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Vehicle safety record

1987 Cadillac Deville Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 1987 Cadillac Deville with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (18) and the steering (6). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 3 fires, 2 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2006 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1986 has 22 and the 1988 has 29.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Deville year, for its age

#14 most complained-about 1987 vehicle

Complaints
41
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
2
Deaths
1

Most common 1987 Cadillac Deville problems

Share of all 41 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1987 Cadillac Deville recalls 2

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.

What owners say

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41 complaints about the 1987 Cadillac Deville

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Electrical systemFire1 death

Tl* the contact owned a 1987 cadillac deville. The contact stated that the driver smelled a strong odor of gasoline fuel and there was oil seen leaking from the vehicle. In addition, as the driver attempted to park, a fire erupted from the engine compartment. The driver was not able to exit the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries from the fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire, and both a police and fire report were filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10664900
Wheels & tires

This complaint is in regards to the goodyear viva 2 tires sold at walmart. I had purchased two tires in august of 2005. When I was first sold these tires I asked the associate selling the tires if these tires were approved for all season driving. The associate assured me they were. I was driving in my car yesterday I slid on a piece of ice and had no traction. If I was not an experienced winter driver I would have lost control of my car and wrecked it. I would like to see the company stop advertising these tires as all season tires ,because they are not good for winter ice conditions. *Jb

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10143247
Body, doors & structure

Dt: consumer said motor mounts and frame rusted. Consumer had harbor motors in michigan city, indiana inspect the vehicle. They advised consumer that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to rusted motor mounts and frame. The consumer spoke with manufacturer, and was not satisfied with answer. The manufacturer stated that it was an old car with 174,000 miles on it. Consumer stated that vehicle is 95% rust free on the body sheet metals. *Ak *nm

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10127790
SteeringSuspensionEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEquipment & accessoriesFire

1987 Cadillac deville caught on fire while parked.*Mr the consumer believed the fire was due to wiring repairs that were performed by the dealer. Prior to the fire the consumer had other repairs done on the car such as a new rack and pinion, struts, transmission, radiator, and repairs to the air condition. *Jb *nm

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Electrical system · EquipmentNHTSA 10119094
Brakes

Consumer stated brake sensor light stayed on. As a result, p0wer assist for front brakes failed. Recall 87v093000 was issued. However this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *Ak *tc

Filed Incident Service brakes, airNHTSA 10087584
Electrical system

Vehicle shut off without prior warning.There is no power at all inside of vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.*Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 8003681
Engine & cooling

Head gaskets blewout. Temperature light flashed on and off. Warning lights for engine did not come on.Contacted dealer, and took vehicle to shop. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or otherNHTSA 899496
Visibility & wipers

When turning on air conditioner it will not ventilate cool air just like a regular fan, and when heater is turn on hot, air will not come out from bottom, it will come out through top into consumer's face.*Ak

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 893590
Engine & cooling

The engine constantly is knocking, when the 50,000 mile warranty was up, the engine needed to be replaced, the new engine is doing the exact same thing. *Slc

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 558003
Steering

When attempting to turn, steering wheel won't turn, and it makes a knocking noise. Also, it gets stuck. Mechanic told consumer it was the rack and pinion steering. *Ak

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 863790
Engine & cooling

When engine failed consumer was not able to drive car. Consumer felt that a brand new engine should have lasted longer, only lasted 25000 miles and quit. Engine replaced with one of the same type, which is failing after 25000 miles. *Ak *ml

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 859647
Engine & cooling

While wife was driving she noticed steam was coming from the engine. A technician told her that there was a leakage from the engine manifold. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 855521
Body, doors & structure

WHILE DRIVING ROOF OF CAR CAME OFF. *AK

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 854470
Engine & cooling

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 707436
Engine & cooling

Leak in gasket caused engine to sputter and emission of smoke, resulted in engine failure. Qcaw

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 539053
Brakes

Abs light stays on all the time and when brakes are applied the vehicle vibrates.

Filed Service brakes, airNHTSA 536625
Brakes

Vehicle has experienced continued problems with abs system, recall work denied due to vin#.

Filed Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 534843
Steering

The rack and pinion does not function properly before five to ten minutes after the vehicle is started.

Filed SteeringNHTSA 530044
Wheels & tires

SOLID MEDAL PART INSIDE THE WHEEL CRACKED.

Filed WheelsNHTSA 525429
Brakes

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR LEAKING.

Filed Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 519300
Steering

In cold weather conditon the steering wheel freezes up, making it very difficult to make a left or a right hand turn. *Ak

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 809082
Engine & cooling

ENGINE IS MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE. *AK

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 809393
Steering

'COLD POWER STEERING.'

Filed SteeringNHTSA 515026
Engine & cooling

ENGINE HEAD LEAKS WATER INTO OIL.

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 525534
Engine & cooling

ENGINE REPLACED.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 513325

Cadillac Deville: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
1991911811BrakesF
1990802102BrakesD
198949151Acceleration & cruise controlC
198829121Acceleration & cruise controlB
198741213Engine & coolingC
198622310Engine & coolingA
198521200Engine & coolingB
19846100Engine & coolingA
19835100Acceleration & cruise controlA
All Deville years

1987 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 1987 Cadillac Deville

Does the 1987 Cadillac Deville have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1987 Cadillac Deville: fuel system, gasoline (May 2006); antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip (June 1987). 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 1987 Cadillac Deville?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (18), steering (6), brakes (5).

How many complaints has the 1987 Cadillac Deville had?

41 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 21, 1994 and the latest on December 17, 2014. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 1987 Cadillac Deville a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 1987 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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