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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

What owners actually said

145 reports
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 …

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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…

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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

93,300 miles · Apr 4, 2018
Unknown Or Other

GOT A FLAT TIRE. STOPPED ON A PAVED STREET AND PUT TIRE JACK UNDER FRONT RIGHT UNDERCARRIAGE AS INDICATED IT SHOULD BE PLACED. I RAISED THE JACK TO REMOVE THE FLAT AND THEN HAD TO RAISE IT MORE TO INSTALL THE TEMP SPARE TIRE. THE JACK COLLAPSED ON THE TEMP SPARE AND THE BODY OF THE CAR HIT THE PAVEMENT. I'M FORTUNATE I DID N…

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GOT A FLAT TIRE. STOPPED ON A PAVED STREET AND PUT TIRE JACK UNDER FRONT RIGHT UNDERCARRIAGE AS INDICATED IT SHOULD BE PLACED. I RAISED THE JACK TO REMOVE THE FLAT AND THEN HAD TO RAISE IT MORE TO INSTALL THE TEMP SPARE TIRE. THE JACK COLLAPSED ON THE TEMP SPARE AND THE BODY OF THE CAR HIT THE PAVEMENT. I'M FORTUNATE I DID NOT HAVE A FOOT UNDER THE CAR OR THAT I WASN'T PUTTING THE TEMP SPARE ON THE WHEEL WHEN IT FELL DOWN. THE JACK HAS A GROVE THE FIT INTO THE CAR UNDERCARRIAGE AND IT WAS INSTALLED CORRECTLY BUT THE JACK COLLAPSED FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR AS I RAISED THE JACK. I WAS ABOUT ONE INCH FROM GETTING THE TEMP SPARE ON THE WHEEL. I CONTACTED CADILLAC ON CHAT, REF# 8-4056609660, AND REQUESTED A FREE JACK REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS PURCHASED WITHOUT A JACK AS JACKS WERE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND ORIGINAL OWNER DID NOT PURCHASE ONE. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A 2003 $30,000 PLUS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT WITH NO JACK FOR THE TEMP SPARE TIRE. I FEEL CADILLAC OWES ME FOR A NEW JACK AND PROBABLY FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN THE CAR FELL AND HIT THE PAVEMENT WHEN THE JACK COLLAPSED. WHAT DO YOU SAY? DID 2003 NOT REQUIRE TIRE JACKS WITH NEW VEHICLE PURCHASES? I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN REAL BAD SHAPE IF THE LOCAL MAYOR HAD NOT HELPED ME GET THE CAR UP AND THE TEMP SPARE ON. DID I GET THE CADILLAC CHAT BUM BRUSHOFF? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11083261

104,000 miles · Mar 28, 2017
Air Bags

THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON IN DISPLAY OFTEN AND STAY ON FOR DAYS IT MIGHT BE OFF A TIME AND IT COME BACK ON AND REMAIN ON

NHTSA ODI #10968894

36,000 miles · Aug 2, 2016
SuspensionTires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TIRES, SIZE: 235/60/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TIRES VIBRATED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW FRONT AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE CON…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TIRES, SIZE: 235/60/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TIRES VIBRATED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW FRONT AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10892659

104,255 miles · Feb 18, 2016
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT IS STAYING ON

NHTSA ODI #10836907

242,000 miles · Jan 17, 2016
Electrical System

IGNITION RECALL: ON 12 MARCH 2015 I TOOK MY 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE INTO VALLEY CADILLAC ROCHESTER, NY AS PART OF THE GM IGNITION RECALL. PRIOR TO THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN FOR NO REASON. AFTER HAVING MY VEHICLE SERVICED, I HIT A POT HOLE ON THE CITY STREET AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. LAST WEEK I WAS TURNING A CORNE…

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IGNITION RECALL: ON 12 MARCH 2015 I TOOK MY 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE INTO VALLEY CADILLAC ROCHESTER, NY AS PART OF THE GM IGNITION RECALL. PRIOR TO THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN FOR NO REASON. AFTER HAVING MY VEHICLE SERVICED, I HIT A POT HOLE ON THE CITY STREET AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. LAST WEEK I WAS TURNING A CORNER AFTER COMING OFF THE FREEWAY OFF RAMP TURNING ON TO A CITY STREET AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED AGAIN AND EVERYTHING LOCKED UP. THE RECALL FIX DID NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE. I AM CALLING VALLEY CADILLAC FIRST THING MONDAY TO GET IT SERVICED AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #10820714

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

135,000 miles · Dec 8, 2015
Electrical System

MY CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO POWER FOR BRAKES, STEERING OR LIGHTS. I HAD RECALL FOR KEY ROTATION COMPLETED LAST WEEK BUT MY CAR TURNED OFF LAST NIGHT WHILE DOING 70 ON INTERSTATE. THE MOSSY OF PICAYUNE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE RECALL MAY NOT BE THE CAUSE BUT FROM WHAT I READ BEFORE TAKING CAR IN...THE PROBLEM WITH KEY…

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MY CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO POWER FOR BRAKES, STEERING OR LIGHTS. I HAD RECALL FOR KEY ROTATION COMPLETED LAST WEEK BUT MY CAR TURNED OFF LAST NIGHT WHILE DOING 70 ON INTERSTATE. THE MOSSY OF PICAYUNE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE RECALL MAY NOT BE THE CAUSE BUT FROM WHAT I READ BEFORE TAKING CAR IN...THE PROBLEM WITH KEY ROTATION CAUSES CAR TO TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I CONSIDER THIS A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM AND NEED TO KNOW HOW TO PROCEED TO PREVENT BODILY HARM TO MYSELF AND POSSIBLY OTHERS. THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNING OFF PRIOR TO THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10809048

47,000 miles · Nov 2, 2015
Unknown Or Other

KEYS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. NHTSA RECALL #14V355. KEY ROTATION SAFETY RECALL HERE. DEALERS INSIST THAT I MUST BRING IN THE CAR TO GET THE 20 CENT KEY PART, ELSE GM WON'T PAY THEM. I DON'T HAVE A SPARE 2 HOURS. GM COULD EASILY SEND ME NEW KEYS OR THE 20 CENT PLASTIC PIECES THAT I COULD INSERT MYSELF. DEALERS I'VE SPOKEN WITH S…

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KEYS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. NHTSA RECALL #14V355. KEY ROTATION SAFETY RECALL HERE. DEALERS INSIST THAT I MUST BRING IN THE CAR TO GET THE 20 CENT KEY PART, ELSE GM WON'T PAY THEM. I DON'T HAVE A SPARE 2 HOURS. GM COULD EASILY SEND ME NEW KEYS OR THE 20 CENT PLASTIC PIECES THAT I COULD INSERT MYSELF. DEALERS I'VE SPOKEN WITH SAY THIS CHANGE IN THE CENTER OF GRAVITY FOR THE KEY RING ISN'T A COMPLETE SOLUTION, JUST A BAND-AID THAT WILL REDUCE THE INCIDENCE. PLEASE FORCE GM TO SEND REPLACEMENT KEYS OR JUSTIFY THE NEED TO FORCE OWNERS TO BRING IN THEIR CARS FOR A 20 CENT PLASTIC KEY MODIFICATION.

NHTSA ODI #10787626

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.