1990 Cadillac Deville
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: service brakes — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR WHILE TURNING INTERMITTENTLY DIES AND LOOSES ANY ACCELERATION STALLS AND MOST OF THE TIME STARTS BACK UP WHEN LIFTING FOOT OF THE GAS AND SOMETIMES DIES. ALSO THE CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN SOMETIMES VERY QUICKLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151216
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ENGINE
27% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and linkages.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AT 48 MPH. THE CONSUMER CAME UPON A VEHICLE THAT WAS MAKING A TURN THEREFORE SHE HAD TO SLOW DOWN. SHE STATED SHE PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040219
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY REASON VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 65 MPH. BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO DECELERATE VEHICLE AND THEY DIDN'T WORK, RESULTING IN A COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031029
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE TURNPIKE, THE ENGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20031006
8% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELL OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950706
8% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing park/neutral start interlock switch and automatic transmission.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
Campaign 90E043004 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE LINKAGE INTERFER
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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
1990 Cadillac Deville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90E043004 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Cadillac Deville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Cadillac Deville is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Cadillac Deville have?
2 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.