NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Gasoline
1133.3%
Rack AND Pinion
618.2%
Engine
515.2%
Body
39.1%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
39.1%
Foundation Components
26.1%
Automatic Transmission
26.1%
ABS Warning Light
13.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
675.0%
150,000+ miles
112.5%
When owners complained
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.
Feb 1995peak 6Dec 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1987 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.===
Recalls on the 1987 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Topeka, KSFire1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL AND THERE WAS OIL SEEN LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, AS THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PARK, A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES FROM THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10664900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Topeka, KSFire1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL AND THERE WAS OIL SEEN LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, AS THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PARK, A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES FROM THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10664900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niagara Falls, NY
TIRES
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES SOLD AT WALMART. I HAD PURCHASED TWO TIRES IN AUGUST OF 2005. WHEN I WAS FIRST SOLD THESE TIRES I ASKED THE ASSOCIATE SELLING THE TIRES IF THESE TIRES WERE APPROVED FOR ALL SEASON DRIVING. THE ASSOCIATE ASSURED ME THEY WERE. I WAS DRIVING IN MY CAR YESTERDAY I SLID ON A PIECE OF ICE AND HAD NO TRACTION. IF I WAS NOT AN EXPERIENCED WINTER DRIVER I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR AND WRECKED IT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE COMPANY STOP ADVERTISING THESE TIRES AS ALL SEASON TIRES ,BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GOOD FOR WINTER ICE CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10143247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesMichiana, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DT: CONSUMER SAID MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME RUSTED. CONSUMER HAD HARBOR MOTORS IN MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RUSTED MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH MANUFACTURER, AND WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH ANSWER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IT WAS AN OLD CAR WITH 174,000 MILES ON IT. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE IS 95% RUST FREE ON THE BODY SHEET METALS. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10127790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,100 milesShannon, ALFire
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10119094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
CONSUMER STATED BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS A RESULT, P0WER ASSIST FOR FRONT BRAKES FAILED. RECALL 87V093000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10087584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanford, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.THERE IS NO POWER AT ALL INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8003681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Methuen, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HEAD GASKETS BLEWOUT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. WARNING LIGHTS FOR ENGINE DID NOT COME ON.CONTACTED DEALER, AND TOOK VEHICLE TO SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #899496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Methuen, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HEAD GASKETS BLEWOUT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. WARNING LIGHTS FOR ENGINE DID NOT COME ON.CONTACTED DEALER, AND TOOK VEHICLE TO SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #899496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Methuen, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
HEAD GASKETS BLEWOUT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. WARNING LIGHTS FOR ENGINE DID NOT COME ON.CONTACTED DEALER, AND TOOK VEHICLE TO SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #899496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Methuen, MA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHEN TURNING ON AIR CONDITIONER IT WILL NOT VENTILATE COOL AIR JUST LIKE A REGULAR FAN, AND WHEN HEATER IS TURN ON HOT, AIR WILL NOT COME OUT FROM BOTTOM, IT WILL COME OUT THROUGH TOP INTO CONSUMER'S FACE.
NHTSA complaint #893590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY IS KNOCKING, WHEN THE 50,000 MILE WARRANTY WAS UP, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE NEW ENGINE IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massapequa, NY
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN, STEERING WHEEL WON'T TURN, AND IT MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE. ALSO, IT GETS STUCK. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #863790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Sanfrancisco, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN ENGINE FAILED CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE CAR. CONSUMER FELT THAT A BRAND NEW ENGINE SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER, ONLY LASTED 25000 MILES AND QUIT. ENGINE REPLACED WITH ONE OF THE SAME TYPE, WHICH IS FAILING AFTER 25000 MILES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #859647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brea, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING SHE NOTICED STEAM WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. A TECHNICIAN TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #855521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Etler, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING ROOF OF CAR CAME OFF.
NHTSA complaint #854470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helmetta, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #707436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Pete, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE HEAD LEAKS WATER INTO OIL.
NHTSA complaint #525534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tenafly, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
LEAK IN GASKET CAUSED ENGINE TO SPUTTER AND EMISSION OF SMOKE, RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE. QCAW
NHTSA complaint #539053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hummelstow, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ABS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES.
NHTSA complaint #536625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hummelstow, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH ABS SYSTEM, RECALL WORK DENIED DUE TO VIN#.
NHTSA complaint #534843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.