2003 Cadillac CTS Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 12%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 12% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 miles. 16 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought car for teenage daughter and the air bag light came on. Found out 2005-2007 had a recall for this issue. Cadillac refuses to acknowledge that this is a safety issue and should take responsibility for repairs. I am concerned that until parts come in my new driver is unprotected if in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10504224, filed 2013-03, 107,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Cadillac CTS from car mart in anniston, alabama on or about may 5, 2017. Shortly after signing the contract, which included an airbag reference, the service airbag lights came on. They come on at random times and include service airbag andrew airbag icon. I did not notice that the bottom of the airbag on the driver steering wheel had a small crack across it that you could actually see the airbag container. After being assured that an excutive of the company would review our contract and get back with me on this complaint around 2 weeks after taking possession of vechicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11096879, filed 2018-05, 87,000 miles“My girlfriend and I were going to a friends house to spend the night. At around 2am on 12/09/2013 as I was coming around a corner I hit a patch of ice and lost control of the car. My 2003 CTS slid across the oncoming lane of traffic and hit a tree stump on the opposite side of the road. The tree stump impacted the drivers side front tire, shattering the front wheel and tire the flipped the car onto the passenger side of the vehicle. My car was completely totaled and both me and my girlfriend were transported to the hospital. …”
NHTSA complaint #10555782, filed 2013-12, 120,000 miles“When driving it would engage to stability mode and also service stability.. However the car would get out of control and it would be as if you put you brakes on when you were in water... But no water and I hadn't put the brake until I had to.. Because it went out of control for a quick (but more frequent) time...I took it in finally and asked if there were any recalls becausewhen I purchased it in 2003 new. I had to have the shaft bolt fixed ... Then I had to have the air bag serviced and they charged me for that another time. Then my seat motor went out. Etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10583426, filed 2014-04, 69,000 miles“Passenger seat belt (female) assembly using a takata initiator (cylinder alongside the seat) for airbag deployment sensor failure. Dealer says parts in no longer made, no one makes aftermarket parts for the srs, therefore no repair can be made and jeopardizes safety and omits the purpose of an srs.”
NHTSA complaint #10854864, filed 2016-04, 31,500 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 2 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 11 | 15% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 23 | 23% |
| 2010 | 16 | 24% |
| 2009 | 13 | 8% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 64 | 29% |
| 2006 | 87 | 32% |
| 2005 | 74 | 27% |
| 2004 | 26 | 12% |
| 2003 | 36 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsElectronic stability control
22 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology