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Vehicle safety record

1997 Cadillac Deville Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 280 complaints about the 1997 Cadillac Deville with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (61) and the engine & cooling (52). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 9 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in March 2004 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1996 has 225 and the 1998 has 242.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Deville year, for its age

#25 most complained-about 1997 vehicle

Complaints
280
Recalls
2
Crashes
4
Fires
9
Injuries
7
Deaths
0

Most common 1997 Cadillac Deville problems

Share of all 280 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1997 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: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

04V110000483,477 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
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.

Service brakes: antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip

97V064000156,910 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
This condition can result in an increase in vehicle stopping distance increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.

What owners say

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280 complaints about the 1997 Cadillac Deville

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 12.

Electrical systemFuel systemFire1 injury

[ ] I had purchased my car used. I found that there was a recall on this model. I went online and ran the vin # and confirmed that. I called the dealership and explained they looked it up and confirmed it needed to have the original plastic fuel rail replaced with a new stainless steel fuel rail. They informed me that they had to order the parts from Michigan an it would be 2 weeks for the parts to get here and then we could set up an appointment to bring the car in. over 2 weeks later they called and we set up...

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the appointment I had started the car the morning of the appointment for it to go to the dealership. I needed to grab something from in the house so I turned it off to go back in my house. I was answering a text on my phone and as I looked up to get out of the car there were flames coming out from between the fender and the hood. I rushed to the front of the car to put the flames out.. I just got the car a d couldn't afford to let turn to the ground. I took off my hoodie and used it to UT out the flames while doing so the hood came down and hit me in the back of my head,I burned my left hand pretty badly and burnt off my arm hair. I have had a ringing in my ears since I was hit in the head. I called the dealer and told them what happened and I would have to get it towed in. They said okay it took three days to get a tow truck because we had a snow storm. The tow companies were booked. I got the car to the dealer and exspected them to start the job. The parts were ordered and there. It had been over 3 weeks now that had gone by since I first talked to the dealership and they ordered the parts I waS waiting for. Now the car has been there for over a 2 weeks and not even been touched . I was finally told by the service department to call customer service about the recall. I called the # i was give spoke to someone and explained everything. After I was told they didn't know why I called. The dealership should just handle the repair. I called service and re

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11447570
Airbags

DOGGIE DIEOBLO

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11082303
Equipment & accessories

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.

Filed Incident Equipment · Traction control systemNHTSA 10822794
Electrical system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10702615
Brakes

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.

Filed Incident Traction control system · Service brakesNHTSA 10715699
Engine & coolingFire

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. [[redacted]] 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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10681493
BrakesElectrical system

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

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 10651429
Electrical systemAirbags

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

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10650750
Brakes

I noticed that my abs traction control light was on the dashboard console and when I push on the brakes the and the car was not stopping. The abs was engaging on dry pavement. I checked the onboard diagnostic tool on the cadillac and I am getting an error code of tcs c1255 which is a faulty electronic brake control module/ electronic brake and traction control module. I noticed that there is a recall on this exact part that I am experiencing problems with reference nhtsa campaign number: 97v064000. I called...

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cadillac dealer and was told that my vin does not come up with any recalls and there are not any recalls at all for 1997 cadillac deville. I am requesting that my vin be added to the recall for the brakes and the fuel system recall. Thank you *tr updated 3/13/15 *js

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakesNHTSA 10608992
Brakes

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.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10596365
Fuel system

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.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10594471
Fuel system

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.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10534079
Brakes

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.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10511260
Wheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville with uniroyal tigerpaw tires, size: 265/75/r16 . The contact stated that while parked, the front driver side tire blew. The tire was taken to a dealer for inspection. The technician stated that the tire was out of warranty and would not be covered for replacement. The failure caused damage to the front fender of the vehicle and the coolant system hose. The tire was not replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dot number was not available. The approximate tire failure mileage was 30,000. The failure mileage of the vehicle was 110,000.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10487543
Brakes

I was traveling on the highway at approx. 65-70 Mph when I went to brake due to traffic and there was severe brake fade. The car was able to slow down but could not come to a complete stop, the brake pedal went to the floor even after several pumps. I had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Luckily there was no accident. I still had to travel another 30 miles before reaching my destination and the brakes continued to fail. The brakes would only slow the vehicle down. This is the first brake problem I have had with this vehicle and only has 65000 miles on it. I have to contact a mechanic to resolve this problem. *Js

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10456873
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, he smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the oil pan seal was leaking oil. As a result, the oil was leaking onto the engine manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact expressed extreme concern over a potential fire hazard. The failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 04/18/12*bf updated 04/23/12.*Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10454335
Airbags

I own a 1997 cadillac deville. My air bag sensor has been coming on and going off on my instrument panel for the last few months. I have had the car checked several times and I was told the sensor was defective. This is for the air bag on the driver's side door. Today 2/24/12 the air bag deployed as I was about to back out of my drive way. My current mileage is 94,000 miles. I am also having troubles with having to press my brakes almost to the floor for the car to stop. *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10449193
Engine & coolingFire

Upon starting the car first thing in the morning, the engine backfired through the induction system starting an engine fire. By the time the fire was extinguished it had caused enough damage that the car had to be junked. *Kb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10413266
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. While driving approximately 25 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after turning the key in the ignition and placing the gear shift in neutral. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 71,704.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10410461
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact was driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle began to overheat followed by stalling. The a/c warning indicator was illuminated following the failure. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. The failure and current mileage was approximately 100,000. The vin was unavailable.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10386418
Fuel system

The passenger compartment, began to smell gasoline, so I did stop in a gas station, open the engine compartment(the hood) and noticed a big gas leak on the gasoline rail close to the carburetor or fuel burner, so I decided to stop there and have towed the vehicle to san antonio, texas...The mechanic charged me 560.00 To change the complete rail for a metal one with the guarantee that this one will not happen the same thing, because is a metal one not a plastic one that the car have originally installed... When I saw this recall , I ask myself who is going to pay now for this ?????!!!!!!! *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10350165
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. The contact stated the vehicle overheated and the head gaskets were blown. The contact stated a few prior to the failure, the vehicle caught on fire due to the vehicle being under recall (nhtsa campaign id number: 04v110000-fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) but could not determine if the failure was directly associated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10349638
Fuel system

Gm cadillac recall #38145 my gm service request number [[redacted]] gm refuses to reimburse for an emergency repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10342761
Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac deville. While driving less than 25 mph, the entire instrument cluster failed. The instrument panel was digital; therefore, the contact did not know how fast she was traveling, and could not read the fuel gauge, warning lights, and turn signals. The dealer stated that the cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were less than 90,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10264239
Electrical systemFire

I purchased a 97 cadillac deville in january 07. From the start it had problems. It wouldn't crank right and had various electrical problems. Tried many different solutions but none worked. Car still would not crank right. In 08, I purchased a new starter and alternator. Nothing worked. After 9 months, the alternator went out. Had to get a replacement, plus pay again for the labor because the people who did the first time would not replace it because they were under new management. So I had another place put on...

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the new alternator. I also had the same location replace my radiator that had cracked and had been leaking rapidly. Not even two months after getting all the new parts, on march 19 2009, I had been trying to crank the car. It would not crank. It suddenly popped and started smoking. It had done this before and crunk right up. So I go to crank the car up again, its started smoking even more and as soon as I opened the hood, it caught on fire. The fire department was not sure but mentioned it could have been the battery, the new work that I had gotten done or something electrical. When asked if it could be repaired, fire chief stated that they did not think it would be worth putting all the money into and stated that it was totaled. Had to wait to get the report so im unsure of what they say the cause was. Now I am out a vehicle because I did not have collision. I put alot into this car and think that all information should have been sent to old and new owners to alert them of any recalls, changes, and what ever else. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10262714

Cadillac Deville: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20011774233Engine & coolingF
20002375265Engine & coolingF
19991921174Engine & coolingF
19982423141LightsF
1997280249BrakesF
19962252128SteeringF
1995129256Fuel systemF
19941420108Engine & coolingF
19931021818BrakesF
All Deville years

1997 Cadillac Deville vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
1997 Cadillac Deville28024F
1997 Cadillac Catera16308DCompare
1997 Cadillac Seville9524FCompare
1997 Cadillac Eldorado5926FCompare

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 1997 Cadillac Deville

Does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Cadillac Deville: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (March 2004); antilock / traction control / electronic limited slip (April 1997). 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 1997 Cadillac Deville?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (61), engine & cooling (52), fuel system (39).

How many complaints has the 1997 Cadillac Deville had?

280 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 11, 1997 and the latest on January 15, 2022. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 9 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1997 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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