Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Cadillac Seville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that there was a fuel leak. Also, when the vehicle was started, the pass key lock warning indicator flashed. The key would not turn over to start the vehicle on several occasions. The vehicle was unable to be driven each time the failure occurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 95V224000 (equipment) and 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and recommended that the vehicle be taken to a dealer for further diagnostic testing. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 117,000.
I own a 1996 Cadillac Seville. NHTSA recall campaign number: 04V110000 NHTSA action number: ea04003 my GM service request number: 71-584885453 issue: my Cadillac's fuel rail has a leak (in fact 3). I found the recall on-line, and called Cadillac. They stated they inspected the vehicle on 9/13/2004 and at that time, there was no leak. They did not replace the fuel rail with the stainless steel rail. They told me yesterday (lin foster at GM corporate [phone]) that their duty was to inspect the vehicle. And as they had inspected it in 2004 and there were no issues then, they had no duty now. I took the Cadillac to my Cadillac dealership this morning (bob allen Cadillac in danville, ky). They confirmed that there was no stainless steel fuel rail on the car. I called GM Cadillac again [phone]. Spoke with jill this time. …
My 1996 Cadillac sedan deville caught on fire on 3-20-10 after I started the engine. I had it towed to a local dealership which informed me that there was an open recall on the engine fuel rail which I was not aware of. I contacted general motors and informed them of the damages to my car and they told me that the statue of limitation had expired on my car. My problem is how could they have forseen that this was going to happen unless they knew that there was a problem. I was informed that the statue of limitation expired on 2-13-02 and the recall was issued until 4-16-04 which does not make sense unless they knew there was a problem and just didnt do anything about it. My question is did I have to get burnt or lose my life in that car for general motors to take responsibilty for what happened to my car. …
NHTSA recall campaign number: 04V110000 fuel rail leak Cadillac refuses to replace the leaking fuel rail. They inspected the car on 9/13/2004, and at that time there was no evidence of a leak. Now, there is a leak, and they refuse to replace the fuel rail with the new stainless steel fuel rail. They have stated they have no obligation to reinspect the vehicle. I read lin foster (from Cadillac at [phone]) the NHTSA bulletin "the recalled cadillacs will receive the new stainless steel fuel rails," and he continued to state that Cadillac had no responsibility to inspect the vehicle twice. The dealership will no repair the vehicle unless there is an open "service campaign" and Cadillac refuses to open a service campaign stating the vehicle has been looked at once, and that is all that they have a duty to do. The recall has not been performed and the fuel rail is leaking.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) for a fuel leak but the failure recurred. The vehicle was leaking gasoline onto the ground from the engine compartment, which the contact was concerned could possibly cause a fire. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
While driving. The consumer smelled gas fumes. The consumer then noticed a little smoke, she then pulled into a parking lot away from others, lifted the hood and flames ignited. She said the flames was so hot and high that it burned the paint on the hood and the installation that was under the hood. She said she did not sustained any injuries. The fire dept was called and they put the fire out.
I just recently noticed a fuel odor from car. When filling up with gas I noticed a small amount of fuel on the filler tube. Upon inspection the tube is rusted and needs replacement for about $400.00. I am surprised that the filler tube would rust through. Is there a possible defect in the design or thickness of the filler tube?
I would also like to bring to your attention the fact that the fuel filter is located on the right side of the frame just inches from the front bumper. I strongly feel that this needs imediate attention. Also, my seatback broke immediataly after impact which rendered my shoulder harness useless.
Fuel leak caused passenger compartment to fill with gasoline smell. Opening the hood and removing the plastic cover over the engine found a fuel rail tube squirting gas continuously on the intake manifold when the engine was operating. The engine was immediately shut off to prevent a fire.
1996 Cadillac Seville. Strong smell of fuel coming from under the hood. Removed the engine cover to see fuel spraying out of a pin hole in the fuel rail. It was wetting wires contained in a harness. I am unable to drive the car and will be bringing it to the dealer.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Some passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail construction May degrade and crack. Additionally, the 1995 model year uses a unique underhood fuel return line that May crack.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine fuel rail with a new stainless steel fuel rail. Dealers will also install a revised chassis fuel return line.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel rail leakage
The fuel rail assemblies used in the subject vehicles were manufactured by dana.the fuel rail jumper tubes were made of monolayer nylon 12 (pa12).in model year (my) 1998, the jumper tube material was changed from pa12 to m-bond (a multi-layer ptfe/pa12).in addition, all service parts produced since the end of production 1997 use the m-bond jumper tubes.
Fuel rail leaks
On March 3, 2004, general motors notified odi that it was recalling approximately 94,000 my 1995-97 Oldsmobile aurora vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines (rpo l47 - vin8 c) to address concerns with underhood fuel leakage from cracked fuel rails and, in some of the vehicles, cracked fuel return lines.
Fuel System complaints in other Seville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Cadillac Seville?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Cadillac Seville, 17% of the model year's 122 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Cadillac Seville fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-110 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 4, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Cadillac Seville fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system 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.