Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Drive train cradle has weakened significantly from rust. While driving there is a looseness of the suspension felt and a shifting evident when accelerating and decelerating. I reside in minnesota and the d.o.t. Uses salt on the roads during the winter season and this has significantly accelerated corrosion of vehicles and their exposed components. Materials used for critical components on vehicles must withstand this factor or lives May be lost due to this corrosion, failure of the sub-frame cradle will be catastrophic loss of vehicle control . Help... The manufacturer should recall these vehicles and replace such a major component with a resistant component. Vehicle has been parked now since 2008 when this issue had been discovered. Beautiful car and I'd like the sub=frame replaced, only that component needed to enable roadability. Photo/s of degradation upon request.
Engine cradle/frame is severely degrading structurally due to the northern states practices of salting/sanding roads during the winter months. The integrity of the sub-frame steel structure is such that normal use of the vehicle, its suspension, steering and drive train stability has been compromised. The manufactures use of substandard metals in its sub-frames is the reason for this vehicles instability issues. The vehicle has now been parked for the last 4 years for fear of a potential hazardous outcome, related to the drive-train frame instability, which May cause injury to not only the occupants of the vehicle but also anyone else sharing the road.
I bought a Cadillac Seville from a used car dealer, it vibrate when I drive it. The whole car vibrates while driving it on a smooth road. The car dealer replace the tires, tie-rode, lower ball joints, and steering arm or something to that effect and done an alignment on all the wheels. It still is vibrating to this day. They say they can 't duplicate the vibration, and don't want to ride with me to show me what they are considering normal and I can show them what I am feel as abnormal. They even took it to at the Cadillac dealer and they done some expensive machine balancing on the tires and it still does it. One mechanic said that I will have to wait until it gets worse to find out what it is or to get it fixed. That does not sound good to me at all. I don't know if there has been any injures or death related to this problem, however I don't want to the first.
Dt: the caller said a nut came off the front lower ball joint. The caller's wife was backing out of a driveway and she heard a clung and when she looked the wheel was tilted out on the bottom. Vehicle was towed to dealer who fixed it. Manufacturer canceled the $50.00 deductible. Ses light illuminated on the dash. The dealer replaced the crankshaft position sensor.
Abnormal engine vibrations since day of purchase, according to dealer, they are waiting for a "software fix" for the vehicle. Major imprefections in the cars finish besides mechanical. Dash board not properly aligned, gaps between different parts of the dash board. Side beam cover is coming off beam. Center console latch won't secure cover. Door interior siding not properly aligned. Door's inside handle won't work, child safety lever is not engaged. Water inside license plate light assembly. The list goes on ...
At any rate of speed vehicle will drift to the right immediately which could cause loss of vehicle control. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer 4 times, and dealer has aligned vehicle, but defect still occurred. Dealer claimed that this was a normal characteristic of vehicle. Consumer has opened a file with the manufacture #c01717578.
Getting vibration on smooth roads at 60-68 MPH. Put on 4 new Michelin tires, replaced brake rotors, balanced all tires, still experience vibration. Dealer can't fix. What are other solutions besides saying tires are out of round?
Constant front end vibration at speeds of 65-70. Car has been back to the dealer numerous times and have not been able to solve the problem system did not allow me to add vehicle identification number.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Seville years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (12), 2001 (10), 1999 (9), 1997 (6) and 1998 (6) model years. Suspension complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Seville suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Cadillac Seville 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 Seville suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (13 mentions), followed by the rear (4).
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.