NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
313 reports54,578 miles · Oct 15, 2015
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIANS THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V105000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,578.
NHTSA ODI #10782325
99,000 miles · Sep 8, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE 'REMOVE DISABLE KEY' WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE 'REMOVE DISABLE KEY' WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
NHTSA ODI #10762302
68,000 miles · Aug 6, 2015
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10746770
115,909 miles · Aug 2, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering
WAS ENTERING THE ON RAMP ON TO A FREEWAY AND JUST TAPPED THE BRAKE AND NOTICED AND HEARD THE LEFT FRONT TIRE GRIND AND THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT REAL HARD. I WAS GOING INTO A BLIND UNDER PASS AND THOUGHT THAT IF IT SEIZED UP AROUND THE BLIND CORNER I WOULD SURELY BE IN AN ACCIDENT. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT A STONE CHIP W…
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WAS ENTERING THE ON RAMP ON TO A FREEWAY AND JUST TAPPED THE BRAKE AND NOTICED AND HEARD THE LEFT FRONT TIRE GRIND AND THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT REAL HARD. I WAS GOING INTO A BLIND UNDER PASS AND THOUGHT THAT IF IT SEIZED UP AROUND THE BLIND CORNER I WOULD SURELY BE IN AN ACCIDENT. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT A STONE CHIP WAS IN BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ROTOR. THE CAR WAS TOWED AWAY TO A AAA LOCATION ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY. THE SERVICE STATION THEN TOOK IT OUT AROUND THE BLOCK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE. THE PUT THE CAR UP AND THE LIFT AND COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING THAT WAS WRONG. THEN I TOOK THEM OUT AROUND THE BLOCK REAL SLOW AND THE LEFT FRONT BRAKES WOULD GRIND AWAY. THEY TESTED IT AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG NO ERROR CODES. THEY I SAID COULD DRIVE THE CAR HOME FROM SAN DIEGO TO SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY NOT DIDN'T MAKE IT A BLOCK AWAY BEFORE IT LOCKED UP THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. WAS ABLE TO LIMP TO MARVIN K. BROWN AUTO CENTER ABOUT A MILE AWAY AND IT WAS THERE FOR TWO WEEKS AND $500.00 FOR A STEERING SENSOR REPLACED. THEN IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN AND THE CTS WAS TAKEN TO TUSTIN CADILLAC AND THEY TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS AFTER SPENDING 2 DAYS AT THE DEALER AND $1700.00 LATER THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE NOT ONLY THE LEFT FRONT BUT NOW IT IS THE RIGHT FRONT. THE BRAKES CONTINUE TO ACTIVATE ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AT ANYTIME AT ANY SPEED. THIS LAST TIME IT FELT LIKE THE LEFT REAR ACTIVATED, THE CAR GOT OUT OF CONTROL EVERY ONE AROUND ME BACKED OFF. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR THROUGH THE LOCKING OF LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT TIRES AND IT DOES SAY DING AND READ " CHECK STABILITY SYSTEM" THIS CAR IT NO LONGER SAVE TO BE DRIVEN AND I WAS TOLD THE LAST PART TO FIX IT IS "OBSOLETE" THE ONLY THING THAT MIGHT WORK IS TO DISABLE THE "STABILITY SYSTEM" BY UNPLUGGING THE FUSES ON IN THE TRUNK ON UP FRONT.
NHTSA ODI #10745675
50,000 miles · Jun 26, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT TURNED SHARPLY TO AVOID AN ANIMAL. THE ENGINE STALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS LAUNCHED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LOWER BACK, NECK, A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT TURNED SHARPLY TO AVOID AN ANIMAL. THE ENGINE STALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS LAUNCHED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LOWER BACK, NECK, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS ALREADY EXPERIENCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10730679
67,000 miles · Jun 8, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO COOL DOWN COMPLETELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO COOL DOWN COMPLETELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
NHTSA ODI #10724078
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2015
Steering
MY 2003 CTS CADILLAC KEY STUCK IN IGNITION AND CAR ENGINE SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN. THE ECM IS READING LIKE SOMEONE IS STEALING THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OF PARK AND WANT START. DEFECTIVE RECALL. GM SHOULD REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THEY DID NOT FIX THE RECALL PROBLEM, THEY JUST PUT A BAND AID ON IT AND SHOULD …
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MY 2003 CTS CADILLAC KEY STUCK IN IGNITION AND CAR ENGINE SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN. THE ECM IS READING LIKE SOMEONE IS STEALING THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OF PARK AND WANT START. DEFECTIVE RECALL. GM SHOULD REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THEY DID NOT FIX THE RECALL PROBLEM, THEY JUST PUT A BAND AID ON IT AND SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS RECALL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. NO QUALITY IN THEIR VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER IS PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THEIR DEFAULTS. THIS ARE NOT CHEAP INVOICE VEHICLES, WHILE THEY ARE GETTING BAIL OUTS, NOW WE KNOW WHY. AND PAYING THEIR CEO BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON THE CONSUMER'S BACK. WHY?? NO CONSUMER, NO JOBS FOR ANY OF GM EMPLOYEES. I WANT TO BE REIMBURSED. AGED OF THE VEHICLE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH DEFAULT OF GM VEHICLE PRODUCTS.
NHTSA ODI #10722009
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SIX MONTHS AGO UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SIX MONTHS AGO UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V394000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10721774
79,000 miles · May 26, 2015
EngineUnknown Or Other
MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF EXCELERATION.........THIS HAPPEN TO ME 2X... ONCE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC!!! AND THE OTHER JUST BEFORE A BLUE LINE TRAIN ...DEALERSHIP TAKES THIS VERY LIGHTLY.I GUESS SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FIRST..IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. I HAVE SO MANY ISSUES THAT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE HAVING OR HAD WHEN …
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MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF EXCELERATION.........THIS HAPPEN TO ME 2X... ONCE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC!!! AND THE OTHER JUST BEFORE A BLUE LINE TRAIN ...DEALERSHIP TAKES THIS VERY LIGHTLY.I GUESS SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FIRST..IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. I HAVE SO MANY ISSUES THAT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE HAVING OR HAD WHEN NEW TOO. .I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHERE MY AIRBAG ON MY STEERING WHEEL .IS LOOKS LIKE IT IS SEPARATING...NOT SURE BUT IT IS NOT FLUSH....I'M AFRAID TO ASK ABOUT THAT SINCE ALL IT DOES IS COST ME$$$$$$$ ALSO I HAD BRAKES FIXED THAT WEREN'T THAT BAD BECAUSE OF NOISE BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE NOT ALL THE TIME BUT MORE FREQUENT AND IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS FROM SOME PART OF CLUTCH PART NOT THE BRAKES..... NEW BRAKES DIDN'T FIX ANYTHING.. I AM FIXING THIS CAR MORE THAN WHAT I AM WRITING ABOUT. THE 1ST MONTH I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO RETURN FOR A BOLT WAS COMING LOOSE ON MY STEERING COLUMN...FOUND OUT IT WAS A RECALL. I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE FOR WORK THAT WAS DONE TO MY CAR THAT LATER I FOUND WAS NOT MY WORK ORDER OR MY VIN #. OR MY MILEAGE... AFTER I PAID FOR HALF THE WORK SINCE MY CAR WASN'T BROUGHT IN FOR ANY OF THAT STUFF.. ONLY A STABILITY LIGHT TO BE CHECKED... WHICH AFTER 11MONTHS WHEN I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN... FOUND THAT WAS NEVER TAKEN CARE OF.. THATS WHY IT WOULD COME OFF AND ON ... I WAS JUST TIRED OF BEING TAKEN... THATS HOW I FELT.. BEING THAT I AM A WOMEN........
NHTSA ODI #10721447
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. SINCE THE CONTACT HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT SHORT PERTAINING TO THE CONNECTION OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE FURTHER INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC CTS. SINCE THE CONTACT HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT SHORT PERTAINING TO THE CONNECTION OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE FURTHER INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10713527
Official recalls
4Jul 2, 2014
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) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
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.
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 15, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14172.
Mar 17, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 CADILLAC CTS VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE FITTING AT THE CALIPER MAY CORRODE DUE TO SNOW OR WATER, CONTAINING ROAD SALT OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS, ENTERING AND BEING RETAINED IN THE ROUTING SLEEVE. IF THE FITTING CORRODES SIGNIFICANTLY, THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY DEVELOP A LEAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE HOSE-TUBE INTERFACE MAY RUPTURE SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Jul 15, 2003
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Mar 24, 2003
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT MAY BE LOOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED BOLT COULD LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT AND ENSURE THAT IT IS TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 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 CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗