2003 Cadillac CTS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 12%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,782miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 12% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,782 miles. 1 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.
“The exterior back brake lights fell off my Cadillac CTS 2003 model. I have noticed a majority of the 2003 CTS models have the same problem. It's a shame Cadillac would not be responsible, the vehicle cost me over 30,000.00 after its paid for, they have no concern for the condition of my vehicle. It really makes Cadillac look awful to have that many vehicles in the same condition. I will not purchase any more cadillacs.”
NHTSA complaint #10343500, filed 2010-07, 92,000 miles“The clear back lens of the 2003 CTS is full of condensation and water. Took it to the car dealer in new rochell . They drill pilot holes to allow for the water to drain, this did not resolve the problem. I still have plenty of condensation in the back clear white lens in the back trunk. What should I do.”
NHTSA complaint #10098338, filed 2004-11, 16,000 miles“The rear back up light panel has a plastic cover over it. Mine fell off and I am having a terrible time replacing it. I contacted Cadillac, but they don't sell that piece anymore. They have redesigned a replacement that will not fall off but it costs over $500 and Cadillac won't cover it because they claim it has not been recalled. As I drive up and down the streets and highways in chicago, I notice many 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS are also missing this part. How can this plastic part fall off with out cause and yet not be recalled?”
NHTSA complaint #10413446, filed 2011-07, 55,000 miles“Just got off the xway, stopped at red light. While waiting at the light, which was stuck red for about 5 min, both (hid) head lights failed at the same time. They flashed on & off 3 times, than stayed out. I switched on the fog lights so I could drive the last 3 miles home. The dealer had to replace both lights at a cost of over $2,000. The dealer had no idea what caused both to fail at the same time. I wrote a letter to Cadillac customer service. They called me and said they would not forward the info to a technical dept to determine the cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450989, filed 2012-03, 76,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 7% |
| 2012 | 10 | 15% |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 37 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsEngine cooling
38 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