Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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.
Airbags failed to open after engine died. Car went dead and steering brakes failed to operate properly. Seat became unlocked. I was jammed under steering wheel. Engine and car dead. Front end and rear end total, never received replacement. Insurer was geico, repaired at their recommended facility. Engine began to leak oil after 20000 miles car never operated correctly afterwards, traded it in after 6 months, for 2005 new cts. Same thing happened, engine shut off,. I traded for 2005 Cadillac Deville, in 2005.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. While stopped, white smoke emitted from the rear of the contact's vehicle. In addition, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the engine oil leaked onto the exhaust system and caused the engine to smoke. The dealer stated that the engine valve cover seal and gasket needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 49,046. The current mileage was 101,700.
I tried to explain to the dealership that unaware of the recall my cars breaks had failed and crashed my vehicle. They said the only thing that was affected was the key. I had told her that the result of my crash was from my breaks not working due to the recall. She told me no that that wasnt affected. I just want my car to be safe on the road as i have kids, and family that ride with me regularly.
After taking off from a stop sign, I drove up over about 1 1/2 inch vertical rise in the pavement (small bump). The engine and electrical systems shut down. I lost power stirring and power brakes. I got stopped and restarted the engine. This occurred about 3 days after I had taken my car to the GM dealer for repairs covered by GM recall 14299, "unintended ignition key rotation". My key did not rotate. Yesterday April 2, 2015 when driving 45 MPH on a state highway, the engine stopped again without hitting any bumps. I was able to coast, put the car in neutral, and restart the engine, before the car behind me could hit me. There was no shoulder to pull off.again there was no key rotation. I called my GM dealer after the first occurrence and was told I would have to pay for a new ignition switch or what ever was causing the problem. …
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Deville years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (61), 2001 (52), 1999 (51), 1997 (48) and 1996 (41) model years. Engine complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Deville engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Cadillac Deville model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac Deville engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (103 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (94).
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.