1997 Cadillac Deville
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 40 |
| 1988 | 28 |
| 1989 | 48 |
| 1990 | 76 |
| 1991 | 87 |
| 1992 | 135 |
| 1993 | 92 |
| 1994 | 127 |
| 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
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES, THE CONTACT PARKED AND NOTICED SMOKE AND SMALL FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080612
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE APPROACHED THE FIRST VEHICLE. TRIED TO AVOID HITTING THE OTHE RVEHICLE, SWIRVED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT LIGHT POLE BECAUSE THE BRAKES WAS INOPERATIVE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970623
7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 20 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 16 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 13 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.
Campaign 97V064000 — check if this car was fixed
ERRATIC TURN SIGNAL OPERATION
INADVERTENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
FUEL RAIL LEAKS
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 UNI
Remedy: 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, 2
Campaign 04V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Cadillac Deville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Cadillac Deville is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.