10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,507 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2003 Cadillac CTS Owner Comments

problem #10

Jun 012018

CTS

  • 59,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that the transmission assembly made an abnormal sound and the gears slipped without warning. Martin Buick GMC (12101 w olympic blvd, los angeles, ca 90064, (310) 622-9334) was unable to provide a permanent remedy; therefore, the failure continued. The vehicle was not repaired after several extensive repairs from the dealer. The contact was provided with a loaner vehicle for more than three months. The dealer returned the vehicle to the contact without it being repaired. The vehicle was unable to be driven safely. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the case manager was to follow-up with the dealer and owner to determine if there were guidelines for a repair. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #9

Jan 242013

CTS 6-cyl

  • 104,492 miles
The PCV valve system design is defective. On (4) occasions the pressure build-up causing massive oil leaks at the valve cover. I experienced smoke from the engine compartment as oil leaked onto a hot engine. A potential engine fire. It took years for the Cadillac dealers to correct the problem. This is a extreme cold weather issue. The automobile was in Arizona for a few years and the issue was not a problem but once returned to Michigan, the problem got serious. I have all of my repair documents. This car should has been recalled. It is not safe to drive. I was lucky as I was near dealers when this occurred.

- Northville, MI, USA

problem #8

Jan 062015

CTS 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Cts. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle jerked without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 2/24/15 updated 9/15/2017

- Fort Mill, SC, USA

problem #7

Aug 122013

CTS

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Cts. While parked, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a dumpster. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #6

Mar 052012

CTS

  • 92,000 miles
Driving down road it just cut off other times it just would not start I have had it 3yrs and only got to drive it 2 mths I really wanted this car but never knew what was going to happen!also some kind of seal we had fixed blew maybe a week after it was fixed.

- Pelzer, SC, USA

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problem #5

May 112010

CTS 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,579 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Cts. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the engine low power warning light illuminated as the engine stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the engine loss power warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the throttle body assembly. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that four years after the repair the vehicle would not start at the first attempt. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,579. Updated 8/12/14 updated 08/20/2014

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #4

Dec 012011

CTS

  • miles

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

2003 cadilac Cts. Consumer writes in regards to problems with brake system the consumer stated the metal brake line had to be replaced, due to severe corrosion. The consumer stated he received a recall letter two days later. Also, the struts, three wheel bearings, radiator, transmission cooler line also had to be replaced due to corrosion. The cruise control and gas tank, which was leaking had to replaced.

- East Brunswick, NJ, USA

problem #3

Apr 252009

CTS

  • 90,000 miles
Whining differential.

- Palm Springs, CA, USA

problem #2

Jan 012003

CTS 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles
I am and have been experiencing numerous failures with my vehicle. I have contacted GM numerous times beginning approximately a few months after I purchased the vehicle to inform them that the vehicle is defective, only to be told my vehicle is out of warranty, so they refuse to fix it or give my one that is not defective. My vehicle is still defective to this date.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #1

Feb 142005

CTS

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Bought car in August of 2004, this is the fourth time car has been put in shop. Car would be still running but "engine reduce power displayed on screen", no gas would go to pedal I would have to coast to a safe location. Dealer claims it is the throttle body, each time they say they have repaired it but this is number 4. replaced a computer chip, flushed out throttle body component, replace craked crank shaft case, haven't heard what now they are replacing.

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

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