Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving on a mountain at a slow speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,331.
I was accelerating onto main hi-way when steering wheel locked up and could not turn steering wheel and was almost hit by a motor home as my car went straight across hi way instead of turning which I was trying to do. Took a few tries to get vehicle safely off road as steering wheel could not be turned.called my son who brought tools to take steering column apart.when I inspected the cause, the steering wheel lock button would not disengage so had to remove steering wheel lock button from steering column. Since then the vehicle has no steering wheel lock so car can be shifted without pressing the brake at the same time but by simply moving the gear shift lever when key is in run or accessory position!
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.
While driving in rainy conditions, the driver, my dad, exited an interstate highway onto a down-sloped ramp. Near the termination point of exit where it had a left turn and a right turn lane, he attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right to enter the right turn lane. However, the steering wheel locked up, failing to turn the wheels to the right, and the car struck another car sitting in the left-turn lane. My mother, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, suffered whiplash as a result of the incident. My dad experienced the rainy weather steering problem many times during the 41,000 miles he drove the car. Although he addressed the problem with various Cadillac dealerships and independent mechanics several times, none of them ever fixed it. …
Driving from exit ramp onto highway car was very difficult to keep in center of lane, is seems to be better after stability system replaced in steering column. Was not called in for recall of keys until, 12/05/14. Heater stopped working by 50%, electric door lock stopped working approx same time. Brakes not working as well, same time frame. Everything was checked out in feb; this year, although started noticing steering problems August, September., 2014. I thought it was a slow leak in the tire causing the steering problem, although now believe it had something to do with the stability control system, steering column area. We were charged for the repair, even though it falls under the recall complaints. What we thought was going to be a $100 or $150.00 job, as I OK'd them to use the multi-point inspection machine and check anti freeze level, costs us $688.15. …
I was leaving a restaurant and as I was crossing the intersection my car shut off ,I got it started and as I got to the red light it shut off again so had to keep my foot on the brake and gas at the same time. Once I got back on the interstate I had no more problems. About 6 months later I was at mcdonalds drive-thru at 2 am when my car shut off, I coasted into the closest parking space and my car locked up and I had no power at all and I was locked inside I manually unlocked my door got out of my car and I had to call aaa. My car would not crank when aaa man tried to jump under the hood, he had to take my backseat out to jump start it, he got it started and he told me he couldn't understand what happened. …
I own a 2004 Cadillac Deville. Every time I drive through in heavy rain or through standing water in the road, the power steering malfunctions. I have had several near-crashes because I was unable to turn the steering wheel quickly. When this happens, I must unexpectedly exert a lot of strength to turn the wheel. This problem is definitely a safety hazard. I contacted my authorized Cadillac dealer and was told that the cause for the problem is the peculiar design of this vehicle which directs water from the road to the belt which drives the fan, alternator and the power steering pump. When the belt gets soaked with water, it slips on the pulleys and ceases to turn them, causing the systems connected to the belt to fail. The dealer was not able to correct this design defect. I request that this particular model be recalled because of the potential failure of the power steering system. …
Every time I drive during rainy weather, the power steering of my 2004 Cadillac Deville malfunctions. I have had several near-crashes because I was unable to turn the steering wheel. When this happens, I must unexpectedly exert a lot of strength to turn the wheel. This problem is definitely a safety hazard. I contacted my authorized Cadillac dealer and was told that the cause for the problem is the peculiar design of this vehicle. When the belt gets wet or moist, it slips on the pulleys and ceases to turn them, causing the power steering pump to fail. The dealer was not able to correct this design defect. I request that this particular model be recalled because of the repetitive failure of the power steering system. This is a recurring problem and has happened again today three times. …
This car has continually stalled out at different speeds. I was told it was the throttle position sensor so I replaced that. That seemed to fix it temporarily but just yesterday I was driving on the highway and the car completely cut off going 55mph plus. The car completely stalled died out and I had no control over anything. Had this happened in the fast lane with more traffic my death would have been on the news. I want this fixed at no cost to me as this is ludicrous this car has such a defect. I buy a high end luxury car for high end luxury not to be in a pinto type death trap. I want this documented so others also know about this issue as dealer should know about issue and not being able to replicate results is bs as I stated it doesn't happen often but at random times. Car starts up right after the stall but the stall is the horrific issue!
2004 Cadillac Deville steeering fails if raining or car is driven through standing water. 6 months ago I was making a right turn during a rain storm and the steering failed. I had to use excessive force to keep turning the car. I almost hit a minivan broadside. This now happens every time it rains or there is water on the road. My Cadillac dealer said its a design flaw that cannot be fixed and refused to offer any help other than to offer to sell me a Buick. I have contacted GM/Cadillac with no results. I have had many near misses when the steering fails at random in wet weather. This defect is going to cause a crash. It is should be fixed by Cadillac in a recall asap. I will not allow anyone to drive this car during wet weather. A amaller person will not have the muscle to control the car at any speed above 5 MPH.
Steering complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Cadillac Deville, 22% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Cadillac Deville steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.