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 1999 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 1999 Cadillac Deville has had two ongoing defects that have not been fixed. The problems began during the first year when the car was under warranty and after many service visits for repair has not been fixed. Two warning indicator lights appear, 1.traction engaging light and 2.anti-lock brake light continue to illuminate. At the same time there is an intermittent growling noise and the brakes grab and make the steering difficult. Cadillac is aware of the defects and the car has been at the Cadillac dealer numerous times to correct these two defects but the problems persist. Cadillac state that the car does not meet the criteria for buy back and therefore I am in possession of a car that poses two safety hazards and I am fearful to drive the car and it would be unethical to sell an unsafe car.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving the ABS light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where technician diagnosed the ABS modular needed to be replaced. The technician informed the contact to not drive the vehicle in certain weather conditions due to the fact the replacement parts are unavailable. No repairs were made to the vehicle and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
I was driving light came on car failed to stop pulled toone side took it to rinkle Cadillac was told it was ABS module covered by GM they had recall went back several times finally the y told they could not get part not to drive car in wet weather or winter car is own by senior lady bought new only 70000miles kept in garage car is listed fleetwood limited limited amount made this is my second time applying never got answer yet my husband wrote in first time.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the brake pedal was applied and the vehicle veered to the left and right. The contact also stated that the brake pedal required excessive force in order to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated the passenger front brake was wearing very quickly and overheated frequently. The vehicle was able to be driven to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. The failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 46,000.
On two separate occasions anti lock brakes failed, allowing vehicle to continue forward, and rear ending another vehicle. A policeman came, and drove vehicle when brake pedal descended to the floor. After repairs, brakes failed again several days later. Please describe details.
Passenger's side mirror will not stay adjusted. Consumer has taken it into dealer about 15 times for electrical problems. After adjusting mirror, and turning away, and when looking at mirror again, consumer May be looking at the sky. Consumer feels this is unsafe because when changing lanes, driver doesn't know if another car is coming or not. Also, door locks, will lock consumer out of vehicle. When vehicle is first started in the morning, it feels like it is turning on 6 cylinders. Door locks do not work properly, sliding door has been opened while vehicle has been in motion, remote unlock button inoperable. Power window needed adjusted. Consumer states there is a loud noise in the front of the vehicle, dealer has made adjustments to front and rear caster, camber, and toe in. Dash blinks in and out, dealer found grounds to battery were corroded. …
While driving 25-30 MPH rpms went up and vehicle started to accelerate. Consumer applied brake, then shifted to neutral. Rpms then went to 45000. Consumer applied brakes to slow down vehicle. Dealer could not find cause. This happened a second time on July 23, 2002. The problem of vehicle accelerating when brake was applied occurred again but the dealer was unable to find the cause.
While traveling at approximately 75 MPH during night hours vehicle lost all electrical systems, and engine stopped. After 10 minutes, consumer was able to get vehicle started. Also, brake operation was spongy, and operated erratically afterwards. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Traction control illuminates off and on, indicating a malfunction within brake system, cause unknown. No problems have occurred with brakes. Consumer was concerned that light remained on, and that vehicle has been into dealer six times for same problem . Dealer could not identify the problem.
Brake complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Cadillac Deville, 11% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Cadillac Deville brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Cadillac Deville, though it has 1 recall 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 1999 Cadillac Deville brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires 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.