1996 Cadillac Deville: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 218 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints); the 1994 and 1995 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 218 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2016
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2012
“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? *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2011
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2010
“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.”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2010
“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. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2008
“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. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2008
“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. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 113, "HOOD LATCH SYSTEM."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Deville by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Cadillac Deville reliable?
NHTSA has 218 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Cadillac Deville. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Cadillac Deville problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 85,575 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Cadillac Deville have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.