VehicleVerdict

1989 Cadillac Deville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1989 Cadillac Deville sits mid-pack among Deville years: 66 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (33% of the total).

66

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Deville years?

Deville NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Deville years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Cadillac Deville problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control2233%
Engine914%
Brakes812%
Electrical System58%
Tires & Wheels46%
Transmission46%
Fuel System35%
Body & Structure35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Seat Belts23%
Steering23%
Seats12%
Other12%

Does the 1989 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THROTTLE STUCK AT 71 MPH CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED, WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND CONTINUED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION STRIKING A STOP SIGN WHICH FELL ON THE CAR BRAKING THE WINDSHIELD AND DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT FENDER AND SCRATCHS ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE, UPON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 6, 1998 · crash

“AT 64 MPH THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE OIL PUMP AND DEFECTIVE ENGINE BEARINGS, AT 6,000 MILES LATER SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE SAME PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED AT 3,000 MILES AND LESS. TOOK IT TO AN ENGINEERING SCHOOL AND THEY FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS IMPROPERLY ALIGNED, CAUSING BEARING AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 4, 1994

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATED, AND WENT OUT OF CONTROL. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS SOMETHING CALLED AN ACCELERATOR MOTOR THAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACE THE IDLE SPEED SENSOR.*AK FRONT CALIPERS AND ROTORS BURNED UP. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE CALIPERS, ROTORS AND FLUSHED THE BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 5, 2004

“AFTER ACCELERATING THROTTLE KEEPS PUMPING, DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND CAN NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK ALTERNATOR FAILED, FRONT BRAKES MAKE NOISES, ALSO THE FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED.*YH *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2001

1989 Cadillac Deville — common questions

Is the 1989 Cadillac Deville reliable?

It is close to typical for the Deville: 66 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1989 Deville problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (22 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 1989 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.