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Vehicle safety record

1986 Cadillac Deville Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1986 Cadillac Deville with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (8) and the brakes (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2006 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1985 has 21 and the 1987 has 41.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical Deville year, for its age

#18 most complained-about 1986 vehicle

Complaints
22
Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1986 Cadillac Deville problems

Share of all 22 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1986 Cadillac Deville recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Fuel system

06E04300088,303 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (To see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
The risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
The problem
The anti lock brake system (abs) pressure/warning switch may exhibit brake fluid seepage which eventually can lead to loss of the brake system hydraulic pump motor. Additionally, the hydraulic pump motor and abs electrical relays may have been exposed to water contamination during vehicle assembly. This condition can cause loss of the hydraulic pump motor and/or loss of the abs function.
The risk
Loss of the hydraulic pump motor would result in a totalloss of rear brakes as well as power assist to the front brakes. The red brakewarning light would illuminate and stay on. If this warning is not heeded, aloss of rear brakes at a time when minimum stopping distance is required couldresult in a vehicle crash. An inoperative abs electrical relay could causeloss of the abs function, but normal power assisted braking would be retained.The amber anti lock warning light would illuminate and stay on.
The fix
The abs and hydraulic pump motor electrical relays and 30 amp fuses will be replaced. In addition, the hydraulic pump motor assembly and pressure/warning switch will be inspected and, if required, replaced.

Exterior lighting: switch

86V05600093,317 vehicles affected

The problem
The push-pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Note: also, see nhtsa campaign number 86v131000.
The fix
REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

What owners say

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22 complaints about the 1986 Cadillac Deville

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Brakes

1986 Cadillac deville/fleetwood abs brake system. Consumer requests that enforcement of same inspection, testing and replacement of the failed braking parts for his vehicle. *Nj the consumer stated the abs did not perform in a satisfactory manner. The consumer stated the abs was flawed. The consumer stated water came in contact with the electrical components that affected the abs. The consumer requested the electrical brake pump harness at no cost to him. Recall 87v093000 *jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10244848
Engine & cooling

Car developed an oil leak, I thought it was the oil pan gasket. Took it to a dealership who changed the oilpan gasket. It still leaked oil, so I removed the engine. I discovered that the block had a crack from the crank shaft to the cam shaft on the rear of the engine. I tried to aluminum weld it once, but it still leaked. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 721437
Engine & cooling

While driving into the driveway upon returning from work, parked the vehicle, noticed a puddle of water underneath. Lifted up the hood, could see water coming out of the engine cylinder gasket. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 858424
Body, doors & structure

Latch lock assembly on both driver's and passenger's sides became defective, not allowing both doors to open from the inside or outside. *Ak

Filed Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 854502
Transmission & drivetrain

NO SUMMARY

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 714045
Transmission & drivetrain

NO SUMMARY

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 711535
SteeringEngine & cooling

Dificult steering when vehicle is cold. Also, engine leaks oil. *Ak

Filed Steering · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 707434
Engine & cooling

Developed a loud ticking/knocking noise in engine. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 705389
Brakes

MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. (ATTORNEY)

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 522374
Engine & cooling

Engine failed and vehicle shutdown. Owner believes a defective crankshaft caused the problem.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 540349
Acceleration & cruise control

Accelerator pedal intermittently sticks when applied, engine accelerates to high speed, vehicle keeps moving with brakes applied. Test driven by dealer, not duplicated. *Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 811714
Engine & cooling

ALUMINUM ENGINE HAS FAILED AT 80K MILES. TT

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 975344
Seats & seat belts

While driving, driver front and rear shoulder/lap belt under normal movement causes to come undone for no reason. Tt

Filed Seat beltsNHTSA 974757
Electrical system

The engine is defective and does not work and will not start up. Please describe. Tt

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 970721
Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission makes a clunking noise when putting into drive/reverse, also stiff gear shift.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 484778
Engine & cooling

The motor blew up and cadillac will not repair it. Please describe. Tt

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 968515
Fuel system

GAS LINE CORRODED/RUSTED ALL WAY THROUGH. TT

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 966291
Body, doors & structure

Vehicle spare well does not hold full size tire. Tt

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 963869
Engine & cooling

Oil pump failure, oil is not circulating thru engine. Tt

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 963344
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

Intermittent sudden accelerations, causing loss of control/accident. *Skd

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 480279
Electrical system

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. TT

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 959142
Brakes

Anti-lock brake sensor cable malfunctions, causing sudden acceleration/left rear brake to lock up/premature wear on front brakes & tires/ vibration/noise. *Skd

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 478258

Cadillac Deville: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
1990802102BrakesD
198949151Acceleration & cruise controlC
198829121Acceleration & cruise controlB
198741213Engine & coolingC
198622310Engine & coolingA
198521200Engine & coolingB
19846100Engine & coolingA
19835100Acceleration & cruise controlA
19823200Acceleration & cruise controlA
All Deville years

1986 Cadillac Deville vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1986 Cadillac Deville

Does the 1986 Cadillac Deville have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1986 Cadillac Deville: fuel system, gasoline (May 2006); antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip (June 1987); switch (April 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Cadillac Deville?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (8), brakes (3), transmission & drivetrain (3).

How many complaints has the 1986 Cadillac Deville had?

22 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 6, 1995 and the latest on October 8, 2008. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1986 Cadillac Deville a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 75 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Cadillac Deville year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Cadillac Deville years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1986 Cadillac Deville has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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