1999 Cadillac Deville
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.
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.
28% of complaints: air bags — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WE WERE LEAVING MY SON'S APARTMENT WHEN WE HIT THE SPEED BUMP AT ABOUT 5 MILES AN HOUR THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND BUSTED OUT OUR WIND SHIELD AND FILLED THE CAR WITH SMOKE. MY FIANC WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HAD HIS THUMB HURT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150125
WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, STRIKING THE PASSENGER IN THE ARM WITHOUT WARNING. CADILLAC HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990824
CAR WAS STOPPED AND AT IDLE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. RIGHT SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON HITTING MY WIFE IN THE SIDE AND GIVING HER A LARGE BRUISE ABOUT 3 INCHES IN DIAMETER.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990814
26% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE ENGINE BACKFIRED. THEN FIRE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE UNDER HOOD PADDING WAS COVERED WITH A FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. THIS CAUSED THE FIRE TO BURN THROUGH THE PAINT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOOD.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031128
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: service brakes — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH7% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and power assist system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAG
INADVERTENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR MODULES HAVE QUALITY PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. THESE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT SENSING MODULES. IF THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THE SIDE AIR BAGS TEMPORARILY DISCONECTED, THE TEMPORARY DISCONNECT WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE REPLACING T
Campaign 00V217000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Cadillac Deville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V217000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Cadillac Deville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Cadillac Deville is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Cadillac Deville have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.