Model year guide

2003 Cadillac CTS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Cadillac CTS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 152 on record.

2003 Cadillac CTS at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints321
Combined19 mpg
Typical price$2,926

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Cadillac CTS recalls 4

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V394000 · 02/07/2014

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #10V105000 · 17/03/2010

GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDIT…

Fix: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual NHTSA Campaign #03V250000 · 15/07/2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CO…

Steering NHTSA Campaign #03V115000 · 24/03/2003

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT AND ENSURE THAT IT IS TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Cadillac CTS common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 321 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2003 Cadillac CTS safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Cadillac CTS 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Cadillac CTS MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Cadillac CTS worth?

Low
$1,300
Typical price
$2,926
High
$5,000

From 150 comparable 2003 Cadillac CTS listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Cadillac CTS costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Fuel only$20,000
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Cadillac CTS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl

2003 Cadillac CTS vehicles on record

2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57NX30131142 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57NX30141007 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N930150250 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N130127531 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N030145227 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N830173079 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N230170047 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N030169284 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N730149999 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N930164522 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N130171528 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N530173766 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N030130131 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N730118347 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N730172554 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N230118112 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N830101489 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N530105659 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N930158719 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N930128944 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N930114414 2003 Cadillac CTS 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57NX30165954 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N430112764 2003 Cadillac CTS Base1G6DM57N030161251

Other Cadillac CTS model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

2003 Cadillac CTS — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac CTS have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Cadillac CTS. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Cadillac CTS?

Based on 321 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, engine.

What is the 2003 Cadillac CTS safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Cadillac CTS crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Cadillac CTS get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Cadillac CTS at about 19 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2003 Cadillac CTS worth?

Comparable 2003 Cadillac CTS listings run roughly $1,300–$5,000, typically around $2,926 (from 150 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.