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Vehicle Stats/Cadillac/Deville Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Cadillac Deville Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 1,046 complaints and 20 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Cadillac Deville options? We analyzed 6 model years (2000–2005) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

1,046
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
20
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
108
Crash-Related
crash complaints
15
Fire-Related
fire complaints
117
Injuries Reported
across all years
6
Years Analyzed
2000–2005

Free VIN check

Found a Cadillac Deville? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac Deville has 1,046 owner complaints and 20 safety recalls across model years 2000–2005. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2000 drew the most complaints; 2005 drew the fewest.

Cadillac Deville — key reliability facts
Make
Cadillac
Model
Deville
Model years analyzed
2000–2005 (6 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
1,046
Safety recall campaigns
20
Crash-related complaints
108
Fire-related complaints
15
Worst model year (by complaints)
2000 (248 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2005 (104 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 4, 2026
This Deville has 20 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Cadillac Deville: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2000248 complaints2001190 complaints2002182 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
2005104 complaints2003148 complaints2004174 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2000 Cadillac Deville? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The CADILLAC DEVILLE has 1,046 NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. 108 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 1,046 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 20 federal recall campaigns
  • 108 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2000
248
2001
190
2002
182
2003
148
2004
174
2005
104

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

20 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

#03V238000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYJanuary 7, 2003
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

#03V238000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYJanuary 7, 2003
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#02V222000AIR BAGS:FRONTALSeptember 8, 2002
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#02V222000AIR BAGS:FRONTALSeptember 8, 2002
Safety recall

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

#02V067000STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)June 3, 2002
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

#02V227000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORMay 9, 2002
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

#02V227000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORMay 9, 2002
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

#02V227000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORMay 9, 2002
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

#00V347000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY

#01V172000STRUCTURE:BODY
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#03V051000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V355000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

#00V021000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

#00V347000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

#00V114000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2005. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,046 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289 complaints
02
STEERING143 complaints
03
AIR BAGS140 complaints
04
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING140 complaints
05
VISIBILITY101 complaints
06
SERVICE BRAKES90 complaints
07
ENGINE85 complaints
08
POWER TRAIN59 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

1,046 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

STEERINGJan 2019

WHEN YOU DRIVE THRU A PUDDLE OF WATER THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT WORKS LIKE NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES.

SERVICE BRAKESNov 2017

ON THE ROAD FAILURE OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE DUE TO RUST CORROSION WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.

STEERINGAug 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IN ORDER TO MAKE THE TURN. THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

1 InjuryAIR BAGSAug 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DTS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. A SLIGHT MUSTY ODOR WAS PRESENT DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN UNKNOWN CADILLAC DEALER LOCATED IN STUART, FL, WHO STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT THE AIR BAG BECAUSE IT WOULD BE A LONG PROCESS. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CLAUDE NOLAN CADILLAC (LOCATED ON SOUTHSIDE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL) AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THEY HAD NEVER SEEN AN AIR BAG DEPLOY WITHOUT A CRASH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO CLAUDE NOLAN CADILLAC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT SOMETHING MUST HAVE SET OFF THE AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 11/07/17*LJ *TR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJul 2017

MY A/C RUNS AT WILL. OFF AND ON BY ITSELF. RUNNING, STATIONARY, AND IN MOTION. MY HEADLIGHTS COME ON WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE EVER THOUGH THEY ARE TURNED OFF. MY ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE BATTERY AND ALL CHECKED OUT FINE AT TWO LOCAL PARTS /BATTERY STORES JULY 18TH 2017. BOTH WERE REPLACED IN MAY OF 2016. THE DISPLAY PANEL FOR THE A/C SHOWS BOTH THE FAN ICON AND THE AUTO ICON. THE AUTO ICON WILL NOT TURN OFF. SEARCHING ON LINE FOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MAKE AND MODEL SHOW MANY OTHERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NO ANSWERS. THIS BEGAN JULY 6TH AND IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY AS IN SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.

1 InjuryUNKNOWN OR OTHERJun 2017

THE FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONAL GLASS SUNROOF OF 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE DTS SPONTANEOUSLY "EXPLODED" AND SHATTERED. BROKEN GLASS RAINED DOWN INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND OVER THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE ON TO THE ROADWAY BEHIND WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT OVER A UNCROWDED HIGHWAY AT 62 - 63 MPH APPROXIMATELY AT 6:30 AM ON 6/2/17. SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE INTERIOR SUN SHADE WAS OPEN. EXTERIOR TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 60F. INTERIOR TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 75F. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 103,500 MILES ON IT. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO SUNROOF OR INDICATIONS OF PRIOR DAMAGE TO THE SUNROOF. THERE WAS NO SOUND OF CRACK LIKE WHEN ROCK HITS THE WINDSHIELD OR SOUND OF OBJECT HITTING THE CAR OR SUNROOF PRIOR TO THE "BANG!" AS THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT ON DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND WERE NO TRUCKS IN AHEAD, OR CARS VERY NEARBY. IT WAS AN UTTERLY UNEVENTFUL AND NON-EXTREME DRIVE IN TERMS OF SPEED, TEMPERATURES, TRAFFIC VOLUME, OR OPERATION. CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET. THE REAR EDGE OF GLASS REMAINING IN THE FRAME APPEARS TO BE BENT UPWARD WHETHER FROM THE EXPLOSION OR THE AIR PRESSURE AFTER I HAVE NO IDEA. SUBMITTED AS A GLASS CLAIM TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY.

Read 14 more owner reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMar 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES PRIOR TO THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Crash 1 InjuryAIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Nov 2016

I WAS HIT HEAD-ON. THE IGNITION TURNED OFF AFTER BEING HIT AND THE SEAT- BELTS DID NOT DEPLOY. I STOPPED AND MY HAND WAS ON THE HORN BUT THE PERSON DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP.I WAS ON A CITY STREET.I WAS HURT AND HAD NECK SURGERY. GM IS TELLING ME THEY WILL LOOK BACK INTO IT AFTER DENIAL THAT WAS IT DUE TO THE RECALL. THEY SOLD THE CAR AS SALVAGE WHEN THE INSURANCE TOTALED IT. THE CAR WAS THEN SOLD WITH A SALVAGE TITLE. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION AFTER TELLING ME MY ACCIDENT INJURIES WAS NOT DUE TO THE RECALL.

CrashAIR BAGSSep 2016

CAR WAS HIT IN BACK WHILE STOPPED IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON US 75 SOUTH OF DURANT OKLAHOMA AND KNOCKED INTO CAR STOPPED IN FRONT. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE.

CrashSTEERINGJan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE OVER A CURB, AND INTO A FIELD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES NOR WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNov 2015

THE FRONT HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 2006 CADILLAC DTS GO OUT AT ALL TIMES. I HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY CUT OUT AND I HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHT SWITCH OFF AND ON SO I CAN DRIVE AT NIGHT. II PREVIOUSLY OWNED ANOTHER 2006 CADILLAC DTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CADILLAC DEALER KRISTAL AUTO MALL IN BROOKLYN, NY AND THEY FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH THEY SAID WAS A FAULTY BALLAST. IT WAS FAULTY ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS. AND NOW IN THE DTS I HAVE, IT IS FAULTY TOO. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAME ISSUE IN OTHER GM VEHICLES.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2015

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 CERTAIN THE OUTCOME WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS GOOD. AFTER THIS I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH CORRECTIVE RECALL COMPLIED WITH. THEY ADJUSTED THE SIZE OF THE HOLE ON MY KEYS - THIS WAS THE FIX. HOWEVER, CHANGING THE SIZE OF THE KEY HOLE DOES NOTHING TO PREVENT MY IGNITION SWITCH FROM "POPPING' TO OFF. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE MENTIONED, I HAD ONLY A SINGLE KEY IN PLACE. I CONTACTED CADILLAC ABOUT THIS AND THEIR REPLY HAS BEEN THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERS THE KEY HOLE CHANGE & DOES NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. FURTHER, THEY INDICATEDTHAT I COULD HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH CHANGED FOR $1090.00.

Crash 1 InjuryELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINEOct 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, INCLUDING TWO BROKEN FEET AND A CONCUSSION. THE DRIVER REQUIRED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

VISIBILITY/WIPERSep 2015

THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR CHANGES POSITION, POINTING DOWN TO THE GROUND, ERRATICALLY, USUALLY WHEN ENTERING OR LEAVING THE CAR, OR INSERTING THE KEY, EVEN THOUGH I AM ALWAYS USING DRIVER #1 KEY. I CAN RESET IT, USE THE MEMORY BUTTON TO SAVE THE POSITION. IT MAY WORK FOR SEVERAL STOPS DURING A SHOPPING TRIP, THEN CHANGE AGAIN ON IT'S OWN. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE WHEN I WANT TO CHANGE LANES I LOOK AT THE MIRROR AND IT IS POINTED TO THE GROUND. THE DEALER WHERE I ALWAYS TAKE MY CAR FOR SERVICE, HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.

STEERINGAug 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH ON A WET ROAD, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

STEERINGAug 2015

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND HAVE ONLY HAD IT A FEW WEEKS BUT ABOUT FIVE TIMES NOW I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING QUIT WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN. IT RETURNS IN SECONDS BUT I AM DISABLED AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO CONTROL THE CAR. LUCKILY, THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS. I'M AFRAID OF BEING KILLED. I HAVE SINCE READ THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. IN ALL SERIOUSNESS, DO FOLKS HAVE TO DIE BEFORE GM FIXES THE PROBLEM?

ENGINEJul 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJun 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. THE VIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEMMar 2015

DURING WINTER DRIVING, TURNED ON THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL, FELT THE FINGERS OF MY LEFT HAND BEGIN TO BURN AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL COVER. I IMMEDIATELY SWITCHED OFF THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL, THE SMOKING STOPPED. I HAVE NOT USED THAT FEATURE SINCE, HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED. CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM, DID NOT FIND ANY. *TR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFeb 2015

2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE. CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF VEHICLE BEING RECALLED UNTIL 9 YEARS LATER. *TA THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB

Showing 20 of 1,046 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac Deville

These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Cadillac Deville, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac Deville has 1,046 complaints on record across 6 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Cadillac Deville has 20 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 108 of the Cadillac Deville's 1,046 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Cadillac Deville vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Cadillac Deville vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Cadillac Deville has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Cadillac Deville by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Cadillac Deville.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Cadillac Deville reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Cadillac Deville reliable?

Poor. The Cadillac Deville has 1,046 NHTSA owner complaints and 20 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Cadillac Deville years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (248 complaints), 2001 (190 complaints), 2002 (182 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Cadillac Deville problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (289 complaints); STEERING (143 complaints); AIR BAGS (140 complaints).

Does the Cadillac Deville have recalls?

Yes — 20 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Cadillac Deville. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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