The 2003 Cadillac CTS has 6 recalls, the most serious being a loose intermediate steering shaft bolt that can cause the upper and lower steering shafts to separate, resulting in a sudden and complete loss of steering control.
The brake system also has a significant concern: in vehicles registered or originally sold in salt-belt states and Canadian provinces, the front brake hose fittings can corrode to the point of rupturing without warning, which sharply reduces braking ability and raises the risk of a crash. There is also an electrical concern tied to the ignition switch: the key can be accidentally nudged out of the run position by the driver's knee, and if that happens during a crash, the airbags may not deploy.
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.
