Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1978 Cadillac Deville — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 25% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAVING AN EXTENSION, OR RUBBER FLAP, AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PEDAL. THIS PEDAL FLAP COULD BE INADVERTENTLY DISPLACED BY A FLOOR COVERING AND WEDGED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN A MANNER THAT CAN INFLUENCE THE THROTTLE SETTING AND INCREASE THE ENGINE IDLE RPM.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE RUBBER FLAP FROM THE ACCELERATOR.
Defect
IF PAPER OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ARE PLACED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ASHTRAY RECEPTACLE, THEY COULD BECOME IGNITED AND FLAMES FROM THE FIRE MAY REACH THE INTERIOR OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy
OWNER WILL BE SENT A METAL HEAT SHIELD TO BE INSTALLED ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, EITHER BY THE OWNER OR BY THE DEALER.
Defect
THE REAR WHEEL MOUNTING BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, ARE BRITTLE AND THEREFORE MAY FRACTURE. THIS BRITTLENESS IS DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. IF THE BOLTS BREAK, THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE BOLTS ON ALL AXLES AND THE TEN REAR AXLE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLTS, FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS". THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY CRACK AND ALLOW WASHER FLUID TO DRAIN OUT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT THE WASHER BOTTLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“JETZON INNOVATION TIRE, P225/75R15, DOT U9HH, RCJ, 5110, D121, RADIAL DENSION 0341, 44210-1, R25502. THIS TIRE WAS MOUNTED AND IMMEDIATELY SEPARATED WHEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE AT HOME. THE OBVIOUS PROBLEM IS THE RUSTED STEEL IT WAS MANUFACTURED ON AND THE LACK OF ADHESION TO IT. I INFORMED THE…”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Deville years to avoid are 1997, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2003, 1995, 1994, 1992, 2005, 1993, 1990, 1991. The cleanest record among Deville years belongs to 1972.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.