2002 Cadillac Sls problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (2) · Structure:body:door (1) · Structure (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Cadillac Sls model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (64)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
vehicle wide programming (vwp) is a new process to update software on gm vehicles. it provides the ability via a single selection within techline connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). the updating of modules is com
Power Train 2024-07-24 · 24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
gm is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. the damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. this bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions durin
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-06-28 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, crank no start, extended crank or misfire, mil with dtcs, and explains how top tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
Unknown Or Other 2024-06-17 · 18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information for use on a product assistance claim (pac), which is formerly known as a product allegation resolution (par) claim.
Electrical System 2024-06-06 · 24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on service programming system (sps) error codes e4398, e4399, e4401, e4403, m4404, m4413, m6954, m6955, e4414, e4423, e4491, e4492, or e6961 and resolution information.
Showing the 6 most recent of 64 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2014-10-03 · Electrical System · 140,393 mi“when slowing at about 20 mph to 3 mph the vehicle just dies. no power steering or brakes, all electrical in the vehicle stops working. the vehicle will start again once stopped, placed in park often having to remove the key and putting it back. after over three months and over 1500 miles, working with the de la fuente cadillac dealership, having…”
2014-03-27 · Electrical System · 58,806 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac sls.the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the battery warning light illuminated as the vehicle stalled. the contact stated that once he was able to restart the vehicle, the check engine light was still illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the technician was unable to dia…”
2014-03-22 · Engine · 7,800 mi“on three separate occasions this year, most recently today (3/22/14), the engine on my 2003 (?) cadillac sls abruptly cut off, similar to the much-publicized recent failures on gm's 2003-11 compact cars. my car is no compact, but i'm wondering if it uses the same ignition components. in any event, we were lucky to avoid an accident. after the fi…”
2008-12-17 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 103,000 mi“a "low coolant" light appeared on my 2002 cadillac sls (4.6l northstar vin-y). while parked steam/smoke (small amount) began rising from the engine compartment and a small puddle of coolant was found below vehicle. vehicle was inspected and a crack in the engine block was discovered. mechanic stated this was very odd. vehicle has 103k miles. w…”
2008-07-15 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 87,000 mi“head bolts pulled out of block on a 2002 cadillac with a northstar engine. the first time it happened the car had 74,000 mile and was fixed under the vehicles extended warranty. the 2nd time it happened the car had 87,000 on it and the same head bolt that was fixed failed. the engine was not repairable and had to be replaced. this was a patch j…”
2008-07-14 · Structure · 87,000 mi“defective northstar engines, head bolts pulling out of block. *tr…”
2006-02-03 · Electronic Stability Control:automatic (Asc) · 41,000 mi“dt*: the contact stated the vehicle hydroplanes intermittently while driving normal highway speeds of 55 mph or more. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the problem could not be duplicated. the contact feels the hydroplaning is related to the vehicle's stability control system, although this has never been confirmed by the dealer. update…”
2003-11-28 · Unknown Or Other“inquiry regarding entitlement of $1,000.00 discount.*mr *ph…”
2003-06-26 · Structure:body:door“the consumer was concerned at times when the doors were opened without his knowledge, and there was no alarm sound to notify him. *nlm *tt *jb…”
2002-12-03 · Service Brakes, Air:antilock“repairing dealer devoe cadillac of naples fl, replaced retaining clip and foam spacer, but not the interfacing component on the brake pedal, which contains the groove into which the retainer clip fastens. repair becomes questionable because of limited parts replacement. dt…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.