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 2002 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 04/19/16 updated 05/11/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Fuel/ign starting problems ________________________________________ I have a 2001 Cadillac Seville sls that has been having intermittent starting problems. Presently the vehicle will not build-up fuel pressure in order to start to 41-47 psi unless I remove the rear fuse/relay box ign 1 micro relay. With this relay removed, I can hear the fuel pump build-up the required psi and then I confirm the build-up of that psi by looking at my test fuel psi gauge under the hood, the car then starts no problem, and runs no problem with relay not installed. Whenever I re-install this micro relay the fuel sys will not build-up the required psi, it just stays at 0 psi, and of course it will not start. I just replaced the fuel pump sending unit assy plus fuel filter today. …
The consumer's vehicle traction control system keeps showing a defect when the light comes on. The consumer took vehicle to dealer 4 times, and they couldn't find anything. According to owner's manual it has to do with the brake system...the traction control light continues to come on, and dealer was unable to repair or determine the cause. This creates a potential hazard to consumer and others if the light signals a problem. This problem have been going on since October 17, 2004 to the present.
On two separate occasions my old 2000 GM Cadillac sts stalled while driving on the highway. This was not a mechanical problem - it was some sort of defect. Note that it was "repaired" in between the incidents, do it was not the same initial problem. I filed a complaint back then, but got no response. The mechanics at the palo alto Cadillac dealer seemed to know of the problem. At the time, they said it was a failure of some sensors on the flywheel. I don't know if this was related to the current ignition switch problem. Having a vehicle stall at 65 mile per hour is absolutely terrifying. You lose power steering and brakes. It would have certainly ended up in an accident if I didn't understand how cars work. I was able to shift into neutral and restart the car. My point is, there was a defect on this car that appeared to be known by GM, and was also ignored. …
Vehicle experienced condensation on the front and rear lights. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, they changed the bulbs. However, the reason for the condensation build up was not resolved. Two inches of water accumulated in the rear lights shorting out the electrical system. Front bulbs go out when it rains or when the vehicle sits out of the garage.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke and an abnormal odor. The exhaust manifold and the engine were being affected by the failure which could result in a fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced eleven gaskets within the engine, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 99V070000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. Update 1/13/16 ln
Tl contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Seville. While driving at approximately 45 MPH, the electrical component that controlled the steering and brakes suddenly failed. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle which seemed to solve the problem. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the ECM (electronic control module) needed to be replaced. He called the manufacturer but was told that they could not assist him with the repair costs. The current and failure mileages were 50,142.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An electrical short can develop in the generator, even when the engine is off.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the generator.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Seville years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (24), 1999 (16), 1997 (11), 1995 (9) and 2002 (7) model years. Electrical complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Seville electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V-070 (alternator/generator/regulator, Apr 12, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Cadillac Seville electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (9 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (8).
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.