2003 Cadillac Deville

Routine

Owners filed 145 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

104 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 69,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System37
100
Air Bags17
507
Engine9
103
Unknown or Other6
100
Steering6
201
Power Train › Automatic Transmission6
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls5
000
Vehicle Speed Control5
000
Service Brakes4
200
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine3
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly03V238000
Filed Jul 1, 2003102,212 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module03V051000
Filed Feb 14, 2003130 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 25, 2026105,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch seized. Occasionally, the contact was able to wiggle the switch for the ignition to operate. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn or operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was able to replace the ignition switch on three or four occasions. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 12, 2024200,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The power steering was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the message that the key was not detected was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced at the dealer under Manufacturer Recall Number: N140299. The contact stated that the failure had occurred before receiving the recall repair notification. The failure reoccurred after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 2021ID

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 27, 202040,000 milesNY

WHEN I GOT THE CAR THE CAR WASN'T PAINTED GOOD AT ALL AND THE IGNITION COIL WAS BAD. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 14, 2020188,000 milesAL

THE ABS & TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS COME UP ON THE SCREEN ALONG WITH CHECK AS I'M DRIVING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS MY BRAKES MAKE A WEIRD SOUND LIKE A SPRUNG SPRING AND THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THEY'RE GONE BUT THEY'RE NOT. IT'S SCARY BE SURE I FEEL I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP WHICH TO ME IS A SAFETY HAZARD. NO CODES SHOW EVEN THOUGH THE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, BUT NONE OF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS EVER STAY ON VERY LONG, IT'S OFF AND ON , OFF AND ON, JUST POPS UP OCCASIONALLY, ALL 3 TOGETHER EVERY TIME. IT MAY GO DAYS BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO POP UP ON THE DASH AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN I WAS JUST HEADING OUT FOR WORK SO THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE PRIOR DAY IT WAS STABLE ON LEVEL GROUND AS I STARTED BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I REACHED THE POINT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THAT'S WHEN THE WEIRD BAKED SOUND ACCOMPANIED BY THE BRAKE PADDLE FEELING LIKE MY BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING AND DASH LIGHTS APPEARED. THIS HAPPENS DURING BRAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR,/ MONITOR THING COULD BE THE CAUSE. THAT'S ANOTHER THING. WHY HAVE TIRE PRESSURE EFFECT THE WORKABILITY 9F MY BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL? THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TIRE PRESSURE. ALSO THE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE SINCE DAY ONE. EVERY OWNER OF THE 03 CADILLAC DEVILLE HAS COMPLAINED OF THE WINDOWS JUST FALLING OUT OF PLACE BOTH OUTSIDE & INSIDE THE DOOR FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN A BAD DESIGN DEFECT. WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMERS CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE WINDOWS AT NO FAULT OF OURS? GM HAS KNOWN OF THI

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 19, 2020177,000 milesFL

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STOPPED WORKING , ALSO AFTER I GOTTEN MY TRANSMISSION REBUILT AND MY FRONT MOTOR MOUNT PLACED IN THE CAR NO LONGER CRANKS LIKE NORMAL . TAKES A WHILE TO TURN OVER, KEY SLIDES OUT , STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN WHILE DURING AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION WHILE TURNING . THE POWER STEERING HAS A LEAK AND ALSO THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION HAS STOPPED WORKING LOWERED THE CAR AND SHOCKS HAVE LOWERED . NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V355000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 03V238

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 27, 2020PA

BACK ON JULY 16TH 2019, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ABOUT TO GET A ON THE MAIN ROAD. WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED IN MY 03 CADILLAC DEVILLE. AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO HAVING WHIPLASH/NERVE DAMAGE. AS PER MYSELF, NOW I HAVE LOWER BACK ISSUES.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 201994,300 milesSC

TAKATA RECALL - THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON OCCASSIONALLY AFTER I PUT GAS IN

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jun 10, 2019IL

2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES REQUESTING INFORMATION FOR ANY SAFETY RECALLS ON THEIR VEHICLE. *LD *JS

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 27, 2019110,000 milesOH

I SEE THIS AFFECTS MANY YEARS AND MODELS. ITS THE SECURITY SYSTEM THINKING THE CAR IS BEING TAMPERED WITH AFTER A NEW BATTERY IS INSTALLED. THIS CAR WONT START AS MANY OTHERS. IT GETS JUICE TO THE FUEL PUMP LIGHTS AND DASH. JUMPED THE FUSE TO THE STARTER AND CAE TURNS OVER BUT WONT START. OT WILL LOCK YOU OUT. NO DEALERS OR MECHANICS KNOW WHAT THIS PROBLEM IS. SO WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO JUNK THE CAR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I'M ONE PO'D CADILLAC OWNER!!!

Engine
Filed Oct 30, 201879,000 milesAZ

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

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2018GA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 4, 201893,300 milesIL

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.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 28, 2017104,000 milesNY

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

Tires
Filed Aug 2, 201636,000 milesNY

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

Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2016104,255 milesMI

AIR BAG LIGHT IS STAYING ON

Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 2016242,000 milesNY

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 28, 2015IN

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

Electrical System
Filed Dec 8, 2015135,000 milesMS

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 2, 201547,000 milesGA

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.

20 of 145 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1997
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200595110Routine
2004167140Routine
2003 — this page145400Routine
2002176521Fatalities reported
2001175430Routine
2000225541Fatalities reported
1999187143Fatalities reported
1998237312Fatalities reported
1997269280Above average
1996218270Above average
1995129266Fatalities reported
1994127080Routine
1993921140Routine
19921351130Routine
199187190Routine
199076220Routine

Compare every Deville year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.