← New search

2003 Cadillac Deville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Deville years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Cadillac Deville are substantially higher than the model-year median of 44.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

105 reports with mileage · 40 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports0 fire reports9 injury reports

Engine complaints

16 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineService 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 s…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11441153

79,000 miles · Oct 30, 2018
Engine

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 …

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #11144124

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

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 RE…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11098978

60,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Engine

MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL FROM THE SEALS. IT WAS ALWAYS DEALER MAINTAINED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE WITH LOW MILEAGE. IT STARTED 3 YEARS AGO. I NOTICED YOU RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY ENGINE IS A V8. REGULAR OIL CHANGES ETC. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK. DEALER WANTS $2,500 TO FIX SEALS. THE WAY I DRIVE IT WITH LOW MILLAG…

Read full complaint

MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL FROM THE SEALS. IT WAS ALWAYS DEALER MAINTAINED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE WITH LOW MILEAGE. IT STARTED 3 YEARS AGO. I NOTICED YOU RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY ENGINE IS A V8. REGULAR OIL CHANGES ETC. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK. DEALER WANTS $2,500 TO FIX SEALS. THE WAY I DRIVE IT WITH LOW MILLAGE OF 60,000 MILES IT SHOULD NOT HAVE LEAKED. JUST READ ABOUT RECALL OF OTHER GM CARS ON 27 OCT. 2015.

NHTSA ODI #10786389

64,020 miles · Apr 3, 2015
Engine

AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN, I DROVE UP OVER ABOUT 1 1/2 INCH VERTICAL RISE IN THE PAVEMENT (SMALL BUMP). THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. I LOST POWER STIRRING AND POWER BRAKES. I GOT STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 3 DAYS AFTER I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO THE GM DEALER FOR REPAIRS COVERED B…

Read full complaint

AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN, I DROVE UP OVER ABOUT 1 1/2 INCH VERTICAL RISE IN THE PAVEMENT (SMALL BUMP). THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. I LOST POWER STIRRING AND POWER BRAKES. I GOT STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 3 DAYS AFTER I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO THE GM DEALER FOR REPAIRS COVERED BY GM RECALL 14299, "UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION". MY KEY DID NOT ROTATE. YESTERDAY APRIL 2, 2015 WHEN DRIVING 45 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN WITHOUT HITTING ANY BUMPS. I WAS ABLE TO COAST, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND RESTART THE ENGINE, BEFORE THE CAR BEHIND ME COULD HIT ME. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF.AGAIN THERE WAS NO KEY ROTATION. I CALLED MY GM DEALER AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW IGNITION SWITCH OR WHAT EVER WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE RECALL ONLY REMOVED ALL OTHER KEYS FROM THE IGNITION KEY RING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT GM NEEDS ANOTHER RECALL TO FIX THIS SUDDEN ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN BECAUSE IF THERE IS A CRASH THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. ALSO LOST OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES MAKES CONTROL OF THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10703620

900,000 miles · Dec 18, 2014
EnginePower TrainSteering

NOTIFIED LAST SUMMER (2014) ABOUT RECALL...IN SEPTEMBER (2014) NOTIFIED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIR...HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER SEVERAL TIMES....DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY MATERIALS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES THE IGNITION TURNING OFF....(THE REASON FOR THE RECALL)...FORTU…

Read full complaint

NOTIFIED LAST SUMMER (2014) ABOUT RECALL...IN SEPTEMBER (2014) NOTIFIED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIR...HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER SEVERAL TIMES....DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY MATERIALS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES THE IGNITION TURNING OFF....(THE REASON FOR THE RECALL)...FORTUNATELY HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT. WHAT IS HOLDING UP THE REPAIRS? WHY SEND A LETTER INSTRUCTING US TO NOW GET IT REPAIRED WHEN THE LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE MATERIALS NEEDED? VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667178

145,000 miles · Oct 31, 2014
Air BagsEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULE AND THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULE AND THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 01/22/15*CN UPDATED 8/31/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10651681

174,000 miles · Oct 20, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND REQUIRED A JUMP TO BE RESTARTED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO ENTER THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIG…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND REQUIRED A JUMP TO BE RESTARTED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO ENTER THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

NHTSA ODI #10648808

86,000 miles · Sep 30, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WHICH CAUSED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WHICH CAUSED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10640086

70,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE PROBLEM RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE PROBLEM RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10630661

Official recalls

4

14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jun 23, 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) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and 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. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

03V238000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jul 1, 2003

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 TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.