Model year guide

2003 Cadillac DeVille

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Cadillac DeVille is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 97 on record.

2003 Cadillac DeVille — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Cadillac DeVille at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints148
Combined19 mpg
Typical price$1,909

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

2003 Cadillac DeVille recalls 4

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 · 23/06/2014

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) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 200…

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 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadi…

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #02V222000 · 09/08/2002

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CO…

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #03V051000 · 14/02/2003

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #03V238000 · 01/07/2003

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 A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE …

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

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 DeVille common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 148 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.
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.
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
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 DeVille safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

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

2003 Cadillac DeVille MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,250

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

What's a 2003 Cadillac DeVille worth?

Low
$650
Typical price
$1,909
High
$3,500

From 93 comparable 2003 Cadillac DeVille listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$450
Total$16,700
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,909) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,462), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Cadillac DeVille trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · DTS · DHS
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl

2003 Cadillac DeVille vehicles on record

Other Cadillac DeVille model years

2003 Cadillac DeVille — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Cadillac DeVille have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Cadillac DeVille. 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 DeVille?

Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What is the 2003 Cadillac DeVille safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Cadillac DeVille crash-test ratings of frontal 1★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Cadillac DeVille get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Cadillac DeVille at about 19 mpg combined (16 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2003 Cadillac DeVille worth?

Comparable 2003 Cadillac DeVille listings run roughly $650–$3,500, typically around $1,909 (from 93 vehicles).

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