2002 Cadillac Seville: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (16% of complaints); the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car snakes extremely bad around 45 to 70 mph so bad it shakes the entire car like my wheels are loose or bent and so I bought 4 new wheels and got alignment no help did research and learned that it is due to type of torque converter in the car is a bad brand that messes up a lot and that gm hasn't acknowledged the issue which is such a shame and a sham that I hate they are doing because it is an expensive fix and I have to foot the bill plus bushing are low grade in front end and you would think be high end vehicle should be high end parts happened first on highway and has progressively gotten worse”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac seville. While the vehicle was stopped at a drive thru window, the seat belt mechanism exploded and smoke filled the cabin. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac seville. While driving unknown speeds and making turns and lane changes, the steering wheel shook and made an abnormal clicking noise. In addition, the fuel cap warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to key cadillac (6825 york ave s, minneapolis, mn 55435, (952) 388-0813), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 8-4766958386. The contact was referred back to the local dealer. The failure mileage was 156,500.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Engine cradle/frame is severely degrading structurally due to the northern states practices of salting/sanding roads during the winter months. The integrity of the sub-frame steel structure is such that normal use of the vehicle, its suspension, steering and drive train stability has been compromised. The manufactures use of substandard metals in its sub-frames is the reason for this vehicles instability issues. The vehicle has now been parked for the last 4 years for fear of a potential hazardous outcome, related to the drive-train frame instability, which may cause injury to not only the occupants of the vehicle but also anyone else sharing the road.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac seville. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 04/19/16*lj updated 05/11/18*jb *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac seville. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2015
“2002 cadillac seville. Consumer writes in regards to ignition problems. *smd the consumer stated on five occasions, the vehicle shut down, while driving on the freeway. On one occasion, the key would not come out of the ignition. Also, there was a problem with the ABS, that needed to be address. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac seville. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure was recurring. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 85,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2013
“I was going to get an inspection sticker and the vehicle would not pass because of an emission problem. Cylinder 4 was misfiring. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 cadillac seville. While driving approximately 30 mph on a narrow curved road, the driver's side air bag abruptly deployed without any impact to the vehicle. The air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel until the engine was turned off. The contact sustained injury to the left side of the body and head area. The vehicle was driven with caution to a safe location. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
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 2002 Cadillac Seville reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Cadillac Seville. The most complained-about area is suspension (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Cadillac Seville problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Cadillac Seville have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion). 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.