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 2002 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I was going to drop off some trash bags in dumpster around the block from my house.and was parked next to it at aptments street.I put the car in park turned off engine and removed the keys popped the trunk removed trash bags closed trunk and got back in driver seat placed key in just as always real easy going and tried to turn it for hour in hot sun then walked home called tow truck were we brought it home were I live my house and cost $164.00 dollars and is in same condition as of now.
My husband and I purchased a 2002 Cadillac Deville October 14, 2001. On April 25, 2003 with 11,059 miles on the odometer the car stalled while driving and we were able to pull over to the curb to allow the traffic to go by. We were able to restart the car and proceed to the dealership where they replaced two sensors under the warranty. On July 28, 2006 with 30,779 miles on the odometer it stalled again at a traffic signal. After trying for sometime the car was restarted and we took it to the dealer where they replaced these same two sensors at a cost of $468.65 to us. I am 82 and my husband is 85 and we feel this is a dangerous situation to be driving and have the car stall in heavy traffic with perhaps an accident as a result. We are almost afraid to drive the car not knowing if this will happen again, especially on a freeway. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the vehicle began to overheat while stopped. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic where the thermostat was replaced. The failure recurred after the repairs and the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who replaced the pump and the temperature cooling sensor. The failure recurred and a new radiator cap was installed but still, to no avail. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where it was found to have a blown head gasket. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated and there was a lost of transmission fluid. The warning indicators were illuminated. The problem recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine and transmission failed. As a result, the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Dt: the contact stated the vehicle burned oil excessively. He had to add a quart of oil every 750 miles. Took the vehicle to the dealership multiple times. The dealership replaced the piston rings on April 4, 2005. After the piston ring replacement there was a reduction in oil consumption. T two service bulletins 1358091 and 1396266. The bulletins stated oil should only have to be added after every 2,000 miles. The vehicle is still under warranty. The contact specifically found many complaints on the same type of vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into gear, the engine stability light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer five times and the engine stability light was reset. The repairs were covered by the warranty. During the most recent appointment with the dealer they informed the contact that a mechanical switch was defective and needed to be replaced at his expense. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The current mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from engine compartment and all of the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the left independently and the vehicle stalled. The contact received notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart only when in neutral. The failure occurred on four occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft positioning sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Cadillac Deville, 23% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Cadillac Deville engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Cadillac Deville, though it has 5 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 2002 Cadillac Deville engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.