Owners have filed 15 complaints
about the 2003 Cadillac STS with NHTSA between 2003 and 2014.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the Cadillac STS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 95
56% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Cadillac STS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
426.7%
Median failure at 65,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
320.0%
Median failure at 16,650 miles
Brakes
213.3%
Median failure at 62,175 miles
Equipment & Accessories
16.7%
Stability & Traction Control
16.7%
Median failure at 112,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
16.7%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
Lights
16.7%
Suspension
16.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,251 mi
Steering
16.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
555.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
333.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2003peak 6Jul 2014
Recalls on the 2003 Cadillac STS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20031653,184 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain Aurora, Bonneville SSEi, Devile and STS vehicles, the fuel tank pressure sensor is unusually susceptible to malfunctions causing excessive vacuum to be applied during self-diagnostic testing. Fuel system components can be damaged and fuel can leak from the vehicle when it is refueled. Possible symptoms of this condition are illumination of the Service Engine Soon light, poor driveability, increase noise from the fuel tank area, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. If there is an ignition source present, a fire could result. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 16,251 milesCamarillo, CACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
CAR SCRAPES FRONT END GOING INTO OR OUT OF DRIVEWAYS EVEN AT SLOW SPEED 1 TO 2 MILES AN HOUR. ALSO HITS CURB PARKING STOPS. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER I PRUCHASED IT FROM AND THE WARRANTY SHOULD COVER IT. THE CAR IS APPROXIMATLY 7-8 INCHES FROM THE GROUND AND THE REAR END IS ABOUT 15-16 INCHES HIGH OFF THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #10185374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 63,000 milesMelbourne, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE STALLS SOMETIMES WHEN STANDING AT A LIGHT OR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS & SOMETIMES INTO A TURN WITHOUT WARNING, THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10617211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesNorth Fort Myers, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY DURING STRONG ELECTRICAL STORM. LIGHTNING APPEARED TO HIT A TREE NEARBY. SIMULTANEOUSLY, SEVERAL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON, INCLUDING ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNINGS. CALL WAS MADE TO INSURANCE COMPANY AND VEHICLE TOWED TO CADILLAC DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID CAUSE OF THE WARNING LIGHT WAS A BOLT NEAR WIRE TO ANTI-LOCK BRAKE POWER CONTROL MODULE HAD WORN INSULATION OFF, CAUSING FAILURE OF POWER CONTROL MODULE.IF INDEED LIGHTNING/POWER SURGE DID NOT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM, IMPROPERLY LOCATED BOLT OR DESIGN WOULD SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10473982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesNorth Fort Myers, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY DURING STRONG ELECTRICAL STORM. LIGHTNING APPEARED TO HIT A TREE NEARBY. SIMULTANEOUSLY, SEVERAL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON, INCLUDING ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNINGS. CALL WAS MADE TO INSURANCE COMPANY AND VEHICLE TOWED TO CADILLAC DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID CAUSE OF THE WARNING LIGHT WAS A BOLT NEAR WIRE TO ANTI-LOCK BRAKE POWER CONTROL MODULE HAD WORN INSULATION OFF, CAUSING FAILURE OF POWER CONTROL MODULE.IF INDEED LIGHTNING/POWER SURGE DID NOT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM, IMPROPERLY LOCATED BOLT OR DESIGN WOULD SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10473982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesNorth Fort Myers, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN DRIVEWAY DURING STRONG ELECTRICAL STORM. LIGHTNING APPEARED TO HIT A TREE NEARBY. SIMULTANEOUSLY, SEVERAL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON, INCLUDING ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNINGS. CALL WAS MADE TO INSURANCE COMPANY AND VEHICLE TOWED TO CADILLAC DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID CAUSE OF THE WARNING LIGHT WAS A BOLT NEAR WIRE TO ANTI-LOCK BRAKE POWER CONTROL MODULE HAD WORN INSULATION OFF, CAUSING FAILURE OF POWER CONTROL MODULE.IF INDEED LIGHTNING/POWER SURGE DID NOT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM, IMPROPERLY LOCATED BOLT OR DESIGN WOULD SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10473982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,251 milesCamarillo, CACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
CAR SCRAPES FRONT END GOING INTO OR OUT OF DRIVEWAYS EVEN AT SLOW SPEED 1 TO 2 MILES AN HOUR. ALSO HITS CURB PARKING STOPS. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER I PRUCHASED IT FROM AND THE WARRANTY SHOULD COVER IT. THE CAR IS APPROXIMATLY 7-8 INCHES FROM THE GROUND AND THE REAR END IS ABOUT 15-16 INCHES HIGH OFF THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #10185374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesJohnston, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BETWEEN 5 TO 50 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. THE DEALER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. UPDATED 02/21/06.
NHTSA complaint #10149199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesJohnston, RI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BETWEEN 5 TO 50 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. THE DEALER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. UPDATED 02/21/06.
NHTSA complaint #10149199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,350 milesJamesville, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
ON JUNE 30, 2005, I BROUGHT MY 2003 CADILLAC SEVILLE TO CREST CADILLAC IN SYRACUSE NY COMPLAINING OF BRAKE PULSATION AND RUMBLING. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ONE DISK BRAKE PAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM ITS BACKING PLATE, AND A SECOND SET OF PAD AND BACKING PLATE WAS ABOUT TO SEPARATE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I THINK IT COMPROMISES THE BRAKING SYSTEM OF THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 12,350 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10127675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,300 milesCanfield, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STALL.
NHTSA complaint #10044754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
WHILE DRIVING THE BOLT CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *NLM THERE WERE ENGINE PROBLEMS/STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO CUTS ON BY ITSELF, HORN WAS INOPERATIVE, ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RECALL #0311500 IN RE: CADILLAC CTS. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10012342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
WHILE DRIVING THE BOLT CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *NLM THERE WERE ENGINE PROBLEMS/STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO CUTS ON BY ITSELF, HORN WAS INOPERATIVE, ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RECALL #0311500 IN RE: CADILLAC CTS. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10012342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
STEERING:COLUMN
WHILE DRIVING THE BOLT CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *NLM THERE WERE ENGINE PROBLEMS/STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO CUTS ON BY ITSELF, HORN WAS INOPERATIVE, ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RECALL #0311500 IN RE: CADILLAC CTS. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10012342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE BOLT CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *NLM THERE WERE ENGINE PROBLEMS/STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO CUTS ON BY ITSELF, HORN WAS INOPERATIVE, ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RECALL #0311500 IN RE: CADILLAC CTS. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10012342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING THE BOLT CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *NLM THERE WERE ENGINE PROBLEMS/STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE RADIO CUTS ON BY ITSELF, HORN WAS INOPERATIVE, ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RECALL #0311500 IN RE: CADILLAC CTS. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10012342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boyne, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES WERE DIM, WHICH CAUSED LESS LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10011133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.