2003 Cadillac CTS Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 8%of 313 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Cadillac CTS, 8% of the 313 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 5 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 70+MPH on freeway in fast lane. Car stop accerlating and no RPM the steeling wheel then locked on me while in the fast lane on freeway. I immediately pulled over restarted the car and was able to move safely off freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #11138940, filed 2018-10, 103,000 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“We have a 2003 Cadillac's CTS with about 77k miles. On 7-5-2010 as we were pulling into a parking spot in a shopping plaza at less than 5 MPH, all of a sudden the car went to full throttle, jumped the curb, thru bushes, and onto the hood of the car facing us. Within a few weeks prior to this, while sitting at a red light with our foot on the brake, we notice what seemed to be the engine revving up. The car is in the shop now.”
NHTSA complaint #10341494, filed 2010-07, 77,000 miles“We own a 2003 Cadillac CTS that we bought new back in late 2002. It currently has about 85,000 lightly driven miles. About 1 1/2 years ago, the engine become stuck at high revolutions. In other words, the car accelerated to high speed and would not slow down. Had to turn off the engine to regain control. We referred to this as a throttle control problem--although that may not be the correct terminology. It was repaired by the Cadillac dealer at that time (at considerable cost). Since then, the same problem has occurred two more times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536364, filed 2013-08, 77,000 miles“When driving it would engage to stability mode and also service stability.. However the car would get out of control and it would be as if you put you brakes on when you were in water... But no water and I hadn't put the brake until I had to.. Because it went out of control for a quick (but more frequent) time...I took it in finally and asked if there were any recalls becausewhen I purchased it in 2003 new. I had to have the shaft bolt fixed ... Then I had to have the air bag serviced and they charged me for that another time. Then my seat motor went out. Etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10583426, filed 2014-04, 69,000 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 6 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 11 | 7% |
| 2008 | 14 | 8% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 24 | 8% |
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 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