Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
While making a left hand turn, the steering wheel locked up. The driver managed to pull over, although with some difficulty. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The consumer was informed by the mechanic that the cause of the steering wheel locking up was due to the rack and pinion. The rack and pinion was replaced.
Consumer complained about problems with traction control, ABS and console message center, indicating a problem with steering. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who informed consumer that these problems were not covered under a recall, and any repairs would be charged to the consumer.
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.
Backing out of parking space vehicle would not straighten out or turn to left. Dealer replaced power steering pump, but problem continued. The, dealer replaced rack and pinion, and problem disappeared.
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. …
When making a turn the steering wheel steers in the opposite direction. The dealer said that this problem was normal. Consumer states this only happens during right turns and in the passing lane, dealer has performed an alignment and replaced rack and pinion, however this has not corrected the problem.
While driving and upon attempting to make left turn vehicle would not go. Heard a loud clunking noise, and could not make left turns at all. Contacted the dealer, and found the steering rack and pinion had to be replaced.
The consumer pulled the vehicle out of a parking space but the steering wheel would only turn to the right.
While turning a corner , vehicle's power steering goes out. Dealer is aware of problem . Dealer told owner that loss of power steering is due to a wet belt in the motor.
Steering locked up on four separate occaisions. Cleared after approx. One minute. Friend with same model experienced same symtoms until total failure.
NHTSA investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac grand prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
Steering complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Cadillac Deville, 8% of the model year's 269 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Cadillac Deville steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 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 1997 Cadillac Deville steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles.
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.