Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Deville year — the 1991 model ranks #16 of 34 Deville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 31 reports (30% of the total).
105
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
4
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
10
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 31 | 30% | — flat |
| Engine | 17 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 7 | 7% | — flat |
| Airbags | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE UPPER TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE TRANSAXLE END OF THE LINE ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF SEPARATION OF THE COUPLING, AN OIL LEAK CAN OCCUR WHICH, WHEN EXPOSED TO AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UPPER TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER LINE TO THE TRANSAXLE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR , RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK”
“THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOUR MILES, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN COOLING FAN. DEALER CONTACTED. NLM PER INSPECTION, THEY FOUND THE HOT SPOT WAS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE FENDER AND THE TIRE HAD…”
“PARKED VEHICLE, NOTICE SMOKE AND FLAME COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. HOOD WOULD NOT UNLATCH, FIREMAN PUT HOLE IN TOP OF HOOD TO OUTEN THE FIRE. ADJUSTOR SAYS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FIRE. JUST HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND REPLACE THE FILTER.”
“FUEL LINE CONNECTOR LOCK RETAINER DISCONNECTED FROM INADVERTENT RELEASE. WITHOUT RETAINER THE FUEL LINE WILL DISCONNECT WHEN THE DEVICE IS ROTATED 1/8 TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. ONE OF THE RETAINERS WAS MISSING, AND FILTER SPECIFIED FOR VEHICLE DID NOT FIT. *AK”
“WHEN DRIVING 45 MILES MPH AND WHEN REMOVING FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL AT 45 MPH. ONLY AFTER GOING A DISTANCE WILL THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY REDUCE SPEED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 1991 model at #16 of 34 Deville years. It is one of the Deville years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (31 complaints), engine (17 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations 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.