Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac Deville vs FORD F 150
How the Cadillac Deville and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac Deville vs FORD F 150: The Deville averaged 174 complaints per year over 6 years, with 14 deaths reported, while the F-150 averaged 1,131 complaints per year over 10 years, with 1 death. The Deville’s issues often involve steering and ignition failures, whereas the F-150’s are mostly transmission and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac Deville or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac Deville
The Cadillac Deville is a large luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own as it ages. Over six years, it averaged 174 complaints per year, with electrical, steering, and air bag issues standing out. Owners report serious problems like ignition switches turning off while driving and power steering suddenly locking, which can affect control. With 14 deaths and 117 injuries reported in crash-related complaints, these are not minor annoyances.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, generates a high volume of complaints—over 1,100 per year across ten years. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners frequently describe hard or delayed transmission shifts, sudden loss of power, and electrical glitches like camera malfunctions. While only one death is reported in the crash data, the sheer number of complaints suggests many owners experience recurring issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac Deville | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,046 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 108 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 174.3 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 117 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 14 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac Deville
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 02STEERING143
- 03AIR BAGS140
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING140
- 05VISIBILITY101
Owners report the ignition switch can turn off while driving, causing loss of power steering and braking assist. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen at speed with little warning.
Complaints describe the steering wheel locking or power steering seizing during turns, often at low speeds. This makes the car hard to control and could lead to a crash.
There are reports of air bags deploying without a crash, sometimes with a musty odor and warning lights. This is dangerous because it can startle the driver and cause injury.
Owners mention large oil leaks that worsen over time, sometimes leading to electrical damage. Leaks can lead to engine failure if not addressed.
“DRIVING ON A LOCAL FREEWAY, MY IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF. I WAS ONLY GOING 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFICE. I WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL & RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT FOR A SHORT PERIOD I WAS WITH LIMITED BRAKING AND STEERING. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING I AM CERTAI…”
“ENGINE BEGAN TO LEAK OIL AFTER 40000 MILES. THE COMPANY AND DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THIS WAS NORMAL. LONGER I OPERATED THIS CAR, MORE IT BEGAN TO LEAK. AT FIRST FEW DROPS, THEN LATER, 1-2 QTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. TODAY, IT IS WORST. I HAVE SPENT SEVERAL THOUSAN…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report hard or delayed transmission shifts, especially between gears like 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8. Some experience sudden loss of power or the vehicle shutting off, which is risky in traffic.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' appearing frequently. These glitches can distract the driver and may indicate broader electrical problems.
There are recalls and complaints about headlights, which can reduce visibility at night. Faulty lighting makes it harder to see and be seen, increasing crash risk.
Some owners report engine issues, though fewer than transmission problems. These can include stalling or poor performance, requiring costly repairs.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac Deville — 20 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac Deville or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Deville has far fewer complaints per year (174 vs. 1,131 for the F-150), but its issues tend to be severe, like steering lock-up and unintended ignition shut-off. The F-150’s higher complaint rate reflects more frequent but often less immediately dangerous problems, such as transmission jerking and electrical glitches. In practice, the Deville may be riskier per incident, while the F-150 may demand more ongoing attention.
Key differences
- The Deville has reports of ignition switches turning off and steering locking, which can cause immediate loss of control; the F-150’s most common issue is transmission jerking or delayed shifting, which is annoying but less likely to cause a sudden crash.
- The F-150 has a much higher complaint rate per year (1,131 vs. 174), but the Deville’s complaints include 14 deaths and 117 injuries, suggesting its failures may be more severe.
- Electrical problems are common in both, but the Deville’s electrical issues often involve ignition and oil leaks, while the F-150’s involve warning lights and camera malfunctions.
- The Deville has 20 recalls over 6 years; the F-150 has 145 recalls over 10 years, indicating the F-150 has more frequent recall campaigns.
- Test the ignition switch: ensure it does not turn off unexpectedly while driving or idling, as owners report this can happen at speed.
- Check for power steering lock-up: turn the wheel fully at low speed and listen for noises or resistance, and ask if the steering gear has been replaced.
- Test drive the transmission: pay attention to shifts between 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8 gears for jerking, clunking, or delayed engagement.
- Check for electrical warnings: start the truck and look for messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dash.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (especially for ignition, steering, or air bags on the Deville; transmission or lighting on the F-150) were performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Deville’s ignition switch, steering system, and air bag sensors, and check for oil leaks.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission codes and test-drive at various speeds to feel for hard shifts.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and power steering fluid on the Deville.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac Deville or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac Deville vs FORD F 150
- Cadillac Deville total complaints
- 1,046
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Cadillac Deville total recalls
- 20
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Cadillac Deville avg complaints/year
- 174.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Deville
- Cadillac Deville top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN