The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 6 recalls, the most serious being a steering shaft bolt that can loosen and cause the upper and lower steering columns to separate, leaving the driver with no steering control.
The steering shaft issue is the same underlying defect addressed in two filings, both pointing to the same outcome: a bolt connecting sections of the intermediate steering shaft can work loose until the shaft separates entirely, with no warning before control is lost. On the brake side, two separate filings address front brake hose corrosion in regions where road salt is heavily used in winter. In both cases, corrosion attacks the brake hose fittings at the front calipers, and if the connection ruptures, brake fluid escapes and stopping distance increases sharply. One filing covers certain Canadian provinces and the other covers a range of northern and mid-Atlantic US states, but the physical failure is the same: a sudden loss of braking pressure with no advance warning.
The ignition recalls, which are also two filings for the same defect, involve the key being bumped out of the run position by the driver's knee. This is a concern because if the key shifts away from run during a crash, the airbags may not deploy, removing a layer of protection at the moment it is most needed. The remedy advice in the filing suggests keeping only the ignition key on the key ring, with no additional fobs or key chain items that could add weight and make an accidental shift more likely.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may move out of the run position and turn off the engine if the key ring is too heavy, or due to road conditions or sudden jolts.
What the fix does
Dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on your ignition key at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The ignition key can be bumped with your knee and move out of the run position, which cuts engine power, power braking, and power steering. This makes steering and braking harder and could prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove the key blade from your original flip key and provide two new keys with two key rings for each original key.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Salt and water can enter the brake hose routing sleeve and corrode the fitting at the caliper. Significant corrosion may cause the brake hose to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front brake hose assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In vehicles sold or registered in heavy winter road salt areas, the front brake hose fitting at the caliper can corrode. Severe corrosion may cause the hose to leak or break, increasing braking distance and risking crashes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front brake hose assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The intermediate steering shaft bolt may be loose, which can affect steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the bolt and tighten it to proper specification at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the upper and lower steering shafts may not be tightened to the correct specification. If loose, the shafts can separate, causing loss of steering control and potential crash without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the intermediate steering shaft bolt to the proper specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
