Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 1999 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed of an oil leak. The contact stated that the water pump, thermostat, reserve tank, and the stretch were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 69,000.
While sitting in front of my home my 1999 Cadillac Deville caught on fire and burnt to a total loss. The car was parked, had not been driven for about 48 hours. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire occurred at about 2:00 pm. Satruday afternoon. Temp about 82 degrees. Something in the cars engine room on the left side ignited. It appears to have been an electrical problem that self ignited. Just prior to the fire, my wife who was at home at the time heard the car alarm go off. She went to the window and it quit sounding. She did not see any fire at that time. About 5 minutes later a neighbor pounded on the door and alerted her to the fact that the car was burning. The fire was so intense that before the fire department got to the seen, one of the hood gas struts blew through the front grill and landed about 20 feet in front of the vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the engine misfired, which caused an engine compartment fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and repaired at an expense of $4500.00. One year after the repair the failure recurred. He contacted the dealer again, but was advised that because the warranty expired they would not provide any assistance. He then added that they were aware that north star engines are prone to back-firing. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 52,000, the current mileage was 70,000. Updated 10/20/09 the consumer also stated the head gasket failed as well. Updated 10/22/09
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine overheated with the illumination of the warning light. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who stated there was a blown head gasket. The contact stated that the manufacturer issued a voluntary recall in which the remedy would replace the engine. The VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. After starting the vehicle, the engine misfired intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000. Updated 3/12/15 updated 9/13/2017
While starting vehicle engine backfired. Then fire started coming from under the hood. The under hood padding was covered with a flammable material. This caused the fire to burn through the paint on the outside of the hood.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the vehicle would overheat. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the water pump. The failure recurred and the contact was informed that most of those model vehicles were designed to operate in that manner, and it was safe to drive. A few days after the water pump was replaced, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began to excessively overheat. The contact shut off the engine and had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. He was informed that the cause of the failure was not the water pump, but rather a blown out head gasket. The vehicle cannot be repaired without a new engine. Through online research, he discovered that his model vehicle has numerous issues due to overheating and head gaskets. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 74,000. Updated 07/08/08. Updated 07/08/08
Tl contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville with a v8, 4.6 liter north star aluminum engine. He stated that after driving the vehicle for 5 minutes, the vehicle would overheat. This was a frequent failure occurring in the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by his independent mechanic and found that the fly-wheel failed and the right cylinder was missing the soft plug behind the water pump. The vehicle was also found to be leaking anti-freeze into the engine cylinders and through the tail pipe. The transmission was dropped in order to replace the fly-wheel and the freeze plug was also replaced by an independent transmission station. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him to replace the engine at his own expense. No additional repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 148,987 and the current was approximately 149,000. …
Vehicle overheated due to exhaust fumes getting into the cooling system. This caused the head gasket to fail. This incident happened three times. Took vehicle to a mechanic, who changed out the water pump thinking it was the problem at that time. Consumer contacted the dealer, and they were aware of the problem. Also, contacted the manufacturer. However, problem recurred. Head gasket failure, vehicle became a hazard during the first incident due to the fact car was traveling on a 2 lane highway through mountain terrain. The engine was the victim of a botched head repair. Several of the head bolt holes have had custom helicoils installed by local Cadillac dealership. Their mechanic botched the repair and they did not hold. As a result this engine has a coolant leakage problem.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Deville. While driving between 60-70 MPH, the vehicle would shimmy drastically. The independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle over 50 MPH. The front tie rod was replaced and a semi-alignment was performed. The axle hub carrier rear suspension was faulty and the coil spring was also damaged. Later, the windshield wipers would not operate and, upon further investigation, it was discovered that the wipers were wired incorrectly. While driving less than 50 MPH, the check oil warning light illuminated because there was no oil in the vehicle. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 132,000. Updated 10/14/08 updated 10/24/08.
Engine complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Cadillac Deville, 27% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is engine (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Cadillac Deville engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.