A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 6Oct 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1986 Cadillac Deville
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
SUMMARY:THESE VEHICLES HAVE REAR DRUM BRAKES.THE PARKING LEVER PIVOTPIN IS HELD BY AN E RING.WHEN THE RING FAILS, PARTS OF THE RING ANDPIN FALL LOOSE INTO THE DRUM AND MAY JAM THE BRAKE, LOCKING THE WHEEL.A STRONGER E RING IS USED IN 1988 AND NEWER CARS.THIS INVESTIGATIONHAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE GMS C BODY CARS LISTED ABOVE (E RING COMMONTO ALL CARS SHOWN).===
PE89098Opened 10 Mar 1989Closed 17 May 1989SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
===
EA88031Opened 22 Apr 1988Closed 23 Oct 1989VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
STATUS:ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IS IN PROGRESS.HOWEVER, NEITHER NHTSA OF GM HAS IDENTIFIED A FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION THATCOULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.SOME VEHICLES IN THIS GROUP WEREFOUND POTENTIALLY SUBJECT TO THROTTLE CABLE RESTRICTIONS, AND WERERECALLED ALONG WITH H CARS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS.INVESTIGATION ISCONTINUING.===
EA88019Opened 28 Jan 1988Closed 31 Oct 1990STEERING
HYDRO BOOST
PE87038Opened 9 Jul 1987Closed 28 Jan 1988STEERING
HYDROBOOST FAILURE
SUBJECT VEHICLES:CAPRICE, CAPRICE CLASSIC, CUSTOM CRUISER, DEVILLE,ELECTRA, ESTATE WAGON, FLEETWOOD, LESABRE, NINETY-EIGHT, PARISIENNE,PARK AVENUE.(ALL 1984-86 GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDROBOOST II SYSTEMS)ANALYSIS:CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGE SEVERAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING THE POWERSTEERING AND POWER BRAKE SYSTEMS OF THESE VEHICLES.THESE PROBLEMSINCLUDE: POWER STEERING FLUID LOSS, POWER BRAKE FLUID LOSS, LEAKAGE FROMTHE HYDRO-BOOST II POWER BRAKE BOOSTER, BROKEN BOOSTER SEALS, AND MASTERCYLINDER FAILURE.ALL PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE HYDRO-BOOST IIPOWER ASSIST SYSTEM, IN WHICH THE WORKING...
Recalls on the 1986 Cadillac Deville
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
87V093000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.
Risk: LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.
86V056000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1987078378 units in Canada
Brakes
ON VEHICLES WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES,BRAKE FLUID MAY SEEP FROM THE ABS PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH,EVENTUALLY LEADING TO THE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR.ALSO THE PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR &/OR THE ABS FUNCTION.LOSS OF THE PUMP MOTOR WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF THE REAR BRAKES & LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES.THIS WOULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE.AN INOPERATIVE ABS RELAY COULD CAUSE LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.ABS,PUMP MOTOR RELAYS,& 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 198605123,158 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the push-pull headlight switch may have been manufactured with electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit. An intermittent circuit could cause the headlights to suddenly go out. Under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions, driver visibility could be reduced, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Ruther GLE, VACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
NHTSA complaint #480279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
BAY City, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1986 CADILLAC DEVILLE/FLEETWOOD ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. CONSUMER REQUESTS THAT ENFORCEMENT OF SAME INSPECTION, TESTING AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FAILED BRAKING PARTS FOR HIS VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS DID NOT PERFORM IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS WAS FLAWED. THE CONSUMER STATED WATER CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT AFFECTED THE ABS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE PUMP HARNESS AT NO COST TO HIM. RECALL 87V093000
NHTSA complaint #10244848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dodge Center, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CAR DEVELOPED AN OIL LEAK, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE OIL PAN GASKET. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHO CHANGED THE OILPAN GASKET. IT STILL LEAKED OIL, SO I REMOVED THE ENGINE. I DISCOVERED THAT THE BLOCK HAD A CRACK FROM THE CRANK SHAFT TO THE CAM SHAFT ON THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. I TRIED TO ALUMINUM WELD IT ONCE, BUT IT STILL LEAKED.
NHTSA complaint #721437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY UPON RETURNING FROM WORK, PARKED THE VEHICLE, NOTICED A PUDDLE OF WATER UNDERNEATH. LIFTED UP THE HOOD, COULD SEE WATER COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE CYLINDER GASKET.
NHTSA complaint #858424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windson Hill, MD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
LATCH LOCK ASSEMBLY ON BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES BECAME DEFECTIVE, NOT ALLOWING BOTH DOORS TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #854502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukie, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #714045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukie, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #711535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helmetta, NJ
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
DIFICULT STEERING WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. ALSO, ENGINE LEAKS OIL.
NHTSA complaint #707434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helmetta, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
DIFICULT STEERING WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. ALSO, ENGINE LEAKS OIL.
NHTSA complaint #707434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
DEVELOPED A LOUD TICKING/KNOCKING NOISE IN ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #705389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. (ATTORNEY)
NHTSA complaint #522374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE FAILED AND VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. OWNER BELIEVES A DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT CAUSED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #540349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richwood, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY STICKS WHEN APPLIED, ENGINE ACCELERATES TO HIGH SPEED, VEHICLE KEEPS MOVING WITH BRAKES APPLIED. TEST DRIVEN BY DEALER, NOT DUPLICATED.
NHTSA complaint #811714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ALUMINUM ENGINE HAS FAILED AT 80K MILES. TT
NHTSA complaint #975344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annandale, VA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER FRONT AND REAR SHOULDER/LAP BELT UNDER NORMAL MOVEMENT CAUSES TO COME UNDONE FOR NO REASON. TT
NHTSA complaint #974757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
TRANSMISSION MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN PUTTING INTO DRIVE/REVERSE, ALSO STIFF GEAR SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #484778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.