NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Cadillac Deville Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Cadillac Deville has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 145 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Cadillac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Cadillac Deville, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2003 Cadillac Deville owner complaints

Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Cadillac Deville, describing incidents dated November 12, 2002 to February 1, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 52 complaints
Engine 26 complaints
Air Bags 25 complaints
Power Train 14 complaints
Service Brakes 14 complaints
Steering 12 complaints

Of the 145 complaints on file, 15 report a crash; across all 145 complaints, owners report 15 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11759347 · Filed August 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch seized. Occasionally, the contact was able to wiggle the switch for the ignition to operate. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn or operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
ODI #11576892 · Filed March 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The power steering was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the message that the key was not detected was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was…
ODI #11441153 · Filed November 20, 2021
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt…

Read all 145 complaints

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #14V355000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 3,141,731 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14299 · Owners notified September 23, 2014 · Vehicles built April 11, 2002 – June 20, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Safety consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

GM/FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR

NHTSA #03V238000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 1, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 102,212 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 03038 · Owners notified October 17, 2003 · Vehicles built April 11, 2002 – December 20, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Safety consequence

FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 03038.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/DRIVER'S AIR BAG

NHTSA #03V051000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported February 14, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 130 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 03008 · Owners notified March 11, 2003 · Vehicles built July 1, 2002 – October 31, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer remedy

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 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 03008. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/AIR BAG INFLATOR

NHTSA #02V222000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported August 9, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 133,221 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 02032 · Owners notified August 15, 2002 · Vehicles built May 1, 2002 – July 31, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Manufacturer remedy

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 CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 02032. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2003 Cadillac DeVille 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 1, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

145 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Cadillac Deville.

Electrical System

ODI #11759347

Incident: February 1, 2026 · Filed: August 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch seized. Occasionally, the contact was able to wiggle the switch for the ignition to operate. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn or operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was able to replace the ignition switch on three or four occasions. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11576892

Incident: February 13, 2023 · Filed: March 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The power steering was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the message that the key was not detected was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced at the dealer under Manufacturer Recall Number: N140299. The contact stated that the failure had occurred before receiving the recall repair notification. The failure reoccurred after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Electrical System; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11441153

Incident: November 20, 2021 · Filed: November 20, 2021

I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt affected. I just want my car to be safe on the road as i have kids, and family that ride with me regularly.

Electrical System; Structure; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11331250

Incident: May 15, 2007 · Filed: June 27, 2020

WHEN I GOT THE CAR THE CAR WASN'T PAINTED GOOD AT ALL AND THE IGNITION COIL WAS BAD. *TR

Structure; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes

ODI #11328721

Incident: September 23, 2018 · Filed: June 14, 2020

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. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN I WAS JUST HEADING OUT FOR WORK SO THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE PRIOR DAY IT WAS STABLE ON LEVEL GROUND AS I STARTED BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I REACHED THE POINT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THAT'S WHEN THE WEIRD BAKED SOUND ACCOMPANIED BY THE BRAKE PADDLE FEELING LIKE MY BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING AND DASH LIGHTS APPEARED. THIS HAPPENS DURING BRAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR,/ MONITOR THING COULD BE THE CAUSE. THAT'S ANOTHER THING. WHY HAVE TIRE PRESSURE EFFECT THE WORKABILITY 9F MY BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL? THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TIRE PRESSURE. ALSO THE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE SINCE DAY ONE. EVERY OWNER OF THE 03 CADILLAC DEVILLE HAS COMPLAINED OF THE WINDOWS JUST FALLING OUT OF PLACE BOTH OUTSIDE & INSIDE THE DOOR FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN A BAD DESIGN DEFECT. WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMERS CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE WINDOWS AT NO FAULT OF OURS? GM HAS KNOWN OF THIS ISSUE FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF MANUFACTURING, YET IT IS US, THE BUYERS, CONSUMERS THAT ARE PAYING AND NOT JUST OUT OF MONEY BUT THE RISK OF BROKEN GLASS HURTING A BACKSEAT PASSENGER A CHILD OR ADULT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME A LAW SUITE FOR GM. THIS IS WHY IT DEFINITELY SHOULD BE A RECALL.

Steering; Unknown or Other; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11321533

Incident: April 15, 2020 · Filed: April 19, 2020

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STOPPED WORKING , ALSO AFTER I GOTTEN MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT AND MY FRONT MOTOR MOUNT PLACED IN THE CAR NO LONGER CRANKS LIKE NORMAL . TAKES A WHILE TO TURN OVER, KEY SLIDES OUT , STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN WHILE DURING AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION WHILE TURNING . THE POWER STEERING HAS A LEAK AND ALSO THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION HAS STOPPED WORKING LOWERED THE CAR AND SHOCKS HAVE LOWERED . NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V355000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 03V238

Air Bags

ODI #11302368

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: July 16, 2019 · Filed: January 27, 2020

BACK ON JULY 16TH 2019, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ABOUT TO GET A ON THE MAIN ROAD. WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED IN MY 03 CADILLAC DEVILLE. AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO HAVING WHIPLASH/NERVE DAMAGE. AS PER MYSELF, NOW I HAVE LOWER BACK ISSUES.

Air Bags; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11255308

Incident: July 20, 2019 · Filed: September 13, 2019

TAKATA RECALL - THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON OCCASSIONALLY AFTER I PUT GAS IN

Unknown or Other

ODI #11218996

Crash

Incident: May 25, 2019 · Filed: June 10, 2019

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES REQUESTING INFORMATION FOR ANY SAFETY RECALLS ON THEIR VEHICLE. *LD *JS

Unknown or Other

ODI #11192009

Incident: January 12, 2019 · Filed: March 27, 2019

I SEE THIS AFFECTS MANY YEARS AND MODELS. ITS THE SECURITY SYSTEM THINKING THE CAR IS BEING TAMPERED WITH AFTER A NEW BATTERY IS INSTALLED. THIS CAR WONT START AS MANY OTHERS. IT GETS JUICE TO THE FUEL PUMP LIGHTS AND DASH. JUMPED THE FUSE TO THE STARTER AND CAE TURNS OVER BUT WONT START. OT WILL LOCK YOU OUT. NO DEALERS OR MECHANICS KNOW WHAT THIS PROBLEM IS. SO WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO JUNK THE CAR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I'M ONE PO'D CADILLAC OWNER!!!

Other Cadillac Deville model years

Check your 2003 Cadillac Deville VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Cadillac Deville at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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