Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1996 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the rubber part of the brake line split into two separate pieces while driving 35 MPH. The brakes could not be used and the emergency brake and gears were applied to stop the vehicle from moving. General motors stated that someone would look into the failure at some point. The contact is a mechanic and stated that he has never seen this type of incident occur on a vehicle. He stated that the bracket that is attached to the strut is being stretched beyond its limit, which after time will eventually split. The failure mileage was 138,210 and current mileage was 138,449. Updated 09/10/08 the metal bracket that holds the rubber part of the brake line is cutting the rubber line right at the top of the bracket . Updated 09/18/08.
Dt: while driving caller tries to slow down and without warning the brakes lose power. While at the stop light it accelerates, and she has to fight the car to keep it stopped. While in park it races at 2125 rpms. Had car to dealer 4 times for same problem. Dealer said it was a chip in computer. Car will be towed again tonight. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Manufacturer was called the last time this happened.
I bought a car from a x-police officer for a very good price. It ran well I had it checked out. Brakes and all. They were fine. Well I noticed the stopping distance was very long before all of this happened,. Well to make it short I slighty hit a curb and that was it. The car is totaled.
Vehicle is going 45-55mph it starts to decelerate. Steering gets stiff. Oil pressure light comes on, and when brakes are applied vehicle begins to accelerate without pressing on accelerator pedal. Problem has duplicated itself many times, but dealer can't duplicate this problem to find a solution. Once vehicle is restarted there is no problem.
Replacement of brake controller 1996 Cadillac concours at a cost of 1400.00. Approaching stop sign at low speed brakes failed causing car to stop beyond stop sign. I notice that 1997 and later cadillacs have been recalled for this same problem. I am sure GM is aware that 1996 models have the same defect so why have they not covered 1996 models?
Intermittent problem: when depressing the brake pedal under normal braking, consumer noticed a very loud griding noise sound as if it's metal to metal coming from the front brakes. Consumer has contacted the dealer on four occasions. Dealer has attempted to correct problem, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.
Steering and brakes lock, usually on a curve, always on wet road. Problem has happened with other drivers in this vehicle. Questions to dealer service department offer no enlightenment or satisfaction; they've never heard of anything like this.
The disc mounting assembly of the rear brakes is held in place by a single undersize screw on each side. This screw can shear, resulting in the pedal going to the floor with a complete loss of braking ability.
When brakes were applied they didn't hold. Smoke was coming from hood. Unable to steer vehicle, steering locked up. Vehicle caught on fire, and was totalled.
Poor ABS brake performance during vehicle operation, the vehicle was hit on the passenger's side at 10 MPH and complete brake failure was experienced.
Brake complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Cadillac Deville, 10% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Cadillac Deville brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Cadillac Deville, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Cadillac Deville brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 138,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.