Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 95 | −71% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2004 | 167 | −45% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 145 | −58% | 4 | Electrical | Good |
| 2002 | 176 | −22% | 5 | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 175 | −14% | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2000 | 225 | 1.4× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 1999 | 187 | 1.4× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 237 | 1.9× | 3 | Headlight | Caution |
| 1997 | 269 | 2.1× | 2 | Brake | Avoid |
| 1996 | 218 | 1.7× | 2 | Steering | Caution |
| 1995 | 129 | −16% | 2 | Fuel System | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Deville year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Cadillac Deville problems
Latest Cadillac Deville recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, Oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and Pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged v6 (3.8l) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
On certain Mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that May not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on March 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Certain passenger vehicles contain driver and front passenger lap and/or shoulder belt retractors that May not remain locked up as designed during a crash in which the belt pretensioners deploy.
Remedy: Dealers will install a retainer kit in the driver and passenger safety belt pretensioner. Owner notification began January 31, 2003.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Cadillac Deville should you avoid?
1997, 1998, 1996 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Deville years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1997.
What is the best year for the Cadillac Deville?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Deville years at the same age, followed by 2003 and 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Cadillac Deville problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (407), electrical system (389) and air bags (261). Engine complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Cadillac Deville had?
17 recalls across 1995–2005. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Cadillac Deville recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.