2003 Cadillac CTS Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 12%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,164miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 12% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,164 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2003 Cadillac CTS all I can say is im disgusted with this car nothing but problems. I don't know if that leakage that is reported on here had something to do with what happened but now I have a car sitting in my driveway which I can't use because it has a loud knocking sound coming from engine. Which most than likely needs replaced which is very expensive can I say first Cadillac and will never buy another one ever..”
NHTSA complaint #10383949, filed 2011-02, 130,000 miles“Purchased 2003 CTS used in 2007 with 54,000 miles. At 60,000 miles, the serpentine belt broke and destroyed engine in the middle of rush hour traffic. 30 days later coil went out and had to be towed again. Approximately 30 days after that the other coil went out and again vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. Currently the car is sitting in my driveway and will not start. Took to repair shop close to my house and they said the electrical system is too messed up to run a diagnostic on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10336583, filed 2010-06, 74,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10247370, filed 2008-10, 49,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10373347, filed 2010-12, 68,782 miles“Car engine failed at 30,000 miles - it started making a clicking sound, so my husband decided to take it to the shop. He didn't even make it to the shop - just had to tow it. The car was driven gingerly by my 80 year old grandmother for 7,000 miles, then by me (age 40 with two children in car seats) for the remaining miles. Cadillac offered to pay 1/2 the cost to rebuild, but the total cost was estimated at over $15,000. They said there weren't any new engines to drop in, but they found one used engine (with 1 mile on it) that they could use that would cost about $4,150. …”
NHTSA complaint #10258784, filed 2009-02, 30,948 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 38 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsBrakes
47 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