2003 Cadillac Deville Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 10%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Cadillac Deville, 10% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,600 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“In september of 2014, I received a recall from the state of massachusetts about (1) part that must be repaired in my 2003 Cadillac Deville sedan: (1) ignition switch 14v355000, the only recall showing up on the GM web-site is the ignition switch and the other three and the first are listed here totaling (4) recalls all together! After entering my make, model, year, and VIN, of my vehicle I received three more urgent recalls ! (2) fuel tank pressure sensor 03v238000, (3) driver air bag 03v051000, and the (4) air bag inflator 02v222000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649363, filed 2014-10, 147,495 miles“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“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. I had turn the key ccw by a large amount to turn off the engine and no amount of jiggling would cause the fault. …”
NHTSA complaint #10638913, filed 2014-09, 55,000 miles“I own a 2003 Cadillac Deville with 70,700 miles. The service engine soon warning light appeared on vehicle control panel february 1, 2007. Local car repair technician identified and cleared warning code. Suggested I take to Cadillac dealer if the warning light reappeared. Warning light came on again wed, february 7, 2007. I made an appointment with repair shop on february 9, 2007. The torque converter, seals, gaskets and valve were replaced and the car was repaired. Old part was not given to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182461, filed 2007-02, 70,600 miles“Engine shuts off without warning, sometimes when stopped and/or while moving.this has happened about 4 times in the last year. Suspect a defect ignition switch and/or a crankshaft position sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #10618260, filed 2014-08, 58,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
| 2003 | 14 | 10% |
| 2002 | 15 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 5% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 3% |
| 1997 | 11 | 4% |
| 1996 | 11 | 5% |
| 1995 | 11 | 9% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 20% |
| 1992 | 10 | 7% |
| 1991 | 7 | 8% |
| 1990 | 6 | 8% |
| 1989 | 4 | 8% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
| 1986 | 3 | 14% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Cadillac Deville
52 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Cadillac Deville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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