2003 Cadillac CTS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 8%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 8% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 2 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.
“Driving down road it just cut off other times it just would not start I have had it 3yrs and only got to drive it 2 mths I really wanted this car but never knew what was going to happen!also some kind of seal we had fixed blew maybe a week after it was fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10626124, filed 2014-08, 92,000 miles“The differential in my 03 Cadillac CTS developed a serious leak. The defect required (3) trips to the dealer to repair. The last repair, (appears to be the right one) was the replacement of the differential. This type of defect can lead to loss of differential fluid resulting in failure of the unit and possible accident. I have found this leak on several other 03 CTS.”
NHTSA complaint #10010289, filed 2003-03, 17,500 miles“Loud high pitch howling noise heard from inside at approximately 40 MPH and over. The first trip to the dealer I was told it was a wind noise. The second time at the dealer's I was told it is a normal characteristic of the 2003 CTS.”
NHTSA complaint #10079245, filed 2004-07, 7,000 miles“Have 2003 Cadillac CTS, had the differential replaced because it was howling & getting worse (this is common complaint by owners of 2003 - 2005 CTS models - see Cadillac users group, CTS forum). Picked up car after differential was replaced. Drove approximately 2 miles from dealer when differential locked up at 50 MPH. Managed to control slide/skid and slide off four-lane road surface without hitting other vehicles, but had it happened a mile further down the road, I'd have been on I-85 in heavy interstate traffic at 70 MPH... …”
NHTSA complaint #10118204, filed 2005-04, 18,698 miles“We own a 2003 CTS Cadillac with 40,000 miles and still under warranty. I have had the car in for repair several times for the same reason. The car shakes at certain speeds. Eg. 47, 59,65,69, and 75 miles per hour. The wheel actually shakes in my hands. It is a problem with the transmission. Cadillac stated it was characteristic of the 2003 CTS. Maybe an escort but not a Cadillac. They offered to extend the warranty on the transmission to 100,000 miles. Whoopie. I now must drive a car that I feel is dangerous to drive. I really believe the transmission will totally fail and soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149706, filed 2006-02, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 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…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 3 | 38% |
| 2017 | 9 | 33% |
| 2016 | 9 | 29% |
| 2015 | 20 | 41% |
| 2014 | 84 | 58% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 22 | 22% |
| 2010 | 9 | 13% |
| 2009 | 28 | 17% |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% |
| 2007 | 33 | 15% |
| 2006 | 45 | 17% |
| 2005 | 82 | 30% |
| 2004 | 52 | 23% |
| 2003 | 25 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac CTS
56 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsSteering
28 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 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