Most common 2002 Cadillac Deville problems
Share of the 176 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Deville complaints by model year
Best Deville years: 2005, 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 1996, 2000. Compare all years →
2002 Cadillac Deville recalls (5)
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, Oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and Pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged v6 (3.8l) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Certain passenger vehicles contain driver and front passenger lap and/or shoulder belt retractors that May not remain locked up as designed during a crash in which the belt pretensioners deploy.
Remedy: Dealers will install a retainer kit in the driver and passenger safety belt pretensioner. Owner notification began January 31, 2003.
Air bags › Frontal
Certain passenger, Mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Certain passenger vehicles were built with missing or under-torqued steering gear attachment bolts. If a bolt is missing, the driver May notice uneven steering response or unusual noises during turns.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for presence and proper torque of both steering gear bolts. Owner notification began April 5, 2002.
What 2002 Cadillac Deville owners say
Electrical system all 45 →
The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly shut off, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into a tree. During the crash, the vehicle sustained front-end damage, but no air bag had deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the ignition switch had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.
At around 11:35 am, as I was turning left from prairie street into the far south entrance of krogers' supermarket. The Cadillac's engine just stopped running. I was unable to turn the steering wheel fast enough to complete the turn without jumping the curb. After completing the turn, I placed the car into neutral and hit the starter a few times. The engine cranked but failed to start the first few attempts (at least I think). I was about to start my process of exiting the car, when I noticed the tachometer showing 600 RPM. I was really hesitate to drive the vehicle any further, so we proceeded to do our grocery shopping. I removed the ignition key from the car's entry remote and my cluster of personal keys. After stowing the groceries and checking my computer files for the previous reported Cadillac's problem concerning OnStar disabling it in August 2008. …
Engine & cooling all 41 →
Takata air bag, do not know if that item is in my car but they say it is. Also like so many northstar engines there is trouble with the head gasket, and according to the hydrocarbon block test, mine must be replaced. In order to replace it, the engine and power train must be removed, at my expense. Due to this issue, my car continues to try and overheat after about 29 miles of driving. After listening to those folks on the Cadillac forum, I have been lead to believe, the overheating issue May be, partly the fault of the fine thread head bolts and or studs. Many mechanics I have spoken with have said that I need a new engine, although the folks on the Cadillac fourm have said that time-serts, or the larger studs/bolts might fix the issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the engine stalled and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. As a result, the contact crashed into trees. The driver sustained injuries to the left ankle, concussion and bruises. The contact did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
Air bags all 26 →
The contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly shut off, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into a tree. During the crash, the vehicle sustained front-end damage, but no air bag had deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the ignition switch had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Wild traveling far right lane 45 mile-an-hour 5 lane major road in michigan hit pothole lost all control of the vehicle beard left into oncoming traffic struggled car back to the right took over 1 miles to finally come to an abrupt stop at a four foot concrete barrier in front of a car dealership airbags did not deploy loss of control brakes steering very hard
2002 Cadillac Deville engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Cadillac Deville a good car?
Based on 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Deville rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Deville at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Cadillac Deville?
The electrical system — 45 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the engine & cooling (41) and air bags (26).
How many recalls does the 2002 Cadillac Deville have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2002 Cadillac Deville, the most recent from June 23, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Deville?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 1996 and 2000. See the full Cadillac Deville years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Cadillac Deville problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.