1997 Cadillac Deville: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 269 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (18% of complaints); the 1995 model year looks 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 269 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. While driving over a speed bump, the traction warning light illuminated. In addition, the air conditioner failed to operate. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 97v064000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.”Owner report · Traction Control System · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. When attempting to stop the vehicle, there was an increase in stopping distance. The contact mentioned that the vehicle went into anti lock braking mode. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2015
“At about 12:30 - 1:00 am in the morning the car was parked at my home in the driveway directly in front of the garage. [xxx] the owner gets up to get something to eat when he looked outside the patio, he saw his car smoldering and than immediately burst into flames at the engine area. Called the fire department immediately and in the meantime tried to suppress the fire but not successful. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“I backed out of my driveway and proceeded down the highway and the passenger side airbag exploded on my wife's arm. I am afraid that it will happen on the drivers side while driving. What should I do for safety sake? *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated while driving 65 mph attempting to engage the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact mentioned that the anti-lock brake, traction control, brake and security light illuminated when the failure occurred. Also, the contact stated that all the gauges and signals on the instrument panel failed and failed to show any information. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake fluid was leaking when attempting to move the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 12/01/14*lj updated 10/1/15 *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2014
“1997 cadillac deville. Consumer writes in regards to ignition recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated there was a problem with the theft system. According to the invoice, the ignition lock cylinder was replaced.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated that while traveling 40 mph, gasoline fuel fumes emitted from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The fuel gauge indicated that there a half of tank of gas was in the tank, when the tank was nearly empty. The vehicle has gone empty on fuel on three separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000 and the current mileage was 114.000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated that while driving approximate 35 mph, the ABS and the traction control warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently and progressed to permanent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 97v064000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that once he inspected the vehicle, he noticed that there was a fuel leak under the engine compartment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 97,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated that the brake traction control system failed intermittently and caused the steering wheel to seize. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed, which located the failure at the brake electronic control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 83,244.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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.
THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.
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 1997 Cadillac Deville reliable?
NHTSA has 269 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Cadillac Deville. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Deville problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 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.