Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2003 Cadillac CTS
NHTSA data on file today
The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 313 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14V394000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V105000 FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V250000 GM/FMVSS 225/OWNER'S MANUAL INFORMATION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V115000 GM/INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 56 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 38 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 37 complaints
- Air Bags 36 complaints
- Engine 29 complaints
- Steering 28 complaints
Of the 313 complaints on file, 29 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 313 complaints, owners report 21 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,000–$14,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2003 Cadillac CTS shows moderate reliability based on 313 complaints and 4 recall campaigns. Common issues include electrical system faults and engine problems, while steering and braking systems also present some concerns. Overall, the data supports an average reliability rating, with room for improvement in some areas. However, due to the age of the vehicle and limited data specificity, caution is advised.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 80,000–120,000 miles | $300–$1,500 | common |
| engine and cooling | 90,000–130,000 miles | $500–$2,500 | common |
| steering system | 70,000–110,000 miles | $200–$1,200 | occasional |
| braking system | 50,000–100,000 miles | $300–$1,000 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change
- Brake fluid replacement
- Transmission fluid change
- Inspect suspension components
- Replace air and cabin filters
- Cooling system check
- Rotate and balance tires
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Electrical warnings or malfunctions
- Engine overheating
- Unresponsive steering
- Brake pedal feeling soft
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2003 Cadillac CTS at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.