2003 Cadillac Deville Problems
- Complaints
- 145filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,500miles, 104 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl FWD · 16 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Cadillac Deville (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center on two themes: sudden engine stalls or loss of electrical power while driving, and front air bags that did not deploy in a collision. Many of the stall reports arrive in clusters tied to the ignition-key recall campaigns, and air bag complaints are spread across the full mileage range rather than concentrated at low mileage.
- Electrical system
Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- 26 complaints (18%)
- median 64,020 mi at 11.8 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2024
Owners describe the engine dying without warning at all speeds, from parking-lot turns to highway driving, sometimes with the instrument panel lighting up or the vehicle losing power steering and brakes for a moment. A number report the car restarts after being shifted to park. Some dealers replaced the ignition switch, cam sensor or crank sensor; others could not duplicate the stall, and some owners say the stalling continued after a key-related recall repair was performed. Reported across a wide range, from a few thousand miles up to about 200,000, with many between 50,000 and 125,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether recall 14V355000 was completed and whether the key ring was modified, and whether the ignition switch has been replaced. During a test drive, note any stumble, dash-light flicker or stall and whether the key feels loose in the cylinder.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“For the second time in about one month, the engine died and electric power went out (dashboard lights). The car restarted without difficulty when I pulled off the road and put it into park. We received a recall notice on this vehicle in august. After the first incident I carefully checked the battery cables and found nothing wrong. The battery is almost new. After getting the recall notice I checked the operation of the ignition switch and I found that the detent works perfectly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10638913, filed 2014-09, 55,000 miles“After taking off from a stop sign, I drove up over about 1 1/2 inch vertical rise in the pavement (small bump). The engine and electrical systems shut down. I lost power stirring and power brakes. I got stopped and restarted the engine. This occurred about 3 days after I had taken my car to the GM dealer for repairs covered by GM recall 14299, unintended ignition key rotation . My key did not rotate. Yesterday april 2, 2015 when driving 45 MPH on a state highway, the engine stopped again without hitting any bumps. …”
NHTSA complaint #10703620, filed 2015-04, 64,020 miles - Air bags
Air bags did not deploy in a crash
- 25 complaints (17%)
- median 104,000 mi at 12.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2020
Complaints describe frontal impacts where the air bags did not deploy, sometimes in collisions severe enough to total the car, and some owners say dealers could not find a cause. Others report the air bag warning light coming on and staying lit, or the passenger-side bag being identified as needing replacement. A few owners describe bags deploying without a crash. Spread from about 25,000 to 175,000 miles, with many reports between 48,000 and 130,000 miles.
Recall 03V051000Recall 02V222000
What to check: Check that the air bag warning light comes on with the key and then goes out. Ask whether the driver-side air bag inflator recalls were performed on this vehicle and request documentation.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I took my 2003 cad.Deville to vince webb cad dealer in pensacola fl. Oct.25th to get the keys fixed and the air bags fixed. I took with me NHTSA recall number 2002-08-14. The service writer insisted that there is no recall on this car. I then called GM customer service and got the same the same thing. Now I'd like to know witch one is right, your recall number (2002-08-14 or 03v051000)? Or vince webb no? …”
NHTSA complaint #10651843, filed 2014-11, 88,000 miles“I was driving on chestnut street in easton, mass on 7/24/2007 around 11:30 p.m. A deer ran out of the woods and I tried to avoid the deer and I hit a utility pole head on and the air bag did not deploy in the 2003 Cadillac Deville.”
NHTSA complaint #10197698, filed 2007-07, 48,978 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinks to floor or brakes fail
- 15 complaints (10%)
- median 51,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2015
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor with little or no braking effect, in some cases at low speed or while parking, and owners sometimes used the parking brake to stop. Some dealers replaced the master cylinder or a clip bushing, others said the pedal travel was normal, and a few reports mention ABS or traction control lights with unusual brake noise. Reported from very low mileage (under 3,000 miles) through about 150,000 miles, with several early reports and several past 100,000.
What to check: With the engine running, hold steady pressure on the brake pedal and see whether it creeps toward the floor. Ask about master cylinder or ABS service history, and test the parking brake on a slope.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at 20 MPH, the consumer applied the brake, however there were no brakes. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer indicated the failure was due to a clip bushing which was holding the brake together. . The consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10022960, filed 2003-07, 11,284 miles“The emergency brake pedal does not engage properly when applied. Consumer pressed down on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. .....the brake locks up to the point that it takes pressure from the drive train to release the parking brake. It should release when it is put into reverse. Also, power steering makes a groaning noise when backing up or first starting out.”
NHTSA complaint #10105082, filed 2004-12, 24,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Power window regulators fail
- 8 complaints (6%)
- median 57,577 mi at 6.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $600 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2006–2012
Owners describe windows dropping off their tracks or falling into the door, with several reporting repeat failures on different doors. Some complaints say a window came down on its own or that only one window still worked. Dealers typically replaced the regulator, with owners quoting a few hundred dollars per window and no assistance after warranty. Mostly between 40,000 and 76,000 miles, but several owners report failures in the first few years of ownership.
What to check: Raise and lower every window several times and listen for grinding or a slow, uneven track. Ask which regulators have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car purchased 10/16/2003 with 15200 mileage. Left rear door regulator failed. This door could not have been used in 9 years more than 20-25 times. Dealer, royal Cadillac, charged $694.95 for replacement. I complained to Cadillac, requesting reimbursement, and they refused. Research indicates that door regulator failures on this make and model were well known and published many years ago. Given the little useage of this door (we are senior citizens and rarely have rear seat passenders) I believe this defect to exist at the time of purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #10477741, filed 2012-09, 74,896 miles“When rolling the windows down windows fall off the track drivers side window fell off track, had to have track replaced and pit put back on the track, a month later the right back side windows has fallen I will have to attempt to get the window repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10173435, filed 2006-11, 43,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission/torque converter faults with check engine light
- 8 complaints (6%)
- median 80,500 mi at 6.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2018
Owners describe the service engine light appearing repeatedly, followed by a diagnosis of a slipping torque converter or internal transmission fault. Some were quoted repairs in the thousands of dollars or told a replacement transmission was the better option. Mostly reported between 65,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the service engine light is off at start-up, and drive at steady speed to feel for shudder or delayed engagement. Ask for transmission service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Service engine soon light comes on frequently.....I had vehicle checked a several auto shops and received the diagnosis that my torque converter was possibly slipping. I was quoted between $900 to $ 2100 to repair. I stated for this price I could really just buy a remanufactered transmission. This is ridiculous, there has to be a recall message out there to help fellow owners. I have seen this happening to many other owners who in turn refuse to get this service as it can be very costly.”
NHTSA complaint #10335730, filed 2010-06, 90,000 miles“2003 Cadillac Deville with approx. 65,900 miles on 07/11/07. The service engine soon warning light appeared on vehicle control panel & took vehicle to dealership same date 07/11/07. Dealer performed oil change & informed that entire transmission is about to fail & quoted $4,027.00 for repairs. Dealer refused to honor warranty past 50,000 miles & informed entire cost was the responsibility of the customer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10198563, filed 2007-08, 65,900 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes, a check of the air bag and warning lights, and confirmation that the ignition-key recall was completed is worth the cost on this model year. Budget for wear items like window regulators and brake hydraulics given the age of the vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 80 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2003 Cadillac Deville. 104 of the complaints include a mileage, and 32% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,500 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 15 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 384 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system52 36%
- Air bags25 17%
- Brakes16 11%
- Engine16 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 9.7%
- Steering12 8.3%
- Engine cooling10 6.9%
- Fuel system9 6.2%
- Other or unknown7 4.8%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (7), Body and structure (6), Equipment (3), Suspension (3), Tires (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seat belts (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I bought a 2003 Deville the fuel pump stays on code says high pressure or low fuel presser or multi misfire . And says checklow coolant which is full and also tire monitor . I was told buy the place I bought from told me their was a recall / im afraid it well catch fire I have kids./ like to know if their is one so I can take it to get fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10554455, filed 2013-12, 112,456 milesAir bags: “Son was in car seat in left rear of vehicle and was driving and son called out to me that his seat belt came off. Had to pull over and and switch side of the car he was on the seat belt buckle was broken off . Went to the dealer for that and airbag light going on and off intermintently so dealer told me it was a pretentionor pulley so the seatbelt and my sensors were going off due to this...”
NHTSA complaint #10319553, filed 2010-03, 113,500 milesBrakes: “The ABS & traction control indicators come up on the screen along with check as I'm driving. When this happens my brakes make a weird sound like a sprung spring and the brakes feel like they're gone but they're not. It's scary be sure I feel I may not be able to stop which to me is a safety hazard. No codes show even though the check light came on, but none of the indicator lights ever stay on very long, it's off and on , off and on, just pops up occasionally, all 3 together every time. It may go days before they decide to pop up on the dash again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11328721, filed 2020-06, 188,000 milesEngine: “My engine leaks oil from the seals. It was always dealer maintained for regular maintenance with low mileage. It started 3 years ago. I noticed you recalled other vehicles for this problem. My engine is a v8. Regular oil changes etc. It continues to leak. Dealer wants $2,500 to fix seals. The way I drive it with low millage of 60,000 miles it should not have leaked. Just read about recall of other GM cars on 27 oct. 2015.”
NHTSA complaint #10786389, filed 2015-10, 60,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
32% of the 104 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 109,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Cadillac Deville. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deville · sedan | not rated | 1 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Cadillac Deville version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeVille FWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Cadillac Deville 2000–2005, Chevrolet Impala 2006–2014, Buick Lucerne 2006–2011 +3 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
- 03V238000Jul 1, 2003Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Cadillac Deville 2002–2003, Seville 2002–2003, Pontiac Bonneville 2002–2003 +1 more
On certain cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with…
- 03V051000Feb 14, 2003Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Cadillac Deville 2003, Chevrolet Trailblazer 2003, GMC Envoy 2003 +5 more
On certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
- 02V222000Aug 9, 2002Air bags › FrontalCovers: Cadillac Deville 2002–2003, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2003, GMC Envoy 2002–2003 +10 more
Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Recall details for the 2003 Cadillac Deville → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 384 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM 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 inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This 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 misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Other model years of the Cadillac Deville
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 95 | 75,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 167 | 68,686 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 145 | 68,500 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 176 | 59,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 175 | 74,238 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 225 | 70,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 187 | 65,555 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 237 | 74,211 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 269 | 82,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 218 | 85,575 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 129 | 104,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 127 | 88,690 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 92 | 113,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 135 | 110,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 87 | 97,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 76 | 100,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 48 | 143,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 28 | — | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 40 | 108,100 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 22 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 19 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 6 | 90,995 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Cadillac Deville model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac Deville?
Complaints on this model year center on two themes: sudden engine stalls or loss of electrical power while driving, and front air bags that did not deploy in a collision. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or shuts off while driving; Air bags did not deploy in a crash; Brake pedal sinks to floor or brakes fail.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Cadillac Deville have?
NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2003 Cadillac Deville as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Cadillac Deville is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 52 complaints (36% of the total), followed by air bags with 25.
Has the 2003 Cadillac Deville been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Cadillac Deville get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Cadillac Deville (DeVille, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Cadillac Deville reported?
Among the 104 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,500 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 109,000 miles; 32% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.