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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

Power Train complaints

14 reports
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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…

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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

51,000 miles · Nov 5, 2014
Power TrainService BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR, BRAKE SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE PEDAL SANK INTO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR, BRAKE SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE PEDAL SANK INTO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

NHTSA ODI #10652733

147,495 miles · Oct 23, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014, I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS ABOUT (1) PART THAT MUST BE REPAIRED IN MY 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE SEDAN: (1) IGNITION SWITCH 14V355000, THE ONLY RECALL SHOWING UP ON THE GM WEB-SITE IS THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE OTHER THREE AND THE FIRST ARE LISTED HERE TOTALING (4) RECALLS ALL TOGETHER…

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IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014, I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS ABOUT (1) PART THAT MUST BE REPAIRED IN MY 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE SEDAN: (1) IGNITION SWITCH 14V355000, THE ONLY RECALL SHOWING UP ON THE GM WEB-SITE IS THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE OTHER THREE AND THE FIRST ARE LISTED HERE TOTALING (4) RECALLS ALL TOGETHER! AFTER ENTERING MY MAKE, MODEL, YEAR, AND VIN, OF MY VEHICLE I RECEIVED THREE MORE URGENT RECALLS ! (2) FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR 03V238000, (3) DRIVER AIR BAG 03V051000, AND THE (4) AIR BAG INFLATOR 02V222000. DURING A RECORDED PHONE CONVERSATION AN AGENT AND A MANAGER AT/FROM (GM) GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT THEY DO NO HONOR ANY RECALLS FROM SAFERCAR.GOV/NHTSA OR ANY OTHER WEB-SITE AS THEY ARE "NOT VALID" BUT THEIR OWN @GM.COM. THESE ARE SERIOUS RECALLS THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND VALIDATION BY GM BEFORE THEY ARE SUED FOR MUCH MORE THAN SIMPLE REPAIRS! I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! BLESSINGS! ON AUGUST 21, 2013, HE PAID $300 TO REPLACE A TIE ROD. ON DECEMBER 30, 3013, THE TIE ROD BROKE AGAIN. HE HAD TO CALL AAA SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. UPDATED 11/26/14

NHTSA ODI #10649363

55,000 miles · Sep 25, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ABOUT ONE MONTH, THE ENGINE DIED AND ELECTRIC POWER WENT OUT (DASHBOARD LIGHTS). THE CAR RESTARTED WITHOUT DIFFICULTY WHEN I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND PUT IT INTO PARK. WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS VEHICLE IN AUGUST. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT I CAREFULLY CHECKED THE BATTERY CABLES AND FOUND NOTHING WR…

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FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ABOUT ONE MONTH, THE ENGINE DIED AND ELECTRIC POWER WENT OUT (DASHBOARD LIGHTS). THE CAR RESTARTED WITHOUT DIFFICULTY WHEN I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND PUT IT INTO PARK. WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS VEHICLE IN AUGUST. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT I CAREFULLY CHECKED THE BATTERY CABLES AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE BATTERY IS ALMOST NEW. AFTER GETTING THE RECALL NOTICE I CHECKED THE OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND I FOUND THAT THE DETENT WORKS PERFECTLY. I HAD TURN THE KEY CCW BY A LARGE AMOUNT TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND NO AMOUNT OF JIGGLING WOULD CAUSE THE FAULT. TWO DIFFERENT KEYS WERE INVOLVED IN THE TWO EPISODES. THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY THAT MY FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WEIGHT HANGING ON THE KEY.EVEN SO I ASKED THE LOCAL DEALER AS WELL AS THE GM HOTLINE WHEN THEY CAN INSTALL THE "FIXES" AND I WAS TOLD THAT NO PARTS MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR MONTHS. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO A PERSON ON THE GM HOTLINE PROMISED TO FIND A DEALER WITH PARTS AND CALL ME BACK BUT DID NOT DO SO. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT GM WILL SOLVE MY PROBLEM WITH THEIR RECALL FIX, IF AND WHEN IT IS EXECUTED, AND FEAR THAT THERE IS ANOTHER COMMON CAUSE FOR THE MANY FAILURES THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10638913

65,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING. A PRIVATE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10625930

58,000 miles · Aug 1, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIMES WHEN STOPPED AND/OR WHILE MOVING.THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. SUSPECT A DEFECT IGNITION SWITCH AND/OR A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618260

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2013
Power Train

2003 CADILLAC SEDAN DEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST REVEALED, THE PORT CONVERTER CONTROL SOLENOID WAS STICKING. UPDATED 01/15/13

NHTSA ODI #10491041

81,000 miles · Mar 15, 2011
Power Train

2003 DEVILLE 83K MILES TAKEN FOR EMISSION TEST WILL NOT PAST UNTIL CODE PO741 IS FIX. PO741 TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH EXCESSIVE SLIP TRANSAXLE COST $2000 TO $4500 TO REPAIR BUT IS NOT AN EMISSION PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390224

90,000 miles · Jun 10, 2010
Power Train

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY.....I HAD VEHICLE CHECKED A SEVERAL AUTO SHOPS AND RECEIVED THE DIAGNOSIS THAT MY TORQUE CONVERTER WAS POSSIBLY SLIPPING. I WAS QUOTED BETWEEN $900 TO $ 2100 TO REPAIR. I STATED FOR THIS PRICE I COULD REALLY JUST BUY A REMANUFACTERED TRANSMISSION. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, THERE HAS TO BE …

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SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY.....I HAD VEHICLE CHECKED A SEVERAL AUTO SHOPS AND RECEIVED THE DIAGNOSIS THAT MY TORQUE CONVERTER WAS POSSIBLY SLIPPING. I WAS QUOTED BETWEEN $900 TO $ 2100 TO REPAIR. I STATED FOR THIS PRICE I COULD REALLY JUST BUY A REMANUFACTERED TRANSMISSION. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, THERE HAS TO BE A RECALL MESSAGE OUT THERE TO HELP FELLOW OWNERS. I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPENING TO MANY OTHER OWNERS WHO IN TURN REFUSE TO GET THIS SERVICE AS IT CAN BE VERY COSTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10335730

82,000 miles · Jan 8, 2010
Power Train

THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2003 V-8 CADILLAC DEVILLE, AT 82,000 MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED TRANSMISSION PROBLEM; REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER AND REWORKED LOWER VALVE BODY. DEALER CHARGED $2241 FOR REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10298694

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.