1986 Cadillac Deville
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 19 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 41 |
| 1988 | 28 |
| 1989 | 49 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 88 |
| 1992 | 135 |
| 1993 | 96 |
| 1994 | 140 |
| 1995 | 129 |
| 1996 | 218 |
| 1997 | 269 |
| 1998 | 237 |
| 1999 | 187 |
| 2000 | 225 |
| 2001 | 175 |
| 2002 | 176 |
| 2003 | 144 |
| 2004 | 167 |
| 2005 | 95 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
OIL PUMP FAILURE, OIL IS NOT CIRCULATING THRU ENGINE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950407
3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
2 of 22 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950302
2 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V056000 — check if this car was fixed
HYDROBOOST FAILURE
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 M
Remedy: 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, RE
Campaign 87V093000 — check if this car was fixed
HYDRO BOOST
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
REAR BRAKE PIN
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 MANUFACTURE
Remedy: 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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Cadillac Deville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V056000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V093000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Cadillac Deville reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Cadillac Deville have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.