2003 Cadillac CTS Cadillac CTS 2003

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2003 Cadillac CTS repairs by problem area

Engine (53%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (15%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 138 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Cadillac CTS.

2003 Cadillac CTS repair cost distribution

$2500+ (5%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (28%)

< $100 (36%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 115 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Cadillac CTS

Engine not specified

Cadillac CTS in Quebec, Canada
Nov 2010 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011

97960 mi

C $300
Tie rod replaced 
Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

66000 mi

US $787
Engine ran hot, took to two different dealerships and was quoted repair costs of $2000 and $5000 respectively. Had car towed to John's auto in Hazel Park Mich. Paid $787.40 to replace radiator and flush system.Problem solved! 
Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2010
Dec 2009

127000 mi

US $313
Crankshaft position sensor. Code PO335. 
Cadillac CTS in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

113460 mi

C $2500
service stability system. After many trips to the shop to complain that warning system coming on (the shops computer never acknowledged that the warning system had come on so mechanics figured I didn't know what i was talking about) their computer 

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2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

220-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed manual RWD

Cadillac CTS in Connecticut, United States
Dec 2006 - Jul 2022
Sep 2010

14000 mi

US $102
Replaced broken glove box latch and lock. 
Cadillac CTS in Maryland, United States
Jan 2013 - Apr 2013
Feb 2013

124000 mi

US $800
Leaking axle seals. 
Apr 2013

124000 mi
Blown head gaskets. 

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2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

220-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

Cadillac CTS in Arizona, United States
Oct 2010 - Nov 2010
Nov 2010

100000 mi
Was getting random messages about the Stability System Engaging which kicked off the Cruise Control. 
Cadillac CTS in Ohio, United States
Feb 2010 - Apr 2010
Apr 2010

87000 mi
Corrosion was developing around the oil fill cap, suspected that a head gasket was going because water in oil. 
Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2018
Jan 2010

59000 mi
automatic seat adjustment is irregular. Said it was something they couldn't verify PCV valve broken and there was an oil leak shift solenoid replaced 
Apr 2012

69200 mi

US $750
Oil cooler part died. The part is being repaired and the engine flushed. 
Dec 2012

72000 mi

US $320
replace thermostat 
Jul 2013

75300 mi

US $250
gas vapor valve 
Dec 2014

84000 mi
Bearing for a belt 
Mar 2015

86000 mi

US $80
Oil sending unit switch 
Apr 2017

98000 mi

US $260
crank sensor 
Jun 2017

10000 mi

US $200
The gear shift was loose and needed a new arm. I think 
Nov 2017

107000 mi

US $340
Power steering lines replaced 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Feb 2010 - Apr 2013
Jul 2011

85000 mi
sensor 
Oct 2011

86000 mi
Air bag light - Sensor valve cover found leaking during repair oil leaking from both valve cover gaskets front o2 sensor replaced Rear o2 sensor replaced 
Jan 2012

88000 mi
o2 sensors front and rear replaced again - under warranty no charge 
Cadillac CTS in Virginia, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2015
Mar 2014

130000 mi

US $875
replace seals on motor head gaskets 
Nov 2014

136400 mi

US $528
replace throttle boby 
Cadillac CTS in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2014 - Aug 2015
Aug 2015

224000 mi
EVAP solenoid is damaged Each time I fill in gaz, it won't start easily This is the second time I face this problem and the EVAP had been changed 10 months ago. 
Cadillac CTS in Indiana, United States
Oct 2012 - Oct 2013
Nov 2012

89200 mi

US $50
Valve cover gasket leaking 
Oct 2013

92000 mi

US $45
Replaced crank angle sensor 
Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States
- Mar 2007
Oct 2006

25000 mi
Exhaust manifold gasket replacement 
Dec 2006

27000 mi
Thermostat/Exhaust manifold gasket replacement 
Mar 2007

31000 mi
Battery replacement, software upgrade, transmission o-ring replacement 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
- May 2008
Nov 2006

59411 mi
Window motor 
May 2008

71000 mi

US $400
ABS wheel sensor 
Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States
- Jul 2006
Jul 2006

48000 mi

US $27500
I basically bought a lemon. The car the first few weeks was awesome, had to replace the tires, windshield first month. Had to replace the brakes and rotors. Car has check engine light on, leaking oil and coolant. Just did the 100k mile warranty 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Sep 2013 - Jun 2017
Apr 2017

64000 mi

US $200
Valve cover gaskets. 
May 2017

64000 mi

US $985
No cold air, Bad repair Job 
Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States
Sep 2015 - Oct 2015
Oct 2015

117000 mi
Removed top of black box on side of transmission. Cleaned contact points with alcohol, replaced cap. Found this solution through web search 
Cadillac CTS in Indiana, United States
Dec 2013 - Mar 2014
Feb 2014

93600 mi

US $100
Oil fill neck spilling oil 
Cadillac CTS in Quebec, Canada
Feb 2013 - Feb 2014
Jun 2013

67580 mi

C $1300
Grinding sound from rear differential. Changed 2 gears and pinion. 
Feb 2014

71920 mi

C $5200
Transmission oil cooler in the cars radiator ruptured causing transmission oil and vehicle coolant to mix.The contaminated mixture made its way to the transmission and ruined the transmission. The radiator plus the transmission were replaced 
Cadillac CTS in Maryland, United States
Mar 2013 - Sep 2015
Dec 2014

172000 mi

US $350
Engine head gasket leak, oil leaks around valve cover. 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Jun 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

150000 mi

US $600
Could not pass smog 
Cadillac CTS in Texas, United States
Oct 2009 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

147000 mi

US $1500
valve cover gasket and sending unit leak, power gear leak thermostat stuck open throttle body adjustment 
Cadillac CTS in New York, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2011
Dec 2010

55000 mi

US $60
Stabilization light flashed on and car had slight shift in rear end. Mechnic could not find problem. Did all test nothing showed. Returned after problem occurred again without turning off engine, still could not find problem. 
Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States
Oct 2006 - Nov 2011
May 2006

57061 mi
PANEL, SUNROOF - ALIGN 
Sep 2006

62667 mi
BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY, REAR WHEEL - LEFT - REPLACE ARM ASSEMBLY, FRONT CONTROL - LOWER - BOTH - REPLACE 
May 2008

81000 mi
Pinion leaking, sealed. Right tie rod loose, replaced. Front end link rattled, replaced. Painted rims replaced x2 (peeling) Solenoid replaced (P0128 code - bypassing solenoid) 
Aug 2008

83000 mi
Right external mirror mechanism replaced (curb-view-while-in-reverse was intermittently moving to show the wrong objects) A/C compressor replaced (below specs) 
Sep 2008

84000 mi
Transmission gasket leaking, replaced. Steering master cylinder/gasket leaking, replaced. 
Dec 2008

89000 mi

US $500
Leaking master cylinder and brake hose. Waited weeks for parts from shut-down GM plants. Seat belts no longer properly retracting - replaced. Bushing on stabilizer bar and front shock absorbers replaced. Thermostat replaced. Compass and external temperature sensor replaced because inaccurate. 
Jun 2009

94000 mi

US $305
Replaced right shock absorber - parts ordered 12-24-08, arrived in March, finally installed. Oxygen sensor, bank 2 #2 
Oct 2009

97000 mi

US $697
Replaced valve cover gasket, and resealed. Leaking oil had previously damaged the oxygen sensor replaced at last visit. O2 sensors cleaned and replaced. Same O2 sensor dropped a code on the way home - O2 sensor re-replacement pending. 
Dec 2009

98000 mi

US $500
Oxygen sensors re-replaced. No further codes. 
Feb 2010

100000 mi

US $1200
Replaced lower intake gasket and PCV hose for the oil leak that continued after the last repair. Re-replaced gaskets as needed for access. 
Oct 2010

106000 mi

US $400
A/C Compressor replaced 
Sep 2011

117000 mi
New water pump 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Aug 2007 - Jun 2012
Nov 2007

82000 mi

US $800
Brake pads for 4 wheels Disks turned for 4 weels Brake fluid flushed and replaced Struts and Hinges on trunk replaced 
Dec 2008

92000 mi

US $130
Replaced rear window regulator and motor. 
Jan 2010

101000 mi

US $1500
A few days after dealer performed 100,000 service car wouldn't start. Dealer claimed carbon buildup and cleaned heads and valves.  Also replaced several sensors. 
Nov 2011

126000 mi

US $36
Window regulator failed on passenger rear window. Ordered new part on eBay and replaced unit using the original motor. Repair successful. 
Dec 2011

126000 mi

US $88
FM / Wireless antenna above headliner near rear window went bad. Ordered replacement online and exchanged unit. 
Jun 2012

127000 mi

US $30
AC blew hot air. Diagnosed as bad compressor & condenser. Estimated to cost $1700 to repair. Chose to sell the car. 
Cadillac CTS in Manitoba, Canada
Aug 2007 - Jun 2011
Dec 2007

46500 mi

C $495
thermostat broken. Seal and thermostat on backorder, had to take vehicle back at a later date. 
Mar 2008

46500 mi

C $580
Thermostat broken. Seal and thermostat on backorder, had to take vehicle back at a later date. Month: December 2007 outcome, ordered parts. 
Cadillac CTS in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2007 - Feb 2010
Jan 2010

145000 mi

US $1500
L/R Valve Covers Replaced/Regasketed. New coil pack. New thermostat. 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2007 - May 2011
Jul 2007

33356 mi
Rough idle: engine idles at 600 rpm, reset computer setting and seems to have taken care of the problem. still idles minimally rough but is not annoying any longer. slightly rough idle, brought rpm's up to about 750-800, seemed to help quite a bit.If it holds at those rpm's and computers don't re-adjust. 
Mar 2008

49786 mi

C $100
Driver's side rear wheel bearing and both rear wheel bearing seals replaced after annoying hum coming from rear (suspected wheel bearing failure). Fixed under extended warranty (satisfied with work done promptly by dealer) Driver side rear wheel bearing, plus both wheel bearing seals on rear replaced under extended warranty. 
Dec 2009

66340 mi

C $980
Broken brake hydraulic flex line on front driver side, lost all brake fluid,wait for parts ordered. 
Jan 2011

75020 mi

C $520
Long time for heater to throw heat. Figured it was the thermostat. Took to dealer and got P128 fault. Thermostat replaced and intake manifold gaskets replaced b/c had to be removed to make repair. Decided to replace spark plugs also. 
May 2011

78120 mi

C $1300
Broken left front brake line. Had to order parts. fixed under recall. Luckily was not on highway when line broke. Severe safety hazard recall. Had fixed at first other than dealer. Then to dealer for GM parts. Refused to cover expenses. 
Cadillac CTS in Bahrain
Dec 2006 - Dec 2008
Jan 2007

73780 mi

$80
Throttle body replacement 
Mar 2007

75640 mi

$250
small engine cooler inside the engine leaked radator water, need to be replaced part cost US$ 180 labour charge US$ 70. 
Apr 2008

84940 mi

$250
Replacement of cranck sensor. Radiator repair. 
May 2008

86180 mi

$300
Window regulator failure 
Aug 2008

88040 mi

$120
Overheat problem, Mechanic replaced the thermostat, it took one week to get the part, no problem after part replacement. 
Cadillac CTS in Illinois, United States
Jan 2007 - Dec 2014
Feb 2007

50000 mi

US $761
Rear differential seals replaced after spotting leak on garage floor. 
Jun 2008

54000 mi
Trunk lid struts failed. Due to change in their design, trunk hinges had to be replaced at a cost of $500. E-mailed Cadillac for solution after returning home. Cadillac offered to arrange for dealer to pay 1/2 of $500 cost of repair. Dealer replaced trunk struts and hinges at no cost. Service manager said that it was the least they could do for a good customer. 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2007 - Sep 2013
Jun 2011

90520 mi
Ball joints on tie rods were worn out and steering out of alignment, totally expected due to milage and bad roads out in the country where I live. 
Cadillac CTS in Georgia, United States
Nov 2009 - Jan 2010
Dec 2009

110000 mi

US $5000
lots of electrical problems, cracked heads requiring engine to be rebuilt, currently needs head job again, transmission needs to be repaired, heater not working, back window motors gone!!! car from HELL!!! 
Jan 2010

109000 mi
The car ran hot about 1 month ago and it's a total loss now. The engine is gone! The car is currently junked. 
Cadillac CTS in New Mexico, United States
Nov 2007 - Oct 2012
Feb 2010

70500 mi

US $1080
Oil leak from valve covers. Replaced gaskets. Coolant leak from water pump area. Replaced water pump. 
Nov 2010

75000 mi

US $525
Rear window mechanism broken, part ordered and replaced. 
Apr 2011

78000 mi

US $930
Rear hub speed sensor bad. Integral with hub. Hub replaced. 
Sep 2011

80000 mi

US $373
Replaced crank position sensor 
May 2012

84400 mi

US $1758
A/C compressor seized. 
Cadillac CTS in Florida, United States
Aug 2008 - Apr 2013
Sep 2009

31000 mi

US $50
Steering Rack leaked all power steering fluid. 
Dec 2010

36000 mi

US $345
Wiper motor continued to run when car running. Had to pull the fuse in engine compartment to turn off wipers. Replaced the Circuit Board on the motor. 
Cadillac CTS in Manitoba, Canada
Jul 2009 - Jun 2013
Aug 2009

68200 mi

C $100
car would not start in the morning, brought it into the shop and found that there was spark and fuel so had to be a sensor. Crank sensor failure. 
Cadillac CTS in Tennessee, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

64000 mi
Needed new water pump. 
Cadillac CTS in California, United States
Jun 2008 - Jun 2014
Jul 2008

45000 mi
Crankcase sensor went out. Lens on rear deck covering backup lights and around license plate came off in car wash. Broken, over $400.00 to replace. 
Sep 2009

61295 mi

US $625
Main computer module replaced Electronic Control Module 
Jun 2010

64000 mi

US $5100
Blown water line. Had a major replacement of all rubber under the hood: timing belt, water pump, all hoses, valve cover gaskets. 
Cadillac CTS in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Feb 2010

97000 mi
Unexpected stalling. Required new transmission sensor. 
Mar 2010

97000 mi
Valve cover gasket leaking oil when sold. 
Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States
Apr 2008 - Dec 2014
Nov 2009

79000 mi

US $6750
replaced master cylinder 
Dec 2009

79000 mi

US $800
replaced 6cd player, player only clicked would not play. dealer replaced with refurbished unit. 
Jun 2011

88000 mi

US $413
replaced rear window regulator and motor 
Mar 2013

93000 mi

US $789
Remove and replace thermostat 
Mar 2014

95000 mi

US $770
driver door electrics not working. Removed door panel, discovered plug not completely connected. Checked system everything works fine 
Jul 2014

95200 mi

US $50
replace gas cap 
Cadillac CTS in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2008 - Jun 2011
May 2008

71300 mi

C $100
Cranking signal for security system, electronic piggy-back harness ordered and to be installed this week. Also small oil leak,rocker cover gasket needed to be replaced and ordered, also warrenty. 
Jun 2008

71920 mi

C $100
Returning security system errors after harness installed. I read the codes and it appears to have a communication error that may be caused by a power loss, it is currently working after the dealership cleared the error codes, however I expect same issue 
Jul 2008

74400 mi

C $100
Trunk bezel fell off,attempting to get it replaced for free 05+. this was not a suprise I have been expecting it to fall off and smash, 04.5+ much better design of bezel,03 discontinued. Found used temp replacement for $100. not a big deal. love this car! 
Oct 2008

78740 mi

C $60
Crank position sensor, cheap repair,common prob wit 3.2L,car wouldnt start,key stays turned to start by itslef then gives up,several attempts,let sit for 1hr car started and drove it home, next day drove to the shop and had it repaired 
Mar 2009

80600 mi

C $250
Thermostat Steering position sensor. 
Sep 2009

86800 mi

C $1200
Tranny cooler lines, rad, full tranny service filter and fluid. Lines broke off radiator. 

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2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan

178-horsepower 2.6L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

Cadillac CTS in Moscow City, Russia
Oct 2008 - Jul 2011
Dec 2008

39060 mi

$1200
Fire under the hood while driving. Oil leak from head gasket detected. Had to replace head gaskets, the cover, burned wires and vacuum hose. Waited 3 weeks for parts to arrive. 
Feb 2009

41540 mi

$300
Replaced head gasket covers. 
Mar 2011

74400 mi

$320
Generator belt broke in the middle of drive. The problem was caused by tensioner falling apart. Car had to be towed as one belt is used for steering, AC, generator and water pump. Do not neglet routine maintenance to avoid such a hassle. 

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2003 Cadillac CTS 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Cadillac CTS in New Mexico, United States
Jan 2007 - Sep 2007
May 2007

31000 mi
Right front driving lamp going on and off-dealer changed the lamp, did not fix the problem. 
Cadillac CTS in Michigan, United States
Dec 2006 - May 2008
Jan 2007

38000 mi
Rough noisy ride was first discussed with dealer in October. It took three trips to diagnose correctly. Brakes replaced, shocks/struts replaced, alignment, tire balance/rotate (not considered maintience)finally control arm bushings were replaced and seems 
Sep 2007

51000 mi

US $105
Replaced the trunk struts. 

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2003 Cadillac CTS Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Cadillac CTS problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.