Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving east on flamingo st, las vegas, hit dip in road, suddenly, went dead. No power, engine died, hit from behind, airbags did not deploy. Went hospital by ambulance, with neck brace, iv drip, spent one night, went doctor next day. Car taken repair shop, per geico insurance adjuster. Went to this doctor for two years, then another doctor at v.a. Hospital, to this date. Had shots to low back, neck, many chiropractor treatments, with various pills, such as oxycodone, hydocodone and other narcotics for pain. Having to shots in low back this month, 29 oct 2014. The accident was investigated by las vegas state police department. Damage to my car was over $20,000. Dollars, geico would not replace, had to sell, suffered lost after 5 months. It was never correct after accident. …
Takata recall. One day was driving all was well it had just sprinkled before ia left home. Roads were whet I slowed down to cross rr tracks when increased gas tires slipped or spun a lil,from bumps on tracks and acceleration made numerous sensors I think got faulty. Suspension traction, service engine soon,, ABS, and air bag. I reset information control center. But with in 3 mins after you take off they all light up again ABS I just changed brake pads 4 months ago there still under warranty.going with ceramic this time. I also have 2 psi sensors out. Neither back window goes down one needs motor the other on the regulator a plastic clip that keeps it inline is worn out. I figured that out. But idk why all them safety warnings came on and why I cannot get traction control to ever go off? Just find it weird happened all at once car still starts and runs fine. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated while driving approximately 4 MPH, the brake pedal sank into the floorboard and the vehicle failed to slow down after numerous attempts. The vehicle continued to accelerate into an intersection where another vehicle crashed in the driver's side. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered from whiplash which required medical treatment. The driver in the other vehicle was transported to the hospital. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
"Takata recall" my 2004 Cadillac Deville VIN# [redacted]. I was getting into my stationary vehicle at around 11:30 pm. I was located in lynnfield, ma when the event occurred. The second I turned the engine over and hit the brake the driver side air bag deployed without any outside catalysts being a factor. I was abruptly hit by the driver side air bag right in my nose and mouth causing my neck to snap back. I was still in the driveway when my friend who was in his car parked in front of me heard the noise from the air bag and came to my aid.
Car will not start when I turn the key checked the fuses all good check the battery good. Then it started next day drove home from work and power turned off in the middle of the street power steering started to lock as I managed to pull off in to a parking lot. Started once again, made it home. Next day was able to stard vehicle drove to work, once it was time for me to head home tried starting car and nothing nothing I can open trunk with key fob can't open gas tank door from inside manually. My car is saying air bag light constantly. Also I have a consistent squeak ing/grinding on the front driver wheel
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into one other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 10/23/14 updated 05/21/2015
I veered right to avoid a vehicle who approached over the center yellow line, the wheel locked, and I crashed over guardrail and into a utility pole. The airbags never deployed. I was not injured, and did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was a total loss. I did not know my vehicle was involved in a recall until my insurance provider sent me a document to that effect as part of the payout for the car. I've been driving for over 40 years, I am a defensive driver. I have 15 keys on my keychain what happened was just as they outlined I am totally screwed in this whole situation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact crashed the vehicle into a parked vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was injured and received medical attention. The vehicle was inoperable and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
I was traveling south on highway 385 when a deer flew out in front of me. We hit head on destroying the whole front end of my car. I would like to know why the air bags did not go off if that deer would have flown up on the hood and came through the windshield it could have killed me. The air bag could have saved my life. Why did it not deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. While starting the vehicle, the driver side air bag inadvertently deployed. The contact sustained minor cuts that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.
Airbag complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2004 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Cadillac Deville, 15% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Cadillac Deville airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2004 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 2004 Cadillac Deville airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 11 injuries to air bags 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.