1997 Cadillac Deville

Above average

Owners filed 269 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Cadillac Deville years to avoid. Which Cadillac Deville years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
82,000 milesMedian miles at failure

81 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Cadillac Deville problems

57 of the 269 complaints (21%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes22
210
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights19
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · fuel system15
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine13
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine11
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine10
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes8
000
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery7
000
Electrical System7
021
Steering6
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings04V110000
Filed Mar 4, 2004483,477 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip97V064000
Filed Apr 28, 1997156,910 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jan 15, 2022WA

[ ] I had purchased my car used. I found that there was a recall on this model. I went online and ran the vin # and confirmed that. I called the dealership and explained they looked it up and confirmed it needed to have the original plastic fuel rail replaced with a new stainless steel fuel rail. They informed me that they had to order the parts from Michigan an it would be 2 weeks for the parts to get here and then we could set up an appointment to bring the car in. over 2 weeks later they called and we set up the appointment I had started the car the morning of the appointment for it to go to the dealership. I needed to grab something from in the house so I turned it off to go back in my house. I was answering a text on my phone and as I looked up to get out of the car there were flames coming out from between the fender and the hood. I rushed to the front of the car to put the flames out.. I just got the car a d couldn't afford to let turn to the ground. I took off my hoodie and used it to UT out the flames while doing so the hood came down and hit me in the back of my head,I burned my left hand pretty badly and burnt off my arm hair. I have had a ringing in my ears since I was hit in the head. I called the dealer and told them what happened and I would have to get it towed in. They said okay it took three days to get a tow truck because we had a snow storm. The tow companies were booked. I got the car to the dealer and exspected them to start the job. The parts were order

Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2018VA

DOGGIE DIEOBLO

Traction Control System
Filed Jan 28, 201692,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2015VA

1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED.

Traction Control System
Filed May 11, 201555,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT INTO ANTI LOCK BRAKING MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

EngineFire
Filed Feb 5, 201587,000 milesOH

AT ABOUT 12:30 - 1:00 AM IN THE MORNING THE CAR WAS PARKED AT MY HOME IN THE DRIVEWAY DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE. [XXX] THE OWNER GETS UP TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT WHEN HE LOOKED OUTSIDE THE PATIO, HE SAW HIS CAR SMOLDERING AND THAN IMMEDIATELY BURST INTO FLAMES AT THE ENGINE AREA. CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY AND IN THE MEANTIME TRIED TO SUPPRESS THE FIRE BUT NOT SUCCESSFUL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 2014OK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE AND SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE GAUGES AND SIGNALS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND FAILED TO SHOW ANY INFORMATION. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 12/01/14*LJ UPDATED 10/1/15 *JS

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2014189,000 milesAR

I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED ON MY WIFE'S ARM. I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL HAPPEN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHILE DRIVING. WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR SAFETY SAKE? *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 8, 2014138,000 milesNJ

I NOTICED THAT MY ABS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON THE DASHBOARD CONSOLE AND WHEN I PUSH ON THE BRAKES THE AND THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. THE ABS WAS ENGAGING ON DRY PAVEMENT. I CHECKED THE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC TOOL ON THE CADILLAC AND I AM GETTING AN ERROR CODE OF TCS C1255 WHICH IS A FAULTY ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE/ ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS EXACT PART THAT I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V064000. I CALLED CADILLAC DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN DOES NOT COME UP WITH ANY RECALLS AND THERE ARE NOT ANY RECALLS AT ALL FOR 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. I AM REQUESTING THAT MY VIN BE ADDED TO THE RECALL FOR THE BRAKES AND THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL. THANK YOU *TR UPDATED 3/13/15 *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 5, 2014112,000 milesSD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 35 MPH, THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND PROGRESSED TO PERMANENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 28, 2014113,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, GASOLINE FUEL FUMES EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THERE A HALF OF TANK OF GAS WAS IN THE TANK, WHEN THE TANK WAS NEARLY EMPTY. THE VEHICLE HAS GONE EMPTY ON FUEL ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114.000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 7, 201397,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ONCE HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 9, 201375,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE BRAKE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,244.

Tires
Filed Dec 6, 2012110,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE WITH UNIROYAL TIGERPAW TIRES, SIZE: 265/75/R16 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED FOR REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT FENDER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE COOLANT SYSTEM HOSE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 110,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 30, 201265,000 milesNJ

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65-70 MPH WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE DUE TO TRAFFIC AND THERE WAS SEVERE BRAKE FADE. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN BUT COULD NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR EVEN AFTER SEVERAL PUMPS. I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. I STILL HAD TO TRAVEL ANOTHER 30 MILES BEFORE REACHING MY DESTINATION AND THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE BRAKES WOULD ONLY SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THIS IS THE FIRST BRAKE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE AND ONLY HAS 65000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE TO CONTACT A MECHANIC TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. *JS

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 6, 201265,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL PAN SEAL WAS LEAKING OIL. AS A RESULT, THE OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED EXTREME CONCERN OVER A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 04/18/12*BF UPDATED 04/23/12.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Feb 24, 2012FL

I OWN A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. MY AIR BAG SENSOR HAS BEEN COMING ON AND GOING OFF ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES AND I WAS TOLD THE SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS FOR THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. TODAY 2/24/12 THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AS I WAS ABOUT TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY. MY CURRENT MILEAGE IS 94,000 MILES. I AM ALSO HAVING TROUBLES WITH HAVING TO PRESS MY BRAKES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR FOR THE CAR TO STOP. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust SystemFire
Filed Jul 18, 2011138,000 milesMA

UPON STARTING THE CAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, THE ENGINE BACKFIRED THROUGH THE INDUCTION SYSTEM STARTING AN ENGINE FIRE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED IT HAD CAUSED ENOUGH DAMAGE THAT THE CAR HAD TO BE JUNKED. *KB

Electrical System
Filed Jul 5, 201171,704 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND PLACING THE GEAR SHIFT IN NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,704.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 4, 2011100,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT FOLLOWED BY STALLING. THE A/C WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED FOLLOWING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 17, 201097,500 milesTX

THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE, SO I DID STOP IN A GAS STATION, OPEN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT(THE HOOD) AND NOTICED A BIG GAS LEAK ON THE GASOLINE RAIL CLOSE TO THE CARBURETOR OR FUEL BURNER, SO I DECIDED TO STOP THERE AND HAVE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS...THE MECHANIC CHARGED ME 560.00 TO CHANGE THE COMPLETE RAIL FOR A METAL ONE WITH THE GUARANTEE THAT THIS ONE WILL NOT HAPPEN THE SAME THING, BECAUSE IS A METAL ONE NOT A PLASTIC ONE THAT THE CAR HAVE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED... WHEN I SAW THIS RECALL , I ASK MYSELF WHO IS GOING TO PAY NOW FOR THIS ?????!!!!!!! *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Aug 16, 2010120,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE HEAD GASKETS WERE BLOWN. THE CONTACT STATED A FEW PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING UNDER RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V110000-FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 12, 2010117,000 milesFL

GM CADILLAC RECALL #38145 MY GM SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER [XXX] GM REFUSES TO REIMBURSE FOR AN EMERGENCY REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 200990,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 25 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS DIGITAL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING, AND COULD NOT READ THE FUEL GAUGE, WARNING LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 90,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 22, 2009NC

I PURCHASED A 97 CADILLAC DEVILLE IN JANUARY 07. FROM THE START IT HAD PROBLEMS. IT WOULDN'T CRANK RIGHT AND HAD VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TRIED MANY DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS BUT NONE WORKED. CAR STILL WOULD NOT CRANK RIGHT. IN 08, I PURCHASED A NEW STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. NOTHING WORKED. AFTER 9 MONTHS, THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT. HAD TO GET A REPLACEMENT, PLUS PAY AGAIN FOR THE LABOR BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO DID THE FIRST TIME WOULD NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE THEY WERE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. SO I HAD ANOTHER PLACE PUT ON THE NEW ALTERNATOR. I ALSO HAD THE SAME LOCATION REPLACE MY RADIATOR THAT HAD CRACKED AND HAD BEEN LEAKING RAPIDLY. NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS AFTER GETTING ALL THE NEW PARTS, ON MARCH 19 2009, I HAD BEEN TRYING TO CRANK THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT CRANK. IT SUDDENLY POPPED AND STARTED SMOKING. IT HAD DONE THIS BEFORE AND CRUNK RIGHT UP. SO I GO TO CRANK THE CAR UP AGAIN, ITS STARTED SMOKING EVEN MORE AND AS SOON AS I OPENED THE HOOD, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT SURE BUT MENTIONED IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE BATTERY, THE NEW WORK THAT I HAD GOTTEN DONE OR SOMETHING ELECTRICAL. WHEN ASKED IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED, FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THEY DID NOT THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH PUTTING ALL THE MONEY INTO AND STATED THAT IT WAS TOTALED. HAD TO WAIT TO GET THE REPORT SO IM UNSURE OF WHAT THEY SAY THE CAUSE WAS. NOW I AM OUT A VEHICLE BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE COLLISION. I PUT ALOT INTO THIS CAR AND THINK THAT ALL INFORMATION SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT TO OLD AND NEW OWNERS TO ALERT TH

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 12, 2009147,855 milesVA

1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE ENGINE HEAD GASKET AND COOLING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION DEALER REFUSED TO FIX OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE EXPLOSION OR FIRE DEFECTIVE POHANKA CADILLAC FREDERICKSBURG,VA 22408 SD REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE, REFUSED TO PROVIDE 12 MONTH WARRANTY UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE FROM GM CADILLAC DEALER. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 10, 2009157,800 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THERE WAS A LOW POWER RESPONSE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS ALSO A DECREASE IN THE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE, WHICH INCREASED THE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 03/17/09 THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL. UPDATED 03/18/09. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 4, 2009108,900 milesTN

I BOUGHT A USED 1997 CADILLAC FROM A CADILLAC DEALERSHIP, BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, IT DROVE LIKE A DREAM, THEN ON THE WAY BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I TOLD THE SALESMAN ABOUT IT, AND HE SAID HE WOULD HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, HE ASKED WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THE CAR OTHER THAN THE OIL LIGHT COMING ON , I TOLD HIM OTHER THAN THAT I COULDN,T FIND NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH IT. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATTER I DROVE BY THE DEALERSHIP AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS GONE, I PULLED IN AND PRECEDED TO LOOK AT OTHER CARS, WHEN THE SAME SALESMAN CAME OUT TO WAIT ON ME AND I ASKED ABOUT THE 97 CADILLAC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD FOUND THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, AND IF THEY WERE TO FIX IT, WOULD I STILL BE INTERESTED IN THE CAR IF THE PRICE WAS RIGHT, I SAID YES,....( I THOUGHT TO MYSELF A CADILLAC BEING REPAIRED AT A CADILLAC DEALERSHIP BY A CADILLAC MECHANIC, WHY NOT, HOW COULD I GO WRONG)...SO AFTER TALKING A WHILE I LEFT AND CAME BACK ABOUT A WEEK LATER AND ACCORDING TO THE SALESMAN IT HAD BEEN FIXED, SO I PRECEDED TO TEST DRIVE IT AGAIN DIDN,T FIND ANY THING WRONG AND BOUGHT THE CAR, DROVE GREAT, COULD,NT ASK FOR A NICER CAR, UNTIL 5 MONTHS. AND JUST UNDER 4000 MI. LATTER SAME PROBLEM BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WELL I BOUGHT THE CAR AS IS, AND I KNOW WHAT AS IS MEANS' I LIVE ON A DISABILITY CHECK, AND YOU CAN IMAGINE THE REPAIR COST, SO IT SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND I,M OUT A CAR....MY PROBLEM IS WITH GENERAL MOTORS I HAVE CHECKED UNDER COMPLAINTS AT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 22, 2008116,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A SIGNAL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT INDICATED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLOWN. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 3, 2008141,245 milesMO

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE THAT HAS AN ON-GOING HISTORY OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE. THE CAR HAS BEEN LOOKED AT BY MY MECHANIC ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM BETWEEN JUNE 2007 AND SEPTEMBER 2008. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE WIPERS WERE INOPERABLE WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE MECHANIC'S FACILITY. ON THE OTHER OCCASIONS THE WIPERS BECAME OPERABLE BY THE TIME I ARRIVED AT THE MECHANIC'S FACILITY. THE CADILLAC DEALERS DISPLAY NO DEGREE OF CONCERN IN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM. IN MY OPINION, ALL EVIDENCE POINTS TO A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT, WHICH COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A CRASH, OR CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. I BRING THIS MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN ANY REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS. FURTHER, I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. I FEAR THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPENSIVE LITIGATION THAT COULD FOLLOW AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM. I SOLICIT YOUR COMMENTS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS. STANLEY L FASTENAU *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 11, 2008161,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP AFTER THE KEY IS TURNED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MAKES AT LEAST FIVE ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. WHEN THE VEHICLE FINALLY STARTS, THE MUFFLER PRODUCES A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC A FEW TIMES AND THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,895 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipFire
Filed Jun 12, 200858,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED AND NOTICED SMOKE AND SMALL FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRACKING CONTROL AND ABS CONTROL MODULE BURNED. THE FAILURE IS IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF UPDATED

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Feb 1, 200892,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED GENERAL MOTORS DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE SIDE SENSOR CONTROL MODULE. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE AT THIS TIME; HOWEVER, THEY REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED 02-21-08 *BF

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 21, 2007TN

ENGINES IN THESE CARS ARE VERY BAD. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Sep 8, 200754,500 milesTX

FOR OVER A YEAR I HAVE HAD A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING ABS BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEMS, SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM AND SERVICE ENGINE. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. I FOUND A RECALL FROM 1997# 04V110000 WHERE 156,000 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLES WERE AFFECTED. CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. TODAY THAT RECALL COMPLAINT WAS NO LONGER SHOWING ON THE NHTSA SITE. I'VE HAD SOME BRAKING PROBLEMS AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER MY BRAKES ARE FINE. STEVE, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID I NO LONGER HAD WARRANTY AND ACTED UNCONCERNED. THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $800 TO REPLACE THE EBTCM AND THAT MIGHT NOT FIX IT. THE DEALER JUST ACTS LIKE IT IS NO PROBLEM. APR 26, 2006 MY DIC DISPLAY SHOWED SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM MY MILEAGE WAS 53,874. INVOICE STATED CUST CONCERN NOT DUPLICATED. MAY 04,2006 SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM MESSAGE ON DIC. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON AGAIN. THE INVOICE SHOWED CAUSE INTERNAL FAULT. CADILLAC ELECTRICAL AND AC DIAGNOSED SHORTED MAGNA STEER SOLENOID IN THE STEERING GEAR AND A BAD EBTCM. C1241 & C1277 REPLACED STEERING GEAR AND SET FRONT TOE. SHOWED REPLACED EBTCM MISSPELLING FOR REPLACED. CLEARED CODES ALSO. I HAD WARRANTY AND PD $100.JULY 10. 2006 INVOICE STATES AGAIN SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM MESSAGE ON THE DIC. DIAGNOSED CODE C1241 AS AN OPEN WIRE IN THE INSULATION C1 PIN F OF THE EBTCM REPLACED PINF AND REPAIRED WIRING, CLEARED CODE. AUG 11, 2006 I RETURNED WITH ONLY 54,595 MILEAGE INVOICE AGAIN STATES ANTI-LOCK LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON INT

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 28, 2007TX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE GETS VERY HOT AND DISPLAYS A WARNING THAT INSTRUCTS HER TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. ANOTHER WARNING INDICATOR STATED THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF ANY REPAIRS WERE DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,200 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 20, 200676,000 milesNH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED AS IF THE ABS HAD ACTIVATED. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 97V064000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 1/29/2007 - *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 12, 200643,000 milesIA

I HAVE A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. DURING HOT WEATHER AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN LONG ENOUGH TO REACH OPERATING TEMP AND THEN SHUT OFF, RAW GASOLINE FLOWS OUT OF THE CHARCOAL FILTER VENT (MOUNTED ABOVE THE REAR AXLE) AND ONTO THE GROUND AND SATURATES AN AREA OF 8-10 FEET IN DIAMETER UNDER THE CAR. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND TO DATE 2 OXYGEN SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE MAP SENSOR, THE PURGE VALVE SOLENOID, THE PURGE VALVE SWITCH, AND THE CHARCOAL FILTER HAVE ALSO BEEN REPLACED. NONE OF WHICH HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. NO ONE AT THE DEALER(S) I'VE CONTACTED SEEM TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT COMPONENTS INSIDE THE FUEL TANK OR FUEL SYSTEM COULD CAUSE EXCESSIVE PRESSURE OR HEAT IN THE FUEL TANK CAUSING IT TO BE PUMPED OR VENTED OUT THROUGH THE CHARCOAL FILTER AND ON TO THE GROUND. WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT IS ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY A GURGLING SOUND IN THE CHARCOAL FILTER AS IF THE FUEL IS BUBBLING OR BOILING. IT ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR IN HOT WEATHER REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY MILES THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Sep 5, 200681,000 milesCT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL DETECTED FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE BECAME SICK AND LIGHT HEADED. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO LET THE CONTACT CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FUEL LEAKAGE. THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS SATURATED WITH GASOLINE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FUEL RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/20/06. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 24, 200671,000 milesMA

FUEL LEAKING FROM BOTH GASOLINE AND RETURN LINES. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 5, 2006145,890 milesSC

LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE IS LEAKING, APPEARS THAT THE INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION RUBBED AGAINST THE LINE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME RESULTING IN HOLE IN BRAKE LINE. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jun 14, 2006100,000 milesTX

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. I FIND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS A VIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THOSE FOR WHICH CADILLAC HAS ISSUED A RECALL FIX, BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VEHICLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED, AND IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY... WHY ISN'T IT ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL FIXES TO SAFETY RELATED ITEMS? *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jan 13, 200681,180 milesTX

ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, I PAYED WORKING MAN'S AUTO IN AUSTIN, TX TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS AS DOWN PAYMENT FOR AN "AS IS" 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. UPON GETTING THE CAR I INFORMED THE SALESMAN OF A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT THAT WAS ON THE DASHBOARD. HE INFORMED ME THAT IT "JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET". DUE TO MY LACK OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING VEHICLES I TOOK HIM AT HIS WORD. WHEN THE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GET INSPECTED, IT WOULDNT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO THIS "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT. THE MANAGER AND SALESMAN ASKED IF I WOULD BE WILLING TO GO THERE OTHER SITE IN NORTH AUSTIN TO GET THE CARS COMPUTER RESET. I AGREED, AND ON MY WAY THE CAR OVERHEATED AND BROKE DOWN. THE OWNER CAME AND REPLACED THE COOLANT IN THE CAR AND ASKED "WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE US TO DO?" I ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. HE INFORMED ME THAT HE COULDNT DO THAT DUE TO "INSURANCE REASONS." HE TOLD ME TO GO BY THERE LOCATION FRIDAY AND I DID. THE MECHANIC CLAIMED TO HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH I ASKED HIM IF WITH THE LIGHT BEING ON STILL, WAS IT OKAY, AND HE SAID YES. HE ASKED IF I COULD COME BACK THE FOLLOWING MONDAY TO HAVE THE COMPUTER RESET. AGAIN I AGREED AND AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME THE CAR OVERHEATED AND BROKE DOWN AGAIN. THEY CAME TO GET THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED ON NOVEMBER 28 OF 2005. WITH CONSTANT PHONE CALLS, REQUESTS, MISSED HOURS OF WORK, STRESS, NOT BEING ABLE TO REGISTER FOR SCHOOL, I HADNT RECIEVED ANY INFORMATION FROM THEM AS TO WHEN MY CAR WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE OWNER REFUSES TO GIVE

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 12, 2005AL

I HAD ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM MY CADILLAC DEVILLE AND TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC THAT I HAVE A LOT OF TRUST IN. I EXPECTED TO HEAR I HAD A BAD RADIATOR AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT. INSTEAD HE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT GM HAS A BAD DESIGN DEFECT WITH THE MATERIALS THEY USED ON THE HEAD BOLTS TO HOLD THE MOTOR. THEY DETERIORATE BECAUSE OF THIS AND STRIP OUT CAUSING PRESSURE ON THE RADIATOR AND IT CRACKS. ALL THIS IS A RESULT OF USING ALUMINUM INSTEAD OF STEAL. THE MECHANIC SAID HE SEE THE SAME THING EVERY OTHER WEEK AND TO DATE GM HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CALLED GM AND THEY BLEW ME OFF. THEY GAVE ME A FILE NUMBER OF 1-380-399-885. *NM

Tires
Filed Aug 18, 200542,000 milesIL

DT: THE ALUMINUM WHEELS CORRODED ON THE INNER SEAL OF THE TIRE RIM. THIS WAS DISCOVERED BY A TIRE DEALER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SERVICE DEALER FOR A LOSS OF AIR OF THOSE TIRES. THESE WERE FACTORY DIRECTED WHEELS THAT CAME ON VEHICLE AT PURCHASE AND HAD 42,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THEY WERE CORROSIVE. THEY WERE GROUNDED DOWN AND PLACED A BLACK ADHESIVE TO SEAL THE TIRES BY THE TIRE DEALER. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND GENERAL MOTORS, WHO NOTED THIS WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE WHEELS. NO CORRECTIONS OR REPAIRS OTHER THAN THE SERVICE THE TIRE SERVICE DEALER PERFORMED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 22, 200569,000 milesVA

DT: THE GAS GAUGE DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE FUEL RAIL . HE TOLD THE CONSUMER TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION AND OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THEY DID THE RECALL AND GAVE THEM A COPY OF WHAT MECHANIC HAD GIVEN THE CONSUMER. THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, AND SAID THERE WAS A BAD OIL LEAK. THIS WASN'T CONSISTENT WITH WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID. FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE NORTH STAR ENGINE.*AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CRACKCASE SEAL DUE TO AN OIL LEAK, THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING AND THERE WAS NO TRANSMISSION LEAK.*JB

Steering
Filed Jul 19, 2005123,600 milesKS

MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, WITHOUT WARNING THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IT TOOK A EXTREME AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND CLEAR ON COMING TRAFFIC. BEFORE THIS EVENT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 8, 2005100,000 milesNY

DT: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON HER 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE IN 09-2004. SHE CALLED THE DEALER, KEYSER BROTHERS CADILLAC TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. SHE CALLED BACK IN 11-04 AND 11-11 AND THEY STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS. SHE CALLED AGAIN IN 2-05 AND ON 7-8-05 STILL NO PARTS. SHE OFFERED TO DROP IT OFF AND LEAVE IT OVERNIGHT AND HE REFUSED. HE TOLD HER HE COULD ONLY FIX THE CAR DURING THE WEEK WHILE SHE HAD TO WORK. HE DIDN'T WORK ON SATURDAYS. THE RECALL 04014 REPAIRS REGARDING: ENGINE FUEL RAIL WAS DONE. . *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 5, 2005GA

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE . CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 97V064000 CONCERNING ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE COULD CAUSE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON ABS BRAKE APPLICATION. DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WORK WAS ALREADY DONE, BUT EVEN IF THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED IT COULD RECUR. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed May 13, 200535,000 milesMO

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT LENSES. THE LENSES KEPT FALLING OUT OF POSITION. THE OWNER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE LENS FELL OUT OF POSITION ON TO THE ROAD. THE OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE ENTIRE FIXTURE BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WILL NOT SELL THE LENS BY ITSELF. *AK THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT LENSES FELL OUT. THE WEATHER WAS WARM AND OR CLEAR. *SC *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 269, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1997
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200595110Routine
2004167140Routine
2003145400Routine
2002176521Fatalities reported
2001175430Routine
2000225541Fatalities reported
1999187143Fatalities reported
1998237312Fatalities reported
1997 — this page269280Above average
1996218270Above average
1995129266Fatalities reported
1994127080Routine
1993921140Routine
19921351130Routine
199187190Routine
199076220Routine

Compare every Deville year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 4, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.