Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Deville. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle crashed into a median and the air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained major injuries, including two broken feet and a concussion. The driver required medical assistance. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
During winter driving, turned on the heated steering wheel, felt the fingers of my left hand begin to burn and noticed smoke coming from the heated steering wheel cover. I immediately switched off the heated steering wheel, the smoking stopped. I have not used that feature since, have not had it repaired. Checked for recalls on this problem, did not find any.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the front driver side power seat moved forward independently. The dealer replaced the two power seat fuses. The same day, after the repair was performed, a burning odor and smoke emitted inside of the vehicle due to an electrical short circuit within the power seat. The dealer then removed the breaker. There were no flames present. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
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. …
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac DeVille. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The power steering was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the message that the key was not detected was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced at the dealer under Manufacturer Recall Number: N140299. The contact stated that the failure had occurred before receiving the recall repair notification. The failure reoccurred after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the ignition switch seized. Occasionally, the contact was able to wiggle the switch for the ignition to operate. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn or operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was able to replace the ignition switch on three or four occasions. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
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. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Deville years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (60), 2003 (52), 2004 (47), 2001 (45) and 2002 (45) model years. Electrical complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Deville electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac Deville electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (33 mentions), followed by the ignition (21).
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.