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Cadillac · Known Issues

2003 Cadillac CTS Problems: 1 Known Issue

2003 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Cadillac CTS has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • CTS Electrical1
  • Recalls8
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical1
  • Recalls8
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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On the 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS, on certain 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles, key-ring weight, road conditions or another jarring event can move the ignition switch out of Run, turn off the engine and prevent airbag deployment in a crash.

Common Symptoms

  • Open safety recall
  • Ignition key may move out of Run

How to Fix

Until repaired, remove all other items from the key ring. Check the VIN and recall history; Cadillac dealers install the specified key-ring and key-slot or key-head remedy under recall 14V394.

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Research This Issue

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NHTSA Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls8 recalls

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Cadillac CTS vehicles, equipped with heated front seats. The flexible heating mats in the front seats may be damaged over time, resulting in the seat heaters producing excessive heat.

Campaign #18V59500007/09/2018

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, through February 26, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off with wiper functionality left on and the wipers then become restricted, such as when covered in ice or snow, and the vehicle's battery goes dead and needs to be jump started, upon being jump started, the wipers will be inoperative.

Campaign #14V25300015/05/2014

SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

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Other Cadillac Models

Cadillac XTS30Cadillac CT524Cadillac Escalade20Cadillac Lyriq19Cadillac XT617Cadillac CT617

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Cadillac CTS problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Cadillac CTS has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Cadillac CTS reliable?

The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS Ignition Key Can Move Out of Run and Disable Airbags (Recall 14V394)?

On certain 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles, key-ring weight, road conditions or another jarring event can move the ignition switch out of Run, turn off the engine and prevent airbag deployment in a crash. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #14V44600023/07/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to March 20, 2014, and 2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured June 10, 2013, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from either the bracket on the transmission shifter or the bracket on the transmission.

Campaign #14V33800019/06/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Campaign #14V39400002/07/2014

+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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