Check a VIN

2003 Cadillac CTS brakes complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 47, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Cadillac CTS brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 9, 2015 · Brakes · NJ

Noticed oil puddle under vehicle which lead to discovery of total brake failure. When discussed with dealer service manager stated "so what I have a denali at home with the same problem". Gm offered no relief or solution when contacted.

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v105000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v394000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact did not experience a failure.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 104,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the engine stalled. The driver side door latch became inoperable, and the brake, check engine, and traction control indicators illuminated. The contact waited for a few minutes and the vehicle restarted. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failures could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Brakes · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard abnormally. The contact applied the emergency brake and shifted into park in order for the vehicle to stop and avoided rolling away. The contact mentioned that the failure was becoming progressively worse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed May 30, 2014 · Brakes · 131,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled abnormally to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic diagnosed that the caliper was corroded and detached. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v105000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2013 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · NE · crash · 1 injury

My car fail to stop on the interstate I-80 caused a crash . With alot injury on my body .

Filed Aug 5, 2013 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · MD

This morning when I backed my cts out of the parking spot to go to work I noticed the brakes were a little soft. I then parked the car and opened the hood to look at the brake fluid reservoir and noticed it wasn't completely full but there was still a sufficient level of fluid. I then looked at the ground and noticed a line of liquid that traced my movement backwards out of the parking spot and then back into the parking spot, this liquid was brake fluid. Imagine my surprise at having a second gm vehicle with a brake line failure 30 days after experiencing a brake line failure for the first time in my 40+ years of driving and owning vehicles. The first was a 2001 tahoe which I reported last month to the federal safety agency and which cost me over $1,000 to replace all of the brake lines. After work this evening I examined the cts and discovered extreme corrosion in the two brake lines running from the master cylinder to the ABS unit in the front of the engine bay. The corrosion is worst where the lines run behind the radiator and it appears both lines have failed. The lord must have been looking out after me because last night I drove 37 miles from baltimore on the interstate. Had the brakes failed then I imagine I would have been in a spectacular accident on I-95 that may have taken my life as well as others. Gm recalled the cts for brake line corrosion by the calipers where the line connects inside a rubber piece. The federal safety agency is investigating brake line corrosion on 1999 to 2003 full size gm trucks and pickups and I suggest the investigation be expanded to include all gm vehicles of this vintage as it appears gm used an inferior grade of steel in their brake lines in all of the vehicles.

Filed Jun 10, 2013 · Body, Brakes · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated while driving various speeds the third brake light would not illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal and the rear brake light plastic panel housing was faulty. In addition, the center of the frame exhibited severe corrosion. The defect was not diagnosed nor was it repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 09/05/13

Filed Mar 19, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MO

As I was driving down the highway, the stability control light came on, then the brakes seemed to jerk a little and the car lost most of it's power. I had a mechanic test it, and they said they couldn't find a reason for it. The stability control light stayed on, but I didn't seem to have the problem again until about 2-3 months later when I was going 70 down the highway, lost all power and the motor shut down. Cadillac would not restart, had to have it towed over 2 hours back home, only to find that this time the timing belt had broken and the motor is blown since these cars have interference motors which causes the valves to get bent when the timing belt breaks. I am now without a vehicle and was almost in 2 accidents due to this. Another issue is the light cover from the lights on the trunk came off in the car wash and broke. Apparently this is a known issue yet cadillac refuses to fix it. Their adhesive was not strong enough to hold on the plastic. This was my first cadillac, and will be my last. They are dangerous and they refuse to fix their failures.

Filed Oct 22, 2012 · Brakes · 73,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and all of the lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the ABS control module failed. The vehicle was not repaired because the contact was advised by both the dealer and the manufacturer that the part was not being manufactured by them any longer. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 108,000 miles · AZ

I was driving home from work when this first happened. All of a sudden a loud screeching noise and the brakes would not stop in time. I had to pump the brakes to work. I took my car to cadillac in arizona and they had it for 2 days and could not find an issue. I drove home that day with it and sure enough it did it while I was home. It had now began to jerk me to the right and left when I press on the brakes, scaring me thinking I am going to hit the car next to me. I took it to midas this time and they noticed a problem and said maybe its a wheel barring. They replaced issue duplicated itself shortly after. Since I did not have a second car or pay for a rental I had to take my car home to go back to work the next day. This problem is a safety hazard and I have even been pulled over because the cop asked why I was swerving while driving. I told the office its the code that comes up on my screen and it makes my car halt while driving and I can not control it. He stated that its a very serious issue and if another officer was on duty they might impound my car due to a safety hazard but he would give me a chance to take it home to go to the shop. I am almost close to trading in my vehicle and buying a new one, but not a cts. If cadillac can't solve this, the creator, who can? I am scared I'm going to veer off the freeway or hit a car on the way to work. I drive an hour to and from work everyday and my safety is the utmost concern to me and my family.

Filed Mar 8, 2012 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · VA

While braking for some slow traffic, I felt a pop from the brake pedal. Only having about 25% use of the brakes I had to pull of the side of the road to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I had the car towed to the shop where the mechanic showed me the brake fluid leaking from the brake line connection. When he checked the other side the fitting snapped in his hand. What I would like to know is why cadillac did not notify me about this recall. After talking to cadillac they did confirm that this vehicle is covered under this recall. I now have to take the parts to a gm dealer along with my registration and receipt for repairs. I was told it will take 4 weeks to be reimbursed.

Filed Feb 4, 2012 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · KY · crash

I purchased my new 2003 cts in 2002 at pikeville, ky. Currently there is a recall for the cts recall 10v105000 (gm recall no. 09149) that involves the front brake hoses rupturing due to road salt corrosion. However, the state of ky is not covered. We have road salt here as well. Pikeville is just 20 miles from wv and it is covered there. My VIN falls within the guideline. In 2007 before the recall it happened to me here in ky and caused me to have a crash. Since pikeville is so close to wv and my employer is there, I am in wv a lot. I feel that cadillac should honor me as well!!! However, gm refuses to honor the recall since I meet every requirement except the state. Since it is a known problem, and I crashed, gm should repair my hoses under the recall. I am sure that if I decided to pursue litigation, I would be successful now that gm has admitted to the problem. The simple fact that I reside in ky is the only reason that I cannot reap the benefits of the recall. Road salt is the same in ky as it is in wv. Corrosion is corrosion. I have purchased over 15 new gm vehicles during my lifetime and am a dedicated gm owner. I currently own 4 gm vehicles. I am respectfully asking cadillac/gm to offer me the recall as well since I fall within the VIN range and my close proximity to wv. As a matter of fact, ky should be included as well as all the surrounding states are also under the recall. I was in the process of purchasing a new camaro, but if this is gm's way of treating dedicated customers - I may rethink that. Let's see....cadillac has admitted to the corrosion issue - I had the issue and crashed as a result - wonder how that would come out in front of a jury? All I ask for is for cadillac/gm to replace my front brake hoses under the recall....

Filed Dec 6, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · NJ

2003 cadilac cts. Consumer writes in regards to problems with brake system *tgw the consumer stated the metal brake line had to be replaced, due to severe corrosion. The consumer stated he received a recall letter two days later. Also, the struts, three wheel bearings, radiator, transmission cooler line also had to be replaced due to corrosion. The cruise control and gas tank, which was leaking had to replaced.

Filed Aug 8, 2011 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 64,000 miles · CA

While driving at a steady and even speed my car would suddenly pulled to the left as if the left front wheel had the break apply. Almost instantly my "stability system engaged" display would go on and the car would correct itself. This went on to become a regular event with each time I took the car out. The most it occurred was 30 or so times in a 90 mile trip, but it happened regularly on local 2 mile trips to the store. Sometimes it would be more severe than others . In addition and occasionally, when the breaks were applied, there would be a "loudish" crunch sound and resistance to foot pressure that would give way after the initial break application. There was also a vibration "buzz" through the gas pedal when this all would occur. The first time I took the car to the dealer they could not find anything wrong or duplicate the problem. I took them information I had found on the web about the problem and they checked their service bulletins for a problem. It was fixed by changing a steering sensor at a cost of $430.

Filed Jan 14, 2011 · Brakes · 59,225 miles · FL

The federal safety agency campaign # 10v10500 re; cadillac cts models brake line corrosion problems does not go far enough in scope, in my opinion. Our recently purchased 2003 cts had no record of compliance with this recall. In fact, both our local dealer and cadillac corporate cust service said they showed this recall did not apply to our vechicle. Being skeptical of that assertion because this vehicle had spent it's first two years in connecticut on lease, I had the brake system inspected at a local shop. They found (and I witnessed) the badly corroded brake hose fittings. As the mechanic pushed on the l.h. Rubber sleeve covering the hose to metal tube junction to see the extent of the rust, the hose separated from the tube !! This with only the pressure applied with one finger !! We were one hard braking application from a possible accident !! But there are other areas of concern, and those are the metal tubing lines in the front of the chassis that are part of the hydraulic braking ( and anti-skid) systems. Many of these lines are heavily rusted, making them as much a contributor to brake failure as the hoses.! I believe these lines should be subject to a recall or expansion of the hose recall.

Filed Aug 20, 2010 · Brakes · 80,576 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated there was an abnormal noise coming from the front-end of the vehicle. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v105000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repairs. Following repairs, the abnormal noise became louder. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was advised that the front calipers were loose. The manufacturer advised having the vehicle diagnosed before determining if they would assist with repairs. The failure mileage was 80,576 and the current mileage was 84,000.

Filed Aug 4, 2010 · Brakes, Fuel system · PR

2003 cadillac cts. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall *tgw the consumer stated there is severe corrosion underneath the vehicle; especially on the gas and brake lines.

Filed Jul 23, 2010 · Brakes · 13,300 miles · PR

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v105000 component: service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings which was repaired. He is now experiencing corrosion underneath the vehicle for the service brakes hoses and fuel hoses. The dealer was contacted and stated that they would not repair the vehicle due to the fact that it was not included in the recall. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileage was 13300. Updated 10/05/10 *bf the consumer stated the dealer only replaced the calipers. Updated 10/07/10

Filed Jul 19, 2010 · Brakes · 96,000 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. While driving 45 MPH the brake hose failed causing the vehicle to shake uncontrollably. He had to drive onto the emergency lane with the brake, traction and the ABS warning lights illuminated. He was able to continue driving to his residence. The received gm recall notice no. 09149 for the brakes which is related to the federal safety agency#10v105000; service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. He took the vehicle to the dealer several times but the parts was not in stock. The dealer informed him that they would order the parts whenever they became available. The contact is concerned with the safety risk and the possibility that the parts were never ordered. He will take the vehicle back to the dealer since the failure had continued to occur. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 96,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Airbags, Brakes · 30,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that in december 2009 while driving at a slow speed, she applied the brakes and they failed to operate. She had the brakes repaired at her expense. The contact was currently trying to get reimbursed because she believed recall 10v105000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings).is related to the failure. The contact also stated that the plastic containment module for the air bags protruded outward and was a safety concern. The dealer stated that because the vehicle was no longer under warranty,t he contact would be responsible for repair costs. The radio only received one channel. In addition, the moon roof made a groaning noise and opened whenever the vehicle was turned off. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The current mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed May 12, 2010 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · CT

I have a 2003 cts since new. The brakes almost completely failed last week. No dash light came on. The problem is easily seen. One of the lines from the master cylinder going to the ABS unit badly corroded at the lowest point in its run where the line is supported. The line away from the support is in good shape so it looks like you have a design flaw or improperly implemented design with that support. I was extremely lucky and extremely disappointed. The car has never been in an accident and most of the underside body and hardware looks almost new. My dealer says they have replaced a number of cts brake lines. You have a problem I had a lot of trouble with the cts when it was new as you should be able to see from your records. Although replaced the rear differential still howls. I expected better from cadillac. With that said I think gm ought to do something about the cts brake lines.

Filed May 3, 2010 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · MI

Possibly due to reduced brake fluid levels the brake pedal on my 2003 cadillac cts went down to the floor, at which point the brake pedal arm became stuck behind a plastic under dash tray, resulting in reduced brake pedal travel and no breaking. Luckily, this issue was discovered while at slow speeds (backing out of driveway), so the vehicle could be manually stopped. The brake pedal was dislodged from the obstruction, which was easy while the car was stopped and the operator could lean under the dash and move the pedal. At speed, it would have been nearly impossible to move the pedal. Brake system was bled and additional fluid added to reduce brake pedal travel. Problem has not recurred as a result.

Filed Apr 7, 2010 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · MA

While driving in framingham massachusetts, the front brakes suddenly failed making the cr very hard to stop and almost causing an accident. A brake shop checked the car and confirmed that the brake hose and broken loose leaving me without any front brakes. It cost $800 to repair the brake system and I feel that gm should refund me that money and also check my car to ensure that my brakes are not at risk of failing again.

Filed Mar 26, 2010 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact had driven 20 miles at approximately 40 MPH, when she attemped to brake and noticed that the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where she was informed that the brakes were corroded due to salty road conditions. Although she had recently had the brake pads replaced. The entire brake line was replaced at the dealership.the contact has noticed no braking failures since the repair. She called the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in any brake-related recalls and she was therefore denied reimbursement. The current mileage was approximately 104,000. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Brakes, Lights · 75,000 miles · MI

2003 cadillac safety issues: premature and rampant failure of the ebcm - electronic brake control module. It is widely known these modules fail and cannot be rebuilt. Dealer cost is over $500 with most dealers charging more than $750. Premature and rampant failure of the rear center brake light. Gm even admitted failure of the neon lights used for this application and quickly switched to a reliable light media. Replacements range from $250 used (if you can find one that works) to $500 retail at gm. Both of these units are known high failure items and both cost a fortune through your local gm dealer.

Filed Feb 19, 2010 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · VA

I own a 2003 cts, approx. 1wk ago the "add brake fluid" message appeared on screen. While coming back to work from lunch, I pulled in the parking lot and while applying the brake noticed that it was almost completely to the floor before stopping. I called my husband,that evening he checked the front passenger side brake line which when simply touch fell completely off. It was corroded. He ordered the replacement piece which came in about 4days later, once replaced, he checked the front driver side, which when touched fell off with same diagnosis. He then checked the back brake lines which he found where made and put together entirely different, thus they where fine. This is obviously a recall situation in my opinion that could have ended tragically.

Filed Jan 17, 2010 · Brakes · 74,000 miles · NY

I drive a 2003 cadillac cts. I noticed the brakes seemed to need repair (not responsive enough) and the "brake light" came on. My car had approx 70000 miles and the brake lines had corroded! I have the brake lines that were removed. A car with 70k miles should not have corroded brakelines. In addition, it took almost 2 weeks to get replacement parts and cost $250 to repair + rental car. This was a really bad accident waiting to happen.

Filed Aug 8, 2006 · Brakes, Steering · 51,000 miles · KY

Brakes pulsate when they are being applied, causing delay in stopping time. Air conditioning compressor is gone out and has metal going through the system. Have to get compressor replaced already and it is going to cost an additional $2300. Car pulls violently to left or right, which almost caused a couple of accidents, the steering system sensor is gone out and is going to cost $500 to get replaced. Fm radio has a mind of its own and works when it feels like working. This is the newest car I've had and the worst car. I have never owned a car with this many problems, I think this car is a total defect and needs to be recalled. I was at 51000 miles when the air compressor went out and I called the manufacturer and they refused to fix it because the warranty was up. That is clearly faulty equipment that was used in this car it is a 2003 cadillac cts, and it has many problems which I feel needs to be recalled.

Filed Nov 2, 2005 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · NC

My brakes and rotors had to be replaced after only 20,000 miles. Within 6 months my brake pads again needed replacement. I now have 34,000 miles on my car. This needs to be investigated. These brakes and rotors should not wear out this fast.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2003 Cadillac CTS?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history