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 1997 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl 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. Updated
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.
This complaint is in regards to the failure of the brake system on a 1997 Cadillac. Whe the system failed the vehicle was unable to perform an emergency stop. There was no backup system under this condition. At a little less than 90,000 miles the brakes failed. There was no backup. When the pedal was depressed it would bleed down until it bottomed out. It was during the 2002 holiday season and I was unable to get the car serviced. I investigated the problem and found it to be a brake line in the left rear wheel well had a hole rubbed in it. It was obvious that this problem was the result of poor design and due to the point of failure caused the entire brake system to fail. I repaired the line with a splice. …
GM will be sending out an inspector to determine cause of brake failure.I do not know what brake component failed. Whether it was master cylinder, ABS, vacuum booster, etc. I only know there was failure. I was traveling at a speed of 15-20 MPH with plenty of space to stop in response to 2 separate accidents that happened just in front of me. I applied the brake and when I got no response I pressed the petal with extreme pressure and the pedal went to the floor. Later at the garage the pedal again went to the floor, but on another occasion it was able to stop. Air bags did not deploy. Actual damage in dollars is only estimate as adjuster has not determined cost as yet. Another car ( 1999 Geo) was hit in rear and I do not know the amount of her damages. I have contacted Cadillac and I am not happy that an impartial witness cannot be on site when they do their physical examination. …
Tl 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. …
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 updated 3/13/15
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.
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.
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.
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 -
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.
Brake complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Cadillac Deville, 23% of the model year's 269 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Cadillac Deville brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-064 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Apr 28, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Deville brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.