1997 Cadillac Seville
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN A CRASH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970902
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REGARDING A MAN THAT WAS KILLED DURING AN ENGINE FIRE.*MR THE ATTORNEY REQUEST ALL INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY COMPLAINTS/RECALLS OF FUEL LINE PROBLEM OR FIRES IN THE 1995, 1996, AND 1996 OLDSMOBILE AURORA THE 1995,...
NHTSA ODI report, 20040915
FOIA REQUEST FOR ANY/ALL INFORMATION RE:COMPLAINTS OR RECALL OF VEHICLE FUEL LINE PROBLEMS/FIRES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODEL YEAR 1995/1996/1997 CADILLAC EL DORADO, CADILLAC SEVILLE OR DEVILLE. *MR *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20040709
5% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE RACK AND PINION BROKE. VEHICLE WAS HIT PRIOR TO THIS AT THE FRONT FINDER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980520
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 97V064000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1997 Cadillac Seville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Cadillac Seville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Cadillac Seville is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Cadillac Seville?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.