VehicleVerdict

1987 Cadillac Deville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1987 Cadillac Deville sits mid-pack among Deville years: 52 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (21 of 52), far ahead of brakes at 6.

52

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

2

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Deville years?

Deville NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted339 complaints1964: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 2 complaints1976: 4 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 4 complaints1979: 1 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 12 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 22 complaints1986: 27 complaints1987: 52 complaints1988: 41 complaints1989: 66 complaints1990: 111 complaints1991: 105 complaints1992: 183 complaints1993: 123 complaints1994: 185 complaints1995: 197 complaints1996: 281 complaints1997: 339 complaints1998: 310 complaints1999: 239 complaints2000: 312 complaints2001: 239 complaints2002: 237 complaints2003: 208 complaints2004: 211 complaints2005: 132 complaints
Deville NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Deville years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Cadillac Deville problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2140%
Steering612%
Brakes612%
Body & Structure48%
Transmission36%
Electrical System36%
Seats24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Other12%
Speed Control12%
Suspension12%

Does the 1987 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

87V093000BrakesJune 23, 1987 · 6,004 units

Defect

THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.

Consequence

LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.

Remedy

THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 1996 · fire

“1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 21, 1996 · fire

“CONSUMER STATED BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS A RESULT, P0WER ASSIST FOR FRONT BRAKES FAILED. RECALL 87V093000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *TC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 9, 2004

“DT: CONSUMER SAID MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME RUSTED. CONSUMER HAD HARBOR MOTORS IN MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RUSTED MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH MANUFACTURER, AND WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH ANSWER. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 26, 2005

“1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 21, 1996 · fire

1987 Cadillac Deville — common questions

Is the 1987 Cadillac Deville reliable?

It is close to typical for the Deville: 52 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1987 Deville problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (21 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 1987 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Cadillac Deville under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac Deville years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.