1996 Cadillac Seville
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.
DEATH7% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ABRASIONS TO THE RIGHT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160606
AIR BAGS AND ABS FAILED TO FUNCTION DURING CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970811
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
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
1996 Cadillac Seville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V224000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:engine:gasoline, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Cadillac Seville 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.