FaultScore report
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 1994 Cadillac Seville with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 12 worst.
FaultScore 63/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Cadillac Seville.
How this is worked out66
Complaints
4
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
104,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
33%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 4 fires · median 116,000 mi
0 crashes, 3 fires · median 125,535 mi
Median failure at 79,597 miles
Median failure at 6,020 miles
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 104,000 mi
Median failure at 11,900 miles
Median failure at 98,380 miles
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
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.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
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.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
IF THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY CONTACTS THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER OUT HOSE, THE HOSE MAY WEAR THROUGH ALLOWING ENGINE OIL TO LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Risk: AN OIL LEAK THAT CONTACTS THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE RETAINING BRACKET.
Risk: THE DISENGAGED THROTTLE CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THETHROTTLE CAM MECHANISM, RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE STICKING IN EITHER THE OPENPOSITION OR CLOSED POSITION. WHEN THE THROTTLE STICKS IN THE OPEN POSITION,UNWANTED VEHICLE ACCELERATION WILL OCCUR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Fuel System
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.9 LITRE ENGINES. AN INCORRECT ENRICHMENT CALIBRATION TO THE FUELING STRATEGY OF THESE VEHICLES WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS BEING USED MAY RESULT IN NON COMPLIANCE WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: A NEW SERVICE PROM WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE REDUCTION OF AIR POLLUTANTS WITHOUT REDUCING DRIVEABILITY.
Engine
IF THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY CONTACTS THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER OUTLET HOSE, THE HOSE MAY WEAR THROUGH, ALLOWING ENGINE OIL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD RESULT. CORRECTION: A TIE STRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO RETAIN THE OUTLET HOSE TO THE INLET HOSE AND ASSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
Engine
THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CAN BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE RETAINING BRACKET ALLOWING THE CABLE TO INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE CAM MECHANISM. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING. IF THE THROTTLE STICKS IN AN OPEN POSITION, UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR. CORRECTION: A THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE TIE STRAP WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE IS FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH A DELCO/BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AND 1/4 MILE, THE RADIO SOUND BECAME DISTORTED AND INTERRUPTED. THE VEHICLE'S VOLTAGE DISPLAY INDICATED 13.3 VOLTS, RATHER THAN THE NORMAL 14.2 OR ABOVE. I TURNED OFF THE RADIO. I NOTICED AN ODOR I IDENTIFIED AS "HOT ELECTRICAL." I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION KEY. VISIBLE SMOKE WAS FLOWING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR RADIO SPEAKER UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HOOD TO ACCESS THE BATTERY AND OPENED THE TRUNK. THE TRUNK LINER MATERIAL ON THE ROOF OF THE TRUNK BETWEEN THE SEAT BACK AND TRUNK OPENING WAS BURNING. THE FLAMES WERE SPREADING IN A CIRCULAR PATTERN CENTERED ON THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER. I PULLED THE BURNING MATERIAL FROM THE VEHICLE AS MY FRIEND BROUGHT ME A DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I PUT OUT THE FIRE AS ANOTHER FRIEND DISCONNECTED THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. THESE SPEAKERS HAVE AN ELECTRONIC MODULE MOUNTED TO THEM. THE MODULE WAS BURNED AND THE WIRES LEADING TO IT WERE BURNED AS FAR BACK AS THE TRUNK LINING MATERIAL HAD BURNED. I ISOLATED THE BURNED MODULE AND DAMAGED PORTION OF THE WIRES LEADING TO IT BY CUTTING THE WIRE HARNESS. I INSULATED THE WIRES AND CONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE RADIO PLAYED NORMALLY THROUGH THE REMAINING SPEAKERS. THE VOLTAGE INDICATOR SHOWED NORMAL VOLTAGE, 14.2 - 14.3 VOLTS. I OBSERVED NO ANOMALIES OR WARNINGS. NO FUSES NOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS TRIPPED TO INTERRUPT THE POWER TO THE MODULE AND PREVENT THE FIRE. THE DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO THE SPEAKER AND SURROUNDING TRUNK LINING MATERIAL. I AM SURE IF THIS ISSUE BEGAN AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10627490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING HE FELT BOILING WATER HIT HIS FEET. HE HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND PARK IT. THIS CAUSED BURNS TO BOTH OF HIS FEET. HE IS A MECHANIC AND FEELS IT IS BECAUSE THE HEATER CORE BUSTED. HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE BURNS TO HIS FEET.
NHTSA complaint #10142997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE HAD HOT COOLANT POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FOOT CAUSING SEVERE BURNS.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE HEATER CORE HAD RUPTURED, IN ADDITION THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE WATER PUMP WATER PUMP HOUSING, HOSES AND THERMOSTAT.
NHTSA complaint #10130250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE HAD HOT COOLANT POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FOOT CAUSING SEVERE BURNS.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE HEATER CORE HAD RUPTURED, IN ADDITION THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE WATER PUMP WATER PUMP HOUSING, HOSES AND THERMOSTAT.
NHTSA complaint #10130250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10067047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN AIR BAG PROBLEM. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. *AK *SC THE VEHICLE HIT A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA complaint #10056041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE IS FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH A DELCO/BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AND 1/4 MILE, THE RADIO SOUND BECAME DISTORTED AND INTERRUPTED. THE VEHICLE'S VOLTAGE DISPLAY INDICATED 13.3 VOLTS, RATHER THAN THE NORMAL 14.2 OR ABOVE. I TURNED OFF THE RADIO. I NOTICED AN ODOR I IDENTIFIED AS "HOT ELECTRICAL." I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION KEY. VISIBLE SMOKE WAS FLOWING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR RADIO SPEAKER UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HOOD TO ACCESS THE BATTERY AND OPENED THE TRUNK. THE TRUNK LINER MATERIAL ON THE ROOF OF THE TRUNK BETWEEN THE SEAT BACK AND TRUNK OPENING WAS BURNING. THE FLAMES WERE SPREADING IN A CIRCULAR PATTERN CENTERED ON THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER. I PULLED THE BURNING MATERIAL FROM THE VEHICLE AS MY FRIEND BROUGHT ME A DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I PUT OUT THE FIRE AS ANOTHER FRIEND DISCONNECTED THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. THESE SPEAKERS HAVE AN ELECTRONIC MODULE MOUNTED TO THEM. THE MODULE WAS BURNED AND THE WIRES LEADING TO IT WERE BURNED AS FAR BACK AS THE TRUNK LINING MATERIAL HAD BURNED. I ISOLATED THE BURNED MODULE AND DAMAGED PORTION OF THE WIRES LEADING TO IT BY CUTTING THE WIRE HARNESS. I INSULATED THE WIRES AND CONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE RADIO PLAYED NORMALLY THROUGH THE REMAINING SPEAKERS. THE VOLTAGE INDICATOR SHOWED NORMAL VOLTAGE, 14.2 - 14.3 VOLTS. I OBSERVED NO ANOMALIES OR WARNINGS. NO FUSES NOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS TRIPPED TO INTERRUPT THE POWER TO THE MODULE AND PREVENT THE FIRE. THE DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO THE SPEAKER AND SURROUNDING TRUNK LINING MATERIAL. I AM SURE IF THIS ISSUE BEGAN AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10627490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE THROTTLE IS STILL OPEN AFTER RELEASING THE GAS PEDAL, CAUSING THE CAR TO CONTINUE MOVEMENT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. SIMILAR TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V164000.
NHTSA complaint #10167892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I OWN A 1994 CADILLAC 4 DOOR SEVILLE. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. RECENTLY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TUNE UP THE VEHICLE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER COVERING THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR MOUNTED ON THE FIREWALL HAD LITERALLY BEGAN TO DISINTEGRATE. THIS EXPOSED THE INSIDE INSULATION WHICH IS WITHIN INCHES OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF NOT PROTECTED. I HAVE TAKEN DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE AREA AND CAN PRESENT THEM TO THE NHTSA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE BLOWER MOTOR PLASTIC COVER JUST LITERALLY FALLS OFF THE FIREWALL..ITS CRACKS LIKE THE CHOCOLATE COVERING A CAKE SO TO SPEAK..TOUCH IT AND IT JUST FLAKES OFF IN CHUNKS LIKE YOU WERE BREAKING A CANDY BAR IN HALF. I HAVE ALSO SAVED SOME OF THOSE PIECES FOR YOUR PERUSAL. NOW THE PROBLEM IS THE MORE I DRIVE, THE MORE PLASTIC FALLS OFF THE PLASTIC HOUSING. I AM AFRAID THAT AFTER A WHILE I WON'T BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH OUT THE CHANCE OF A FIRE IN THAT AREA.
NHTSA complaint #10147957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING HE FELT BOILING WATER HIT HIS FEET. HE HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND PARK IT. THIS CAUSED BURNS TO BOTH OF HIS FEET. HE IS A MECHANIC AND FEELS IT IS BECAUSE THE HEATER CORE BUSTED. HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE BURNS TO HIS FEET.
NHTSA complaint #10142997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT IN 7-04. HE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2000. WHEN HE DROPPED THE FUEL TANK TO GET TO THE FUEL PUMP HE NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL WIRES GOING INTO THE PUMP WERE BLACK. WHEN HE UNSCREWED THE PUMP HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL WERE WIRES WERE FRIED. HE TOOK THE FUEL PUMP TO A COUPLE OF CAR PARTS RETAIL PLACES, AND THEY TOLD HIM THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT. A MECHANIC AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT THAT WHEN RUN NINES THE CAR A LOT THE FUEL PUMP LOOKED LIKE THAT, THE WIRES WERE FRIED TOGETHER. THE MECHANIC IMPLIED THAT HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF FUEL PUMPS IN CADILLAC THAT LOOKED LIKE THAT. ALSO, TOLD THE CONTACT THAT BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK WAS SEALED IT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY IT WILL NOT CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10137563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE HAD HOT COOLANT POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FOOT CAUSING SEVERE BURNS.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE HEATER CORE HAD RUPTURED, IN ADDITION THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE WATER PUMP WATER PUMP HOUSING, HOSES AND THERMOSTAT.
NHTSA complaint #10130250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE HAD HOT COOLANT POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FOOT CAUSING SEVERE BURNS.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE HEATER CORE HAD RUPTURED, IN ADDITION THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE WATER PUMP WATER PUMP HOUSING, HOSES AND THERMOSTAT.
NHTSA complaint #10130250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
OIL WAS LEAKING OUT THE LOWER CRANK CASE, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER, AND WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10115845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
I CALL THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE SYSTEM OVERHEATING AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT DOING ANYTHING IN HELPING ME WITH THE VEHICLE, NOT EVEN TOWTRUCK. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BEFORE MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRED AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. THE BRAKES WERE BAD ON THE CAR AND THE COOLING SYSTEM HAD A HOLE IN IT.
NHTSA complaint #10070788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I CALL THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE SYSTEM OVERHEATING AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT DOING ANYTHING IN HELPING ME WITH THE VEHICLE, NOT EVEN TOWTRUCK. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BEFORE MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRED AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. THE BRAKES WERE BAD ON THE CAR AND THE COOLING SYSTEM HAD A HOLE IN IT.
NHTSA complaint #10070788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
I CALL THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE SYSTEM OVERHEATING AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT DOING ANYTHING IN HELPING ME WITH THE VEHICLE, NOT EVEN TOWTRUCK. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BEFORE MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRED AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. THE BRAKES WERE BAD ON THE CAR AND THE COOLING SYSTEM HAD A HOLE IN IT.
NHTSA complaint #10070788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I CALL THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE SYSTEM OVERHEATING AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT DOING ANYTHING IN HELPING ME WITH THE VEHICLE, NOT EVEN TOWTRUCK. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BEFORE MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRED AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. THE BRAKES WERE BAD ON THE CAR AND THE COOLING SYSTEM HAD A HOLE IN IT.
NHTSA complaint #10070788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10067047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN AIR BAG PROBLEM. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. *AK *SC THE VEHICLE HIT A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA complaint #10056041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING FIVE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE PADS TO SMOKE AND CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER REPLACED THE REAR CALIPERS/ROTORS AND MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER CALLED GMC, AND WAS TOLD THAT WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED CONSUMER WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED.
NHTSA complaint #10045782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING FIVE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE PADS TO SMOKE AND CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER REPLACED THE REAR CALIPERS/ROTORS AND MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER CALLED GMC, AND WAS TOLD THAT WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED CONSUMER WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED.
NHTSA complaint #10045782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING FIVE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE PADS TO SMOKE AND CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER REPLACED THE REAR CALIPERS/ROTORS AND MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER CALLED GMC, AND WAS TOLD THAT WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED CONSUMER WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED.
NHTSA complaint #10045782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING FIVE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE PADS TO SMOKE AND CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER REPLACED THE REAR CALIPERS/ROTORS AND MASTER CYLINDER. CONSUMER CALLED GMC, AND WAS TOLD THAT WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED CONSUMER WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED.
NHTSA complaint #10045782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE POSITIVE POST OF THE BATTERY WAS CRACKED AND LEAKED ACID. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM HAD FAILED DUE TO THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT CORRODING. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10008874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE'S POSITVE BATTERY POST WILL OPEN CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF AND UNABLE TO START. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS DEALERSHIP STATED STRESS ON THE POSITIVE TERMINAL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DIE OUT, THE BATTERY TO CRACK AND LEAK ACID. CORROSION WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE BATTERY TRAY AND THE BATTERY AND CABLES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE FOURTH BATTERY REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10001949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CRANK CASE LOWER SEAL ON THE 4.6 NORTHSTAR ENGINE AND MANUFACTURER HAS NOT RESPONDED. OIL LEAK IS HITTING EXAUST AND CAT CONVERTER WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND A RECALL FOR REPAIR. THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE , BUT NO RECALL. I WANT A FIX!!! LOCAL DEALER WANTS OVER $2000 FOR REPAIR! DT
NHTSA complaint #769791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
ON 7/25/01, ENGINE OVERHEATED AS PER ENGINE SCREEN. 255 DEGREES. REPLACED "FAILED THERMOSTAT" TOPPED OFF COOLANT AND RECHECKED. CAR SMELLED LIKE ENGINE HOT. VEHICLE LOST COOLANT. CALLED PUTNAM CADILLAC/BUICK. THEY CHANGED OIL & CHECKED. NO DETECTION OF OVERHEATING. 7/23/02 CAR DRIVEN TO PUTNAM CADILLAC. $5,153 CHARGED TO TEAR DOWN HEADS & FOUND 5 STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS ON FRONT BANK AND ONE ON REAR BANK. SIX TOTAL THREAD REPAIRS. CYLINDER HEAD PRESSURE TESTED. RESURFACED & RESET VALVES. 6 HELI COILS INSTALLED. REINSTALL CYLINDER HEADS AFTER MACHINE SHOP REPAIRS. HEADS WERE CHECKED FOR WARPAGE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT CAUSED BY MANUFACTURER'S OVER-TORQUING THE HEAD BOLTS AND SPINNING THEM IN THEIR THREADS. NEW VALVE SEALS ADDED. REPLACED WATER PUMP. CADILLAC SERVICING CENTER REVEALED THAT NUMEROUS OTHER 94 SLS CADILLACS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT OTHER SERVICE CENTERS TO HAVE THE SAME FLAW OF "LOOSE HEADBOLTS COMING LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK CAUSING HEAD GASKETS TO LEAK & OVERHEATING." THIS IS DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER IN THE ENGINE STATES "SHUT OFF ENGINE" THIS OCCURRED JULY 23, 2002 WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT . WE HAD TO PULL OFF THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY AND ALLOW THE CAR'S TEMPERATURE TO DECLINE. WE LIMPED HOME DANGEROUSLY BY HAVING TO DRIVE SLOWLY AND STOP SEVERAL TIMES TO KEEP THE TEMPERATURE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #765799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ON 7/25/01, ENGINE OVERHEATED AS PER ENGINE SCREEN. 255 DEGREES. REPLACED "FAILED THERMOSTAT" TOPPED OFF COOLANT AND RECHECKED. CAR SMELLED LIKE ENGINE HOT. VEHICLE LOST COOLANT. CALLED PUTNAM CADILLAC/BUICK. THEY CHANGED OIL & CHECKED. NO DETECTION OF OVERHEATING. 7/23/02 CAR DRIVEN TO PUTNAM CADILLAC. $5,153 CHARGED TO TEAR DOWN HEADS & FOUND 5 STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS ON FRONT BANK AND ONE ON REAR BANK. SIX TOTAL THREAD REPAIRS. CYLINDER HEAD PRESSURE TESTED. RESURFACED & RESET VALVES. 6 HELI COILS INSTALLED. REINSTALL CYLINDER HEADS AFTER MACHINE SHOP REPAIRS. HEADS WERE CHECKED FOR WARPAGE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT CAUSED BY MANUFACTURER'S OVER-TORQUING THE HEAD BOLTS AND SPINNING THEM IN THEIR THREADS. NEW VALVE SEALS ADDED. REPLACED WATER PUMP. CADILLAC SERVICING CENTER REVEALED THAT NUMEROUS OTHER 94 SLS CADILLACS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT OTHER SERVICE CENTERS TO HAVE THE SAME FLAW OF "LOOSE HEADBOLTS COMING LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK CAUSING HEAD GASKETS TO LEAK & OVERHEATING." THIS IS DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THE COMPUTER IN THE ENGINE STATES "SHUT OFF ENGINE" THIS OCCURRED JULY 23, 2002 WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT . WE HAD TO PULL OFF THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY AND ALLOW THE CAR'S TEMPERATURE TO DECLINE. WE LIMPED HOME DANGEROUSLY BY HAVING TO DRIVE SLOWLY AND STOP SEVERAL TIMES TO KEEP THE TEMPERATURE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #765799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
TIRE WAS SO HOT INSERT ON HUB CAPE BLEW OFF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #763462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING UP MOUNTAIN ROAD DUE TO OVERHEATING. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED BY DEALER AS BLOWN HEAD GASKETS DUE TO LOOSENING OF HEAD BOLTS. PROBLEM IS USE OF STEEL BOLTS DIRECTLY IN ALUMINUM BLOCK WHICH VIBRATE LOOSE OVER TIME, CAUSING LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT. WIDELY RECOGNIZED PROBLEM BY REPAIR SHOPS AND THERE IS A TECHNICAL SEVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSING THIS REPAIR; NEVERTHELESS CADILLAC CLAIMS IT IS NOT AWARE OF ANY DESIGN DEFECT AND REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR. REPAIR COST $4,600 TO REBUILD ENGINE OR $7,800 TO REPLACE ENGINE. PROBLEM DEVELOPED WITH NO WARNING AND CAUSED OCCUPANT AND FAMILY TO BE STRANDED.
NHTSA complaint #758849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.