MYRModel Year Report

1997 Cadillac Deville

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Cadillac Deville
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
269
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 19 complaints 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 41 complaints 1987 1988: 28 complaints 1989: 49 complaints 1990: 77 complaints 1990 1991: 88 complaints 1992: 135 complaints 1993: 96 complaints 1993 1994: 140 complaints 1995: 129 complaints 1996: 218 complaints 1997: 269 complaints 1997 269 1998: 237 complaints 1999: 187 complaints 2000: 225 complaints 2001: 175 complaints 2002: 176 complaints 2002 2003: 144 complaints 2004: 167 complaints 2005: 95 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 19 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 41 complaints 1987 1988: 28 complaints 1989: 49 complaints 1989 1990: 77 complaints 1991: 88 complaints 1991 1992: 135 complaints 1993: 96 complaints 1993 1994: 140 complaints 1995: 129 complaints 1995 1996: 218 complaints 1997: 269 complaints 1997 269 1998: 237 complaints 1999: 187 complaints 1999 2000: 225 complaints 2001: 175 complaints 2001 2002: 176 complaints 2003: 144 complaints 2003 2004: 167 complaints 2005: 95 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 19 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1986 1987: 41 complaints 1987 1988: 28 complaints 1988 1989: 49 complaints 1989 1990: 77 complaints 1990 1991: 88 complaints 1991 1992: 135 complaints 1992 1993: 96 complaints 1993 1994: 140 complaints 1994 1995: 129 complaints 1995 1996: 218 complaints 1996 1997: 269 complaints 1997 269 1998: 237 complaints 1998 1999: 187 complaints 1999 2000: 225 complaints 2000 2001: 175 complaints 2001 2002: 176 complaints 2002 2003: 144 complaints 2003 2004: 167 complaints 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2005

1997: 269 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19823
19835
19846
198519
198622
198741
198828
198949
199077
199188
1992135
199396
1994140
1995129
1996218
1997269
1998237
1999187
2000225
2001175
2002176
2003144
2004167
200595

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

27% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-30

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-06

Fuel system, gasoline

13% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing fuel rail and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Leaks occurred on the plastic lines surrounding the top of the motor. *ph (Fire concerning the fuel lines)

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-23

Electrical system

12% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and front underhood.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

[  ] 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-01-15

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Exterior lighting

11% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and concealment devices.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 269 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1997-05-28Service brakes, hydraulic97V064000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1998-02-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-08-27 Erratic turn signal operation
  4. I
    2000-02-15Engineering analysisClosed 2000-09-28 Inadvertent of side impact air bag
  5. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure
  6. I
    2003-10-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-02-03 Fuel rail leakage
  7. I
    2004-02-03Engineering analysisClosed 2004-04-23 Fuel rail leaks
  8. R
    2004-06-02Fuel system, gasoline04V110000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Cadillac Deville — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 73 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 50 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 35 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V064000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 04V110000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.