicle due to tracking system engaging and not able to brake, vehicle losing power and stalling while driving 50 miles an hour, and lastly fire hazard due to leaking plastic valve cover gaskets.

- Brandon, FL, USA

problem #5

Feb 072010

CTS 6-cyl

  • 121,000 miles
Engine oil leaks into the coolant system through the oil cooler located in under the intake manifold. The coolant will then turn into a thick substance which does not easily flow through the coolant system and the car engine will overheat. To correct the failure the oil cooler needs to be replaced as well as all rubber coolant lines and then the coolant system needs to be flushed to remove all contaminated coolant. Typical cost is around 4500 dollars for parts and labor. The mileage on my car was 121,000 when this happened but from reading on line many other people have had this same problem with mileage from 50,000 on up.

- Kingman , AZ, USA

problem #4

Oct 132008

CTS 6-cyl

  • 49,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

V6 engine with coolant leaks. 3rd time something dealing with a leak reason for service. This time a water pump that lead to broken, crack pulley. I can find no one ever having this problem. I have been without a car almost 30 days.

- Trotwood, OH, USA

problem #3

Mar 292003

CTS 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Low coolant message three times in my Cadillac Cts dic. Dealer found nothing wrong, but added antifreeze every time. Antifreeze under the car took to dealer, antifreeze leaking from oil cooler plate. Car would not start even after a jump. Needed new ignition relay and battery.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

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problem #2

Nov 302002

(reported on)

CTS

  • miles
The vehicle was in for repairs twice concerning a coolant problem. The dealership could not find the problem. The coolant reservoir was replaced, and then a month later there was a leak coming from the engine cooler, also it takes two to three cranks before the engine starts and the engine is burning oil to fast.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #1

Oct 252002

(reported on)

CTS

  • miles
8/13/02 malformed fuel tank inlet hose replaced; 8/28/02 low coolant sensor internal failure, replaced coolant reservois and added coolant; 9/17/02 red fluid leaking from engine oil cooler. Resealed oil cooler and again filled cooling system; 10/8/02 now car must be cranked several times before engine starts. Car is a lemon.

- Durham, NC, USA

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