CADILLAC DEVILLE · model year

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE

208 NHTSA complaints, 21 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003CADILLACDEVILLE carries 208 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 21 crashes, 0 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 DEVILLE is electrical system with 44 filings, followed by air bags (23) and engine (16). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2003 DEVILLE, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

208
Complaints
21
Crashes
0
Fires
22
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

208 filings

Crashes Reported

21 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
AIR BAGS23
ENGINE16
STEERING10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS6
SERVICE BRAKES6
POWER TRAIN5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
STRUCTURE:BODY3

Recalls (4)

14V35500023/06/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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 certai

03V05100014/02/2003

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

02V22200009/08/2002

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

03V23800001/07/2003

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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

Recent Complaints

20240312ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

Mileage: 200,000

20211120SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20211120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20211120ENGINE

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.

20200627STRUCTURE:BODY

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

Mileage: 40,000

20200627ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

Mileage: 40,000

20200627VISIBILITY/WIPER

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

Mileage: 40,000

20200614STRUCTURE:BODY

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

Mileage: 188,000

20200614SERVICE BRAKES

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

Mileage: 188,000

20200614ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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

Mileage: 188,000

20200419FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

Mileage: 177,000

20200419STEERING

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

Mileage: 177,000

20200419UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Mileage: 177,000

20200127CrashAIR BAGS

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.

20190913AIR BAGS

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

Mileage: 94,300

20190913FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

Mileage: 94,300

20190610CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20190327UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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!!!

Mileage: 110,000

20181030ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ARROWHEAD CADILLAC (8310 W BELL RD, GLENDALE, AZ 85308 (623) 455-6910) WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT VIN IS INVALID. *JB

Mileage: 79,000

20180531AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE KEY WAS HARD TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT A SECURITY MODULE FAILED AND THERE WAS A DISCONNECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO VININGS ENTERPRISES INC. (904 N TENNESSEE ST, CARTERSVILLE, GA 30120, (770) 382-2007), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Compare 2003CADILLACDEVILLE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE have?
The 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE has 208 NHTSA complaints, 21 crashes, 0 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE?
Yes, the 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE?
The most-complained component for the 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 44 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ENGINE.
Is the 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.