2003 Cadillac CTS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 9%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,397miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 9% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,397 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car just shut off in the middle of exceleration.........this happen to me 2x... Once to oncoming traffic!!! And the other just before a blue line train ...dealership takes this very lightly.I guess someone has to die first..it is in the shop right now. I have so many issues that I don't think I should be having or had when new too. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721447, filed 2015-05, 79,000 miles“I have had my car stop running several times during the time I have owned it... It has always been at a stop light. The car just shuts off. I have to restart it again. It does it on occasion , sometimes months apart. I am just hoping that it will never shut off like that while driving down the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10632038, filed 2014-09, 96,000 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“The crank and cam sensors have caused the vehicle to stall out while driving or being stopped. I have seen several complaints online regarding this issue in my car and other GM cars. How many complaints have you received for this issue in GM cars. It seems the dealership should have recalled this since it is a well known and documented issue and is a safety issue with cars stalling in the middle of driving and while being stopped. I stalled on a freeway on ramp, at a stop sign and while being parked on the side of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10865652, filed 2016-05, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 20% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 13 | 13% |
| 2010 | 10 | 15% |
| 2009 | 49 | 29% |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% |
| 2007 | 22 | 10% |
| 2006 | 28 | 10% |
| 2005 | 24 | 9% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 29 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsAir bags
36 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 27, 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