2003 Cadillac CTS Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 18%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 18% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 4 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.
“My 2003 Cadillac CTS caught on fire. Fireman said that it was the windshield wiper module that caught on fire. The car was parked for hours and fire started while we was sleeping. The whole engine is burnt up and the car is totaled. Now I have no car and no money to get another car.”
NHTSA complaint #11066874, filed 2018-02, 130,000 miles“While driving turning left onto an expressway entrance my engine shut down I believe it was the ignition switch. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer numerous times and they can't seem to find a solution. I am in fear that one day this car will lose power at the wrong time and cause a serious if not fatal accident. I would like the problem fixed or a reimbursement to invest in a new vehicle before it is too late.”
NHTSA complaint #10616213, filed 2014-07, 105,000 miles“At about approximately 4:22 am this morning my car was engulfed in flames in my driveway. I was awakened by my Cadillac CTS 2003 car alarm as the flames we're visible thru my bedroom window. At which time I ran outside to turn on the water hose to turn off the fire as my family was sleeping in the house. My husband's car was right next to my cadi that had a full tank of fuel. I called 911 and the fire department arrived to turn off the fire on the Cadillac CTS 2003. And for more than ten minutes the fire was still blazing as the firemen unable to control the flames. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186250, filed 2019-03, 157,000 miles“Starting around september, my car would randomly shut off while in motion, at various speeds. After hundreds of dollars in diagnostic fees, I found some Cadillac forums stating it was a crank shaft sensor malfunction, which is common in 2003 models. My car would also show the traction control was off with no warning, and not get out of gear while being on, with no warning as well. The computer system would show low oil pressure and other warnings although nothing was wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10519302, filed 2013-06, 73,000 miles“Since I purchased the vehicle used from a Cadillac dealer I had experienced the vehicle would shut down when the vehicle would hit a pot hole or hard bump. I had dealership and several mechanics from other garages over the years check for engine shut down. No one was able to replicate the issue. Recently the news has been discussing issues with general motors ignition problems. I went out to my vehicle and started it, put the vehicle in drive and smacked my key ring and the vehicle stalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576367, filed 2014-04, 30,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V394000Jul 2, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Cadillac CTS 2003–2014, SRX 2004–2006
Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 10 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 | 26 | 36% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 20% |
| 2010 | 16 | 24% |
| 2009 | 26 | 16% |
| 2008 | 39 | 22% |
| 2007 | 41 | 19% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 34 | 15% |
| 2003 | 56 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
47 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 28, 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