2003 Cadillac CTS: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 5, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 111,992 miles · CA

While driving at a steady speed and for no apparent reason, the stability system engaged, I was unable to control vehicle, could not engage brakes, vehicle began losing power & stalled in freeway traffic. Lastly, the brakes vibrate and the car's valve cover gaskets are made of plastic which may leak & start a fire.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 105,000 miles · NY

While driving turning left onto an expressway entrance my engine shut down I believe it was the ignition switch. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer numerous times and they can't seem to find a solution. I am in fear that one day this car will lose power at the wrong time and cause a serious if not fatal accident. I would like the problem fixed or a reimbursement to invest in a new vehicle before it is too late.

Filed May 29, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 72,579 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the engine low power warning light illuminated as the engine stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the engine loss power warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the throttle body assembly. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that four years after the repair the vehicle would not start at the first attempt. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,579. Updated 8/12/14*cn updated 08/20/2014

Filed Feb 27, 2014 · Acceleration · 70,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH the reduced power warning message displayed on the LED screen. The contact stated that the vehicle had no throttle response and began to decelerate independently. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. Once restarted, the engine and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact indicated that the throttle body was replaced. The contact indicated that the defect had recently recurred but had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The vehicle VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2014 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MO

Tsb 05-06-01-007a this has happened to my cadi on at least three occasions. First time, cadillac dealer charged to replace thermostat. Didn't work. Next time, repair shop replaced oil gasket. Didn't work. This time I found the below description on line and will ask my repair shop to fix. If this is recurring to cts owners, there really should be a recall. It is also a fire hazard. Irritating. My research found the below and it is right on target.....it rarely happens because it is rarely below 10 degrees in my neck of the woods.... The car involved was a 2003 cadillac cts. Started vehicle in approximately 7 degree weather. After starting vehicle and running for approximately 15 minutes notice severe power loss. Within next couple of minutes black smoke with extreme burning smell flooded vehicle interior compartment also smoke starts to come from under hood of vehicle. Pulled into safe location found huge oil leak on left side of engine around valve cover. Could have possibly started a fire due to highly combustible oil being blown on engine but luckily did not catch on fire. Check on-line found tsb 05-06-01-007a stating gm knows this is a problem. "when operating in extremely cold weatherconditions, some 2003-2004 vehicles with 3. 2l v6 engine may leak engine oil from the cam/valve seals, especially from the left side just below the oil fill hole in the cam/valve cover. " this is quite a bit more than a leak since approximately a quart of oil was blown on the engine in only a couple minutes. If the engine would have been hotter there could easily have been a fire. Since this is a know issue with a known cause shouldn't this be taken care of by gm or at least the safety of the drivers and passengers should be considered. It could have been much worse if the vehicle would have caught fire.

Filed Mar 19, 2013 · Engine · MO

I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the vehicle lost all power. I was almost hit by the cars behind me. The timing belt had broken, and the motor is now blown due to the valves being bent. This was not only dangerous for me and my family, but is very very costly. I had previous issue with the vehicle losing power once while driving, also almost got into accident, but the mechanic could not find the cause. This was about 3 months earlier. It only happened on the highway going between 60 - 70 MPH. This is so dangerous! I was over 2 hours from home, and had to pay a ridiculous amount to have the vehicle towed back home.

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 Nov 1, 2010 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 70,000 miles · FL

2003 cts - service tracking system began to display and engage frequently. Took to local dealer and was told nothing was wrong with vehicle. Problem continued and began vibrating badly and pulling toward left (unable to brake). Returned vehicle several times before they replaced "steering sensor" $650.00. Two months later began to lose power immediately after start up, dealer replaced battery. While driving vehicle home problem began again. Displayed low battery, then multiple warning lights for service (ABS, tracking, airbag ect...). Returned vehicle to dealer and they are currently replacing alternator. I have no confidence that this is the real problem based on what I have read on-line regarding this same issue. I also have same leakage issues from both coolant and oil sources that I have read on-line. Dealer continues to tell me to replace both gaskets and thermostat. These again are common issues that are posted consistently on-line by consumers. These are seriously dangerous failures based on people's personal safety. Gm must step up and honor these safety issues by recalling these items. Inability to control vehicle due to tracking system engaging and not able to brake, vehicle losing power and stalling while driving 50 miles an hour, and lastly fire hazard due to leaking plastic valve cover gaskets.

Filed Jun 25, 2008 · Fuel system · 49,900 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 cadillac cts. After the vehicle was serviced for a routine oil change, it experienced a loss of power. While pulling out of the dealer parking lot at 20 MPH, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle lost power. The more he depressed the accelerator pedal, the less power the vehicle exhibited. The contact let up off the accelerator pedal and some power returned to the vehicle. The vehicle gradually gained power the more he released the pedal. The dealer reset the fuel injector switch; however, the failure recurred a few days later. The contact took the vehicle to a local auto part store and they performed a diagnostic test. The results indicated that three injectors were being misread. The contact must continuously pump the accelerator pedal in order for the vehicle to start. The vehicle currently still exhibits significant power loss and will shut off if given too much acceleration. No further repairs have been made. The failure mileage was 49,900 and current mileage was 51,000. Updated 07/29/08 *bf updated 07/29/08

Filed Jan 25, 2008 · Engine · 90,500 miles · OH · fire

Picked up vehicle from short term parking in approximately 7 degree weather. After starting vehicle and running for approximately 15 minutes notice severe power loss. Within next couple of minutes black smoke with extreme burning smell flooded vehicle interior compartment also smoke starts to come from under hood of vehicle. Pulled into safe location found huge oil leak on left side of engine around valve cover. Could have possibly started a fire due to highly combustible oil being blown on engine but luckily did not catch on fire. Check on-line found tsb 05-06-01-007a stating gm knows this is a problem. "when operating in extremely cold weatherconditions, some 2003-2004 vehicles with 3.2l v6 engine may leak engine oil from the cam/valve seals, especially from the left side just below the oil fill hole in the cam/valve cover." this is quite a bit more than a leak since approximately a quart of oil was blown on the engine in only a couple minutes. If the engine would have been hotter there could easily have been a fire. Since this is a know issue with a known cause shouldn't this be taken care of by gm or at least the safety of the drivers and passengers should be considered. They have a correction listed in their tsb that looks to fairly inexpensive but since this is not on a recall list the cost for repair will be much larger due to the blown out gaskets. It could have been much worse if the vehicle would have caught fire. To fix before this happens to you use gm pcv hose kit, p/n 55558592 and oil filter cap, p/n 12589430.

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 20,170 miles · MA

Dt: vehicle lost power when the consumer hit the brakes. The transmission jolts and then the engine shuts off. It has been to the dealer 6 times since january. The dealer tried something different every time she took it in. Manufacturer said she could have a new vehicle if she paid for it. She wanted to get rid of the vehicle.*ak the check engine light illuminated.