Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1982 Cadillac Deville — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
12
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 3 | 25% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 8% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 8% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 8% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 8% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 8% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FUEL FILTERS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT THREADED FITTING. THE INCORRECT FITTING IS SIMILIAR ENOUGH IN SIZE THAT THE FUEL FILTER MAY APPEAR TO BE CORRECTLY THREADED ONTO THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence
REPLACE THE FILTERS WITH THE CORRECT FILTERS.
Remedy
THE IMPROPER THREADING COULD CAUSE A GASOLINE LEAK WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND STEPPED ON ACCELERATOR AND CAR SPED UP AND WENT OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKING WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE.”
“THE DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND STEPPED ON ACCELERATOR AND CAR SPED UP AND WENT OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKING WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE.”
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (3 complaints), other (1 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.