Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. While attempting to start the vehicle, the key was jammed in the ignition and could not be moved to start the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they refused to do the recall repair due to insufficient parts. The vehicle was towed to another dealer where the technician claimed that they repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system) and replaced the wiring harness; however, the contact was not provided with any supporting documentation. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check security system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, he became distracted and crashed into a pole. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a concussion that required medical attention. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14V355000 (electrical system) however the part needed for repairs was unavailable. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for repairs. The front bumper and grill was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 240,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shut off and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact was forced to drive into a curb in order to stop the vehicle. Also, the contact stated that all of the warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred numerous times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
The car would die out, and you have no power anything. Put it in neutral and you could restart it. Solution was to replace two sensors that cost about $400. This also happened on a 2001 Cadillac Deville, I had in 2012, and had to replace sensors. About $400. Again. All repairs were done a Chevy dealer dekalb/sycamore Chevy. This a similar problem to the keys in the ignition. The car engine just die and no power anything. The repairs are in the dealer records. I would like my money back. [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that both the brake and accelerator pedals needed to be depressed in order to turn the ignition. The check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
2002 Cadillac Deville. Consumer is not satisfied with the response by the dealership for reimbursement key ring recall. The consumer stated when his wife placed the key in the ignition, and turned it, the vehicle died and she could not turn the ignition to remove the key. The vehicle had to be towed. According to the repair invoice, there was internal damage in the ignition lock. The consumers request for reimbursement was denied, based on the fact, the part that was replaced was not part of the recall. Updated 01/29/15
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Cadillac Deville, 26% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Cadillac Deville electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Cadillac Deville electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.