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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2015
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingTires

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL DEFECT ISSUES. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP AND RADIATOR LEAKED RESULTING IN A COOLANT LEAK, AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE METAL BRACKETS HOLDING THE LEFT SID…

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2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL DEFECT ISSUES. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP AND RADIATOR LEAKED RESULTING IN A COOLANT LEAK, AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE METAL BRACKETS HOLDING THE LEFT SIDE TANK HAD RUSTED AND CAUSED A CRACK IN THE LEFT RADIATOR TANK. THE ENGINE DEVELOPED AN OIL LEAK FROM THE LOWER CRANKCASE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE OIL LEAK CAUSED A DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE LOWER CRANK SHAFT. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED TO PROPERLY REPAIR THE OIL LEAK. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC FROM ONSTAR OF THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A MALFUNCTIONED AIRBAG. *JS THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO THESE ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONLY A $5,000 GIFT CARD WOULD BE AN ACCEPTABLE REIMBURSEMENT. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10681261

7,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED AT OTHER TIMES A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE DISPLAYED THAT FLUID WAS NEEDED IN THE RADIATOR. THE FLUID HAD TO BE CHANGED FREQUENTLY BETWEEN 600-800 MILES.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED AT OTHER TIMES A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE DISPLAYED THAT FLUID WAS NEEDED IN THE RADIATOR. THE FLUID HAD TO BE CHANGED FREQUENTLY BETWEEN 600-800 MILES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

NHTSA ODI #10638101

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS *GR THE FRONT BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND LEFT FRONT CALIPER HAD TO BE REPLACE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER WOULD STICK AND IT DIDN'T RELEASE PROPERLY WHICH CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE AND ROTOR TO WEAR. AFTER THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND STARTED DRIVING, SHE HEARD THE NEW BRAKES G…

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2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS *GR THE FRONT BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND LEFT FRONT CALIPER HAD TO BE REPLACE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER WOULD STICK AND IT DIDN'T RELEASE PROPERLY WHICH CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE AND ROTOR TO WEAR. AFTER THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND STARTED DRIVING, SHE HEARD THE NEW BRAKES GRINDING. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS TOLD AFTER MARKET PARTS HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON HER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATED SHE SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED ORIGINAL GM PARTS BE PUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ENGINE BLOCK HALVES AND REAR SHOCKS WERE LEAKING OIL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10326346

81,836 miles · Apr 23, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY DRIVING OUT OF THE MIDDLE LANE; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS TO REPLACE THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AT HIS OWN EXPENSE OF $328. THE CONTACT DOESN'T WAN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY DRIVING OUT OF THE MIDDLE LANE; HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS TO REPLACE THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AT HIS OWN EXPENSE OF $328. THE CONTACT DOESN'T WANT TO ASSUME THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,836.

NHTSA ODI #10266515

65,900 miles · Aug 5, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE WITH APPROX. 65,900 MILES ON 07/11/07. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON VEHICLE CONTROL PANEL & TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SAME DATE 07/11/07. DEALER PERFORMED OIL CHANGE & INFORMED THAT ENTIRE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO FAIL & QUOTED $4,027.00 FOR REPAIRS. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR WARR…

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2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE WITH APPROX. 65,900 MILES ON 07/11/07. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON VEHICLE CONTROL PANEL & TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SAME DATE 07/11/07. DEALER PERFORMED OIL CHANGE & INFORMED THAT ENTIRE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO FAIL & QUOTED $4,027.00 FOR REPAIRS. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY PAST 50,000 MILES & INFORMED ENTIRE COST WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER. GM WAS CONTACTED & REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL OR REPAIR ASSISTANCE FOR DEFECT AND REPEATEDLY DELAYED ANY DECISION UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 08/02/07 (AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS BY CUSTOMER TO CONTACT/RESOLVE PROBLEM), OTHER THAN A $1,000.00 CUSTOMER LOYALTY CERTIFICATE TO BUY A NEW CAR ON APPROX 8/02/07. GM REPRESENTATIVE CALLED & RECORDED PHONE CONVERSATION WITH CUSTOMER WITHOUT CUSTOMER ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT ON 8/01/07 & 8/02/07. CUSTOMER HAD GONE TO DEALERSHIP (2ND TIME) & DEALER SERVICE MGR. REFUSED TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY (IN PERSON) & STATED HE WILL NOT HELP & STATED HIS DISPLEASURE THAT GM WAS CONTACTED. CADILLAC WAS THEREFORE TAKEN TO AAMCO AT CADILLAC OWNER'S EXPENSE FOR COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. ANOTHER ISSUE, "CHECK COOLANT LEVEL LIGHT" HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP ATTENTION (WHILE PREVIOUSLY UNDER WARRANTY) & TOLD US TO DISREGARD/NOT WORRY ABOUT IT APPROXIMATELY LAST THREE TIMES CAR WAS IN TO DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGES (OVER APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS). CUSTOMER WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT ANY SAFETY ISSUE & TO DISREGARD "CHECK COOLANT LEVEL LIGHT". ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED DUE TO ASSURANCE OF SAFETY FROM DEALERSHIP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10198563

60,000 miles · May 23, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY ONE IF CHECKED CADLLIAC RECORDS, IT WILL INDICATE AS A BRAKES PROBLEM. 1 HAD 4 BRAKE JOBS DONE ON THE VEHICLE TO FIND OUT LATER THAT IT WAS NOT THE BRAKE, NOW THEY SAID IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARIING, WHICH SOUND THE SAME AS WHEN THEY TOLD ME BRAKES. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSP…

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I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY ONE IF CHECKED CADLLIAC RECORDS, IT WILL INDICATE AS A BRAKES PROBLEM. 1 HAD 4 BRAKE JOBS DONE ON THE VEHICLE TO FIND OUT LATER THAT IT WAS NOT THE BRAKE, NOW THEY SAID IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARIING, WHICH SOUND THE SAME AS WHEN THEY TOLD ME BRAKES. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION IN DELAWARE BECAUSE OF THE EMMISSIONS SYSTEM ,AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. I ASSUME CADILLAC FIXED THE PROBLEM TO FIND OUT LATER THEY NEVER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I HAVE HAD MANY CONVERSATIONS WITH CADILLAC WITH NO HELP, THEY GAVE ME A VOUCHER TOWARD A NEW VEHICLE WHICH WAS NOT GOING TO HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION . *AK BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO BUY A VEHICLE THAT HAS PROBLEMS FROM THE DOOR,PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME TO GET MY PROBLEM RESOLVED, I'M TRYNG TO GET MY VEHICLE FIX , SO I CAN UPGRADE,

NHTSA ODI #10191522

5,000 miles · Jun 29, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE WITH 7200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER OVER THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS HAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT DECELERATING ENGINE STALL. THIS CAR IS A CRASH WAITING TO HAPPEN, AS IT HAS STALLED OVER 30 TIMES. THIS CAR HAS HIGH ROLLING RESISTANCE, SO WHEN IT STALLS, IT COMES TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE DEALER SAYS HE CAN'T DUPLI…

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MY 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE WITH 7200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER OVER THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS HAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT DECELERATING ENGINE STALL. THIS CAR IS A CRASH WAITING TO HAPPEN, AS IT HAS STALLED OVER 30 TIMES. THIS CAR HAS HIGH ROLLING RESISTANCE, SO WHEN IT STALLS, IT COMES TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE DEALER SAYS HE CAN'T DUPLICATE THE STALL, AND THERE ARE NO COMPUTER ERROR CODES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. GET RID OF THE CAR? IF I DON'T USE THE NEW CAR WARRANTY, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE PARTS IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10161048

1,483 miles · Oct 25, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE ACT AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO STALL OR RUN OUT OF GAS. *** NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN REPETATIVETHE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10142094

Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH 2003 CADILLAC. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CRUISE CONTROL CEASED AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPAIRED. *BF . THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE HEAD LIGHTS EVENTUALLY CAME BACK ON UNTIL ANOTHER HEAVY RAIN AND THEY WENT OUT…

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MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH 2003 CADILLAC. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CRUISE CONTROL CEASED AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPAIRED. *BF . THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS AND DASH BOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE HEAD LIGHTS EVENTUALLY CAME BACK ON UNTIL ANOTHER HEAVY RAIN AND THEY WENT OUT AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING AND THAT WAS THE REASON THE CHECK COOLANT LEVEL READING WAS BEING DISPLAYED. *TC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10099946

1,230 miles · Nov 5, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10046383

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.