1986 Cadillac Seville
Only 11 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 11 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 |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 27 |
| 1993 | 42 |
| 1994 | 50 |
| 1995 | 74 |
| 1996 | 122 |
| 1997 | 95 |
| 1998 | 65 |
| 1999 | 73 |
| 2000 | 38 |
| 2001 | 53 |
| 2002 | 45 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 11 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
INJURY1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE MANIFOLD WAS NOT CONNECTED AND FUMES THAT WERE RELEASED PUT CONSUMER TO SLEEP AT RED LIGHTS. ONCE CONSUMER HEARD CAR HITTING CONCRETE RAILS, AND COULD NOT WAKE UP. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE OF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000420
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE TWILIGHT SENTINEL POTENTIOMETER (THUMBWHEEL CONTROL) MIGHT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW PART IN ONE OF THE VEHICLES CONTROL COMPUTERS TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION FROM OCCURING.
Campaign 87V047000 — check if this car was fixed
FLOOR MAT COULD BECOME MISPOSITIONED AND INTERFERE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Remedy: REPLACE FLOOR MATS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED MATS THAT ARE LONGER AND HAVE IMPROVED RETENTION.
Campaign 87V082000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
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 Seville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V047000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V082000 (vehicle speed control) 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 Seville 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 Seville?
The most-reported component is steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion), accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Cadillac Seville have?
3 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.