2003 Cadillac CTS Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 4% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The rear axle assembly seized while driving appx 55mph causing the rear of the car to lock up and skid off of the road.... This vehicle also has a recurring body control module failure which renders the airbags useless....cannot be cleared by myself or dealers..”
NHTSA complaint #10389734, filed 2011-03, 150,000 miles“While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The consumer managed to restart the vehicle. There was a loud noise inside of the vehicle, rough jerks at shifts, vibration at mid to high speeds, loud noise from back tires when riding over bumps, burning smell from under the hood along with smoking, water in the tail light, black exhaust dust/dirt in the tail pipe, the engine would shake. The jerking was as if the brakes were applied while in drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10073577, filed 2004-06, 26,000 miles“Brakes pulsate when they are being applied, causing delay in stopping time. Air conditioning compressor is gone out and has metal going through the system. Have to get compressor replaced already and it is going to cost an additional $2300. Car pulls violently to left or right, which almost caused a couple of accidents, the steering system sensor is gone out and is going to cost $500 to get replaced. Fm radio has a mind of its own and works when it feels like working. This is the newest car I've had and the worst car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10164890, filed 2006-08, 51,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the stabilization warning light illuminated and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to find a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 166,000. Updated 8/28/14 updated 9/10/2014”
NHTSA complaint #10599025, filed 2014-06, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac CTS. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle veered from side to side, made a loud snapping noise, and the front end vibrated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the carrier bearing housing and brackets failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10639928, filed 2014-09, 225,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190337Oct 1, 2017Information Regarding the Differences Between Fluid Leakage and Seepage This bulletin is intended to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak and…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2014 | 17 | 12% |
| 2013 | 7 | 10% |
| 2012 | 7 | 11% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 11 | 7% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 11 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsBrakes
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Cadillac CTS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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