1997 Cadillac Seville: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 95 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (17% of complaints).
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 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flickering on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to an authorized dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,007.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. While the vehicle was parked in a residential driveway, it caught fire. The fire department extinguished the flames and indicated that there may have been an electrical short associated with the front passenger seat. A police report was not filed. The interior of the vehicle was extensively damaged because of the failure. The vehicle was not yet inspected and diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified by e-mail and responded that they would follow-up to further investigate the failure. The contact had not yet received a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure occurred fifteen times within an hour. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. Updated 8/11/14*cn”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. The contact stated that when he parked the vehicle, he noticed that fuel was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 81,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2012
“On february 18, 2010 I had to call the fire department because my car had caught on fire. It had been sitting in the garage for 5 hrs after being driven. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2010
“Brake line failure - 1997 cadillac seville sts - 4.6l engine - rear brake line failed - directly related to the improper installation and abrasion caused by normal usage - brake fluid loss leads to no peddle pressure and greatly diminished or zero braking capability. Suggest recall to inspect abraded brakes lines. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant (manufacturer recommended) at a vast rate. He had to replace the coolant in the vehicle almost every other day. In addition, the heating gauge would sporadically move. He took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could not determine the cause of the failures. The dealer is currently performing diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileages were approximately 110,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. While driving various speeds, the antilock brake and traction lights illuminate simultaneously during non-ABS applications. The issue has been occurring for the past three weeks. The contact was informed that his vehicle was not affected by NHTSA campaign id number 97v064000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 138,000 and current mileage is 139,000. Updated 6/22/09 *cn the horn, fan blower and stabilizer link were replaced. Updated 06/25/09.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2009
“97 cadillac seville,cluncking in front end ,rack and pinion,can feel the noise coming from inside the rack and pinion. Steering seems to lock up while driving straight or in a turn. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac seville. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact experienced difficulty turning the steering wheel. The vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle has not been taken to an authorized dealer for repair. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 130,020.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - 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 Seville 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 Seville reliable?
NHTSA has 95 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Cadillac Seville. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Seville problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 91,204 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Cadillac Seville 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.