Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I had a problems with the rotors so I took it into the dealer. The dealer told me that the rotors needed to be turned and that it wasn't under warranty. They were turned back in October 2003. Now the problem has returned and the problem must be the rotors. The dealer still doesn't claim that it's a defect but I've never had a car act like this. The car is a 2002 Cadillac Seville.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that the air conditioning unit failed. The dealer made repairs to the air conditioner but to no avail. In addition, the wheels locked while the contact was driving at an unknown speed. The dealer replaced the calipers to correct the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 95,000.
The brake line rusted within a three year time span. Upon depressing the pedal it went completely to the floor. Vehicle lost fluid. Contacted the dealer, who was not willing to do anything for the consumer.
When traveling 30 MPH on highway, all four Goodyear tires shake. There is a bad vibration. 4 new controlled tires were installed that experienced the same vibration as the previous tires, so the dealer changed the tire brand to Michelin and replaced the rotors due to pulsation, consumer states they have replaced a total of 21 tires and the problem still exists, possible suspension problem. Hood was misaligned on the drivers side, dealer made adjustments. Weatherstrip was not sealing and caused trunk to leak. Ses light illuminated, dealer could not find problem.
While going 45 approaching a red light I casually hit the brakes. The car did not stop. Hitting the brakes to the floor for a 2nd time, the car did not stop. Thus, after running the red light in a near death experience and driving without brakes until I could find a parking lot to pull over in, got the problem checked out and was told the brake line rusted out. Vehicle was in motion going approximately 45, car did not stop due to rusted brake line (snapped brake line)
Tl contact owns a 2000 Cadillac deville. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact noticed that the ABS, brake and transmission control lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle home and inspected the brakes. The vehicle was taken to a dealership but the dealer could not find a problem. The lights stayed illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The current mileage was approximately 100,000.
Applied brakes and front end did not dip as it should have; no gripping as it should have; felt grinding and slippage as vehicle continued forward without losing any momentum. There was sufficient stopping distance that vehicle speed should have been reduced and stopped.
From about septmber 2003 on we've had issues w/ our 1999 Seville sls shutting down. It shuts down while in progress at 55+ miles per hour and at a standstill. Everything goes, the engine, lights, brakes, steering, etc. It is in the repair shop for the fourth time and they are still not sure they know what is causing the problem. The Cadillac customer service representative suggests that I let the repair center fix the car again and take it home to see if the problem occurs again. However, I am concerned from a public and personal saftey perspective that this is not advisable and there is a defect in the car. It's is dark here very early, traffic is heavy and the deer are on the move b/c hunting season just started. If I need lights, brakes or steering to avoid an accident or guide me home in the evening I am not confident that I can rely on this vehicle. …
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module can cause the antilock brake system (ABS) to cycle during a non-ABS brake application.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Seville years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (16), 1999 (8), 1995 (5) and 2000 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Seville brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 00V-114 (foundation components, Apr 17, 2000); 97V-064 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Apr 28, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac Seville brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (19 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (7).
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.