2003 Cadillac CTS Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 15%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 15% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There is a open recall effecting this year & make although my VIN says there's no recalls on my CTS. I had both front brake hose assemblies fail while driving. Luckily we didn't wreck. I've since had both repaired. Curious as to know why car was not listed with open recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11339640, filed 2020-07, 83,000 miles“This morning when I backed my CTS out of the parking spot to go to work I noticed the brakes were a little soft. I then parked the car and opened the hood to look at the brake fluid reservoir and noticed it wasn't completely full but there was still a sufficient level of fluid. I then looked at the ground and noticed a line of liquid that traced my movement backwards out of the parking spot and then back into the parking spot, this liquid was brake fluid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10533781, filed 2013-08, 112,000 miles“While driving in framingham massachusetts, the front brakes suddenly failed making the cr very hard to stop and almost causing an accident. A brake shop checked the car and confirmed that the brake hose and broken loose leaving me without any front brakes. It cost $800 to repair the brake system and I feel that GM should refund me that money and also check my car to ensure that my brakes are not at risk of failing again.”
NHTSA complaint #10324348, filed 2010-04, 90,000 miles“I drive a 2003 Cadillac CTS. I noticed the brakes seemed to need repair (not responsive enough) and the brake light came on. My car had approx 70000 miles and the brake lines had corroded! I have the brake lines that were removed. A car with 70k miles should not have corroded brakelines. In addition, it took almost 2 weeks to get replacement parts and cost $250 to repair + rental car. This was a really bad accident waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10300070, filed 2010-01, 74,000 miles“While driving at a steady and even speed my car would suddenly pulled to the left as if the left front wheel had the break apply. Almost instantly my stability system engaged display would go on and the car would correct itself. This went on to become a regular event with each time I took the car out. The most it occurred was 30 or so times in a 90 mile trip, but it happened regularly on local 2 mile trips to the store. Sometimes it would be more severe than others . …”
NHTSA complaint #10418844, filed 2011-08, 64,000 milesRelated recalls
- 10V105000Mar 17, 2010General motors has notified nhtsa of a defect in certain model year 2003-2007 cadillac cts vehicles currently registered in or originally sold in connecticut…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2003–2007
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10168960Nov 12, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 9 | 18% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 9 | 14% |
| 2011 | 6 | 6% |
| 2010 | 6 | 9% |
| 2009 | 14 | 8% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 59 | 27% |
| 2006 | 57 | 21% |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% |
| 2004 | 38 | 17% |
| 2003 | 47 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsAir bags
36 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