Owners have filed 281 complaints
about the 1996 Cadillac Deville with NHTSA between 1995 and 2018.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Cadillac Deville. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 66
12.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 compares with every other Cadillac Deville
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.
Hydraulic Power Assist System
1417.3%
Gasoline
1113.6%
Engine
1113.6%
Pump
1012.3%
Fuel Rail
911.1%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
911.1%
Frontal
911.1%
Turn Signal
89.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
48.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1326.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1326.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1122.0%
150,000+ miles
816.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1996 Cadillac Deville 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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.
Dec 1995peak 12Dec 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 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.
EA04003Opened 3 Feb 2004Closed 23 Apr 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL RAIL LEAKS
ON MARCH 3, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MY 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES (RPO L47 - VIN8 C) TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE FROM CRACKED FUEL RAILS AND, IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, CRACKED FUEL RETURN LINES. ACCORDING TO GM, THE NYLON TUBING (PA12) USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION IN THESE VEHICLES MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK.GM'S SUPPLIER ATTRIBUTED THE CRACKING TO THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF HEAT, TIME, ALCOHOL FUEL, FUEL PRESSURE CYCLING, AND DESIGN STRESSES.IN ADDITION, GM STATED THAT THE MY 1995 AUROR...
PE03050Opened 30 Oct 2003Closed 3 Feb 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED BY DANA.THE FUEL RAIL JUMPER TUBES WERE MADE OF MONOLAYER NYLON 12 (PA12).IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998, THE JUMPER TUBE MATERIAL WAS CHANGED FROM PA12 TO M-BOND (A MULTI-LAYER PTFE/PA12).IN ADDITION, ALL SERVICE PARTS PRODUCED SINCE THE END OF PRODUCTION 1997 USE THE M-BOND JUMPER TUBES. MATERIAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED BY DANA ON FAILED FUEL RAILS SHOWED THAT THE MONO-LAYER NYLON 12 JUMPER TUBES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING (ESC).GM BELIEVES THE ESC IS A RESULT OF HEAT, TIME, ALCOHOL BLENDED FUEL, FUEL PRESSURE...
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS T...
EA98004Opened 24 Feb 1998Closed 16 Jun 1998AIR BAGS
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
PE98005Opened 6 Feb 1998Closed 27 Aug 1998EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ERRATIC TURN SIGNAL OPERATION
Recalls on the 1996 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 1995224172 units in Canada
Structure
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 113 - HOOD LATCH SYSTEM. VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. AS A RESULT, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE THE RADIATOR SUPPORT AS INTENDED. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE HOOD MAY CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OF THE DRIVER, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WILL BE ADJUSTED.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI FREEZE CAME OVER THE FIREWALL AND CAUSED SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO HIS FEET. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEATER CORE FAILED ON THE VEHICLE AND ALLOWED THE ANTI FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167000.
NHTSA complaint #10354918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMiamisburg, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*- THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE AND ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND THEN NOTICED THERE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 115000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL 04014 FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM .
NHTSA complaint #10184953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesTompkinsville, KYCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
TRAVELING AT SPEED 67 MI.PER HR., WHEN LEFT REAR AXLE BROKE, WHEEL CAME OFF, ON INTERSTATE, HIT RETAINING WALL, AND TOTAL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10109836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 50 MPH. THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DAY BEFORE INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NHTSA RECALL LETTER # 04V110000: SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10092232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesColumbia, SCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ENGINE EXPLODED AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10046378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesDeerfield Beach, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHEN THE DRIVER PUT THE KEY IN AND TURNED THE IGNITION VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10044610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 250,000 milesMorristown, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ONE DAY I COULD SMELL GAS FAIRLY STRONG, AND THEN I STOPPED AT A FRIENDS SHOP, OPENED THE HOOD AND YOU COULD SEE GAS SPURTING OUT. AS I WAS LOOKING UP THIS PART AND THEN SPOKE WITH SOMEONE THAT INFORMED ME THAT YES THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE FUEL RAIL AND THAT IT WAS CLOSED. OF COURSE I HAD TO PARK IT TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE.. IT'S A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE AND IT'S IN MINT CONDITION. I AM ASKING FOR SOME HELP IN GETTING THIS REPAIRED/REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11164233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSprigfield, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BY THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10938535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesCalumet City, IL
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #10746426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,102 milesZanesville, OH
SEAT BELTS
MY SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT LATCH. THE TONGUE WILL NOT INSERT INTO THE BUCKLE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO GM/ CADILLAC AND WAS TOLD TO VISIT THE LOCAL DEALER. THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEALER IN ZANESVILLE, OHIO TOLD ME THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SINCE I NEVER USE THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT AND IT HAS THE IDENTICAL BUCKLE, MY SUGGESTION WAS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT FOR THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT AND USE THE BUCKLE FOR MY DRIVER'S SEAT. I WAS TOLD FOR LEGAL REASON THEY COULD NOT DO THIS. SO IT IS OK FOR ME THE DRIVER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT WHEN THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH GM BUT IS AVAILABLE IN MY MIDDLE BACK SEAT WHICH IS NEVER USED. I NOTICED THE 91 CADILLAC DEVILLE HAD A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10731936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesSpartanburg, SC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN HOT AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THEIR COST AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEM NOT TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. A LETTER WAS WRITTEN TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST IN THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #10480161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesAltoona, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY FATHER PURCHASED A 1996 SEDAN DEVILLE BRAND NEW. HE PASSED AWAY IN APRIL 1998. MY MOTHER DROVE THE CAR UNTIL THIS YEAR. SHE GAVE ME THE CAR. THE CAR HAS APPROX 17,000 MILES. I JUST FOUND OUT THE CAR HAS A BLOWN REAR HEAD GASKET. I REALIZE THE CAR IS 15 YRS OLD BUT I FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THE CAR WAS NEVER ABUSED AND STILL SMELLS NEW INSIDE. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH GM?
NHTSA complaint #10396042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesLakewood, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) YET THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PLASTIC TUBING CONNECTED TO THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL FAILED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPRAY INTO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TUBING WAS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED THEREFORE THEY COULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10364962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI FREEZE CAME OVER THE FIREWALL AND CAUSED SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO HIS FEET. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEATER CORE FAILED ON THE VEHICLE AND ALLOWED THE ANTI FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167000.
NHTSA complaint #10354918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,201 milesFayette, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED UNTIL HEAVY PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,201.
NHTSA complaint #10350630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE ODOR WAS PRESENT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONTRIBUTED TO FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE. THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DISCONTINUED AND THE REPLACEMENT COMPONENT WOULD COST $400. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY;HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10264496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,800 milesOceanport, NJ
TIRES
REFER TO OPEN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE94071. CUSTOMER OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEDAN DEVILLE WITH 93,884 MILES. CAR WAS ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN XW4 TIRES FROM MANUFACTURER IN SIZE P225/60 R16 97S WITH A THIN WHITEWALL. ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH SAME MICHELIN XW4 TIRES AT AROUND 50,000 MILES IN 2002, DUE TO AGE AND WEAR. ALL THE NEW TIRES HAD DOT CODE: B93V 222X 0902, AND ARE MARKED MADE IN USA. IN 2006, WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE HAD A SUDDEN BLOWOUT. THIS BLOWOUT CREATED A HOLE FROM JUST PAST THE TIRE BEAD TO THE BEGINNING OF THE TREAD, MAKING A FLAP ABOUT THE SIZE OF YOUR PALM, STILL ATTACHED TO THE SIDE OF THE TREAD. TIRE REPLACED WITH A MATCHING XW4 WITH DOT CODE: B33V 222X 1105, MARKED MADE IN CANADA. AT THAT TIME, THE XW4 WAS DISCONTINUED BY MICHELIN, SO HAD TO FIND IT AS NOS (NEW OLD STOCK) VIA MAIL ORDER DISTRIBUTOR. IN SEPT. 2008 AT AROUND 93,800 MILES, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE XW4 TIRE WAS NOTICED TO HAVE A SMALL BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL, NEAR THE TIRE BEAD AND IN THE WRITING AREA FOR THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL DESIGNATIONS. HAVE PICTURES SHOWING THIS BUBBLE, WHICH IS ABOUT 3 INCHES LONG AND 1.25 INCHES WIDE. SUBMITTED CLAIM TO MICHELIN AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A MICHELIN SYMMETRY, WHICH ALMOST EXACTLY MATCHED THE XW4 IN TREAD AND SIDEWALL APPEARANCE. WHEN TIRE WAS DISMOUNTED FROM THE RIM, THE BUBBLE STAYED INFLATED?! MICHELIN CAME BACK SAYING THE TIRE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AS IT WAS A FEW MONTHS PAST THE 6 YEAR WARRANTY. AT THE SAME TIME, THE 2 REMAINING XW4 TIRES ON THE BACK EXHIBITED SIGNIFICANT CRACKING RIGHT WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL, AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. APPEARS TO BE TREAD SEPARATION. THESE 2 REAR TIRES ALSO HAVE A DOT CODE: B93V 222X 0902, AND MARKED MADE IN USA. REAR TIRE TREAD DEPTHS MEASURED 9/32 INCHES, FRONT DRIVERS SIDE 6/32 INCHES, AND NEWER XW4 ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MEASURED 9/32 INCHES. ALL TREAD DEPTHS MEASURED THE SAME ACROSS THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF THE TREAD.
NHTSA complaint #10253987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesGlenview, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FRONT WHEELS PASSED THROUGH A PUDDLE AND WATER SPLASHED INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN. THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE TURN COULD NOT BE COMPLETED. THE EFFECT WAS MOMENTARY BUT SCARED ME QUITE A BIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON DIFFERENT RAINY DAYS WITH THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10250966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Stream, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ANY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN MORE THAN 2 HOURS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS, AND CAUSES THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, AND HE IS UNABLE TO REPAIR TO OUR SATISFACTION. THIS HAS OCCURRED MANY, MANY TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10249827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,210 milesWestcehster, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RUBBER PART OF THE BRAKE LINE SPLIT INTO TWO SEPARATE PIECES WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE BRAKES COULD NOT BE USED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND GEARS WERE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT SOMEONE WOULD LOOK INTO THE FAILURE AT SOME POINT. THE CONTACT IS A MECHANIC AND STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT OCCUR ON A VEHICLE. HE STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE STRUT IS BEING STRETCHED BEYOND ITS LIMIT, WHICH AFTER TIME WILL EVENTUALLY SPLIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,210 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,449. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF THE METAL BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE RUBBER PART OF THE BRAKE LINE IS CUTTING THE RUBBER LINE RIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE BRACKET . UPDATED 09/18/08.
NHTSA complaint #10236632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesArlington, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
UPON APPROACHING THE 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE IT WAS NOTED THAT A FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM BEHIND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE LEAK WAS GASOLINE - OPENING THE HOOD FOUND NO LEAKS. CAR WAS STARTED IN ORDER TO RELOCATE IT IN THE DRIVE WAY, WITHIN A MINUTE OF STARTING THERE WAS A STRONG BLAST OF VAPORIZED GASOLINE SPRAYING ON THE DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY SHUTOFF. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THERE WAS A LEAK FROM THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE UNDER THE FLOOR AT A LOCATION UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS MOUNTED PARALLEL THE BODY AND IT IS ABOUT 9 INCHES OUTBOARD OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT DAY THAT THE CAR WAS STARTED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CADILLAC DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED BY INSTALLING A NEW FUEL HARNESS - PART NUMBER 25644121 AT A COST OF $608 TO ME. ANY DESIGN THAT USES PLASTIC (NYLON) FUEL LINES PLACED SO CLOSE TO THE HOTTEST PART OF THE CAR IS JUST PLAIN IRRESPONSIBLE !
NHTSA complaint #10234486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CAR LOSES POWER COMPLETELY AND CUTS OFF. THERE IS NO ELECTRIC OR ENGINE AVAILABLE AND THE CAR MUST BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO PROCEED IN TRAFFIC. THIS FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS AT LOW RATES (20-35MPH) OF SPEED BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS. POWER STEERING IS DIMINISHED DUE TO POWER FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10215524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
CAR LOSES POWER COMPLETELY AND CUTS OFF. THERE IS NO ELECTRIC OR ENGINE AVAILABLE AND THE CAR MUST BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO PROCEED IN TRAFFIC. THIS FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS AT LOW RATES (20-35MPH) OF SPEED BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS. POWER STEERING IS DIMINISHED DUE TO POWER FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10215524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesColumbus, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME THE DEALER STATED THEY RAN OUT OF PARTS. THE CONTACT HAD SCHEDULED REPAIR APPOINTMENTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10212316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE CONTROLLER 1996 CADILLAC CONCOURS AT A COST OF 1400.00. APPROACHING STOP SIGN AT LOW SPEED BRAKES FAILED CAUSING CAR TO STOP BEYOND STOP SIGN. I NOTICE THAT 1997 AND LATER CADILLACS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM SURE GM IS AWARE THAT 1996 MODELS HAVE THE SAME DEFECT SO WHY HAVE THEY NOT COVERED 1996 MODELS?
NHTSA complaint #10200380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Stream, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
DESPITE TWO TRIPS TO THE CADILLAC DEALER, THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" KEEPS COMING ON, PARTICULARLY DURING EXTEND PERIODS OF DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10188359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesAbilene, TX
STEERING
1996 CADILLAC CONCOURS DEVILLE. 1. EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: POWER STEERING FAILS DURING RAIN EVENTS. 2. FAILURE & CONSEQUENCES: UNABLE TO SAFELY STEER VEHICLE. 3. BELT TENSIONER REPLACED; DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10186276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMiamisburg, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*- THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE AND ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND THEN NOTICED THERE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 115000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL 04014 FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM .
NHTSA complaint #10184953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,165 milesApopka, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY ROADS WHERE POSTED SPEEDS ARE 35-45 MPH. THE CAR JUST STARTED TO SPEED UP ON ITS OWN AND I COULD NOT GET THE ENGINE TO SLOW DOWN. THE ONLY WAY I COULD AVOID A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WAS TO RIDE THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING AND EXTREMELY OVERHEATED. I ALMOST COULD NOT STOP WITH THE ENGINE RACING AND THE BRAKES WORN OUT. I HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN WHILE STILL IN DRIVE, ALMOST RUNNING INTO THE WALL OF MY HOUSE. I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND WAS VERY SCARED. ON EDMUNDS .COM THERE ARE THREE OTHER REPORTED INSTANCES OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. MY CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE AND I WILL HAVE TO GET IT TOWED FROM MY HOUSE TO THE DEALER FOR IT TO BE CHECKED OUT, PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS AS IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10179535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,165 milesApopka, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY ROADS WHERE POSTED SPEEDS ARE 35-45 MPH. THE CAR JUST STARTED TO SPEED UP ON ITS OWN AND I COULD NOT GET THE ENGINE TO SLOW DOWN. THE ONLY WAY I COULD AVOID A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WAS TO RIDE THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING AND EXTREMELY OVERHEATED. I ALMOST COULD NOT STOP WITH THE ENGINE RACING AND THE BRAKES WORN OUT. I HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN WHILE STILL IN DRIVE, ALMOST RUNNING INTO THE WALL OF MY HOUSE. I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND WAS VERY SCARED. ON EDMUNDS .COM THERE ARE THREE OTHER REPORTED INSTANCES OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. MY CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE AND I WILL HAVE TO GET IT TOWED FROM MY HOUSE TO THE DEALER FOR IT TO BE CHECKED OUT, PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS AS IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10179535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catonsville, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BOUGHT VEHICLE USED FROM AUTO DEALERSHIP. FROM DAY ONE SMELLED OIL FROM UNDER HOOD, SMELLED ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. HAVING TO CONSTANTLY REFILL COOLANT LEVEL. AND COOLANT MIXED ON WITH ENGINE OIL. DEALER "COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS. LATER, 3 OTHER REPAIR SHOPS ALL DIAGNOSED BLOWN HEAD GASKET. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS RANGED FROM $2800.00 TO $5200.00.
NHTSA complaint #10178754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.