MYRModel Year Report

1996 Cadillac Seville

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1996 Cadillac Seville
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:48:15.354Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Cadillac Seville Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 11 complaints 1989: 5 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 27 complaints 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 57 complaints 1995: 74 complaints 1996: 122 complaints 1996 1997: 95 complaints 1998: 65 complaints 1999: 73 complaints 1999 2000: 38 complaints 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 45 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2004: 9 complaints 2004
1996: 122 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19820
19832
19841
19856
198611
198711
198811
19895
199019
199121
199227
199344
199457
199574
1996122
199795
199865
199973
200038
200153
200245
200316
20049

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%

23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.

FIRE DEATH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and ignition.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, SMOKE CAME FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED TO BURN. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS. *AK *SC

NHTSA ODI report, 20040929

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE RADIO COMPONENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121203

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE SLS. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120719

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 17%

17% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel rail and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS FUMES. THE CONSUMER THEN NOTICED A LITTLE SMOKE, SHE THEN PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AWAY FROM OTHERS, LIFTED THE HOOD AND FLAMES IGNITED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041029

STEERING 14%

14% of complaints: steering — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 45MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP; VERY HARD TO STEER; WIFE HELPED STEER TO SIDE OF RD.; CALLED CADILLAC HELPLINE & TOLD 96 CHASISS PUT ON 95 BODY FRAME & CAUSED WATER TO BE THROWN ON BELTS FROM TIRES, THAT'S...

NHTSA ODI report, 19970711

EQUIPMENT 9%

9% of complaints: equipment — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner and radio/tape deck/cd etc..

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19951208 — equipment

THE ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT DISRUPTING THE PASS KEY SYSTEM, CAUSING FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND TELL-TALES, AND A POSSIBLE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER.

Campaign 95V224000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 1996 — complaint volume: 122
I 19980224 — EA (closed 19980616)

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

I 20031030 — PE (closed 20040203)

FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE

I 20040203 — EA (closed 20040423)

FUEL RAIL LEAKS

R 20040602 — fuel system, gasoline

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

1996 Cadillac Seville — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V224000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2000 ▲ 1993 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

◆ 1997 ◆ 1995 ● 1999

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Cadillac Seville reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Cadillac Seville is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Cadillac Seville?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Cadillac Seville 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.