Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 183 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Deville year — the 1992 model ranks #12 of 34 Deville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (31), fuel system (31), and brakes (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
183
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
17
Crash-involved
15
Fires reported
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 31 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 31 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 29 | 16% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 19 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 11 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 10 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
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.
“CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHILE DRIVING ALONG- VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW UP. SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, HER HUSBAND GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT VEHICLE WAS SMOKING. HUSBAND WENT AROUND, LIFTED THE HOOD, THEN LOOKED AROUND TO THE REAR, AND SAW FIRE COMING OUT OF THE BACK OF…”
“AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAUSE NOT DETERMINED BY FIRE MARSHALL. *AK THERE WAS A RECALL 94V199 REGARDING UPPER TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSE, RECALL STATES THE HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AND CAUSE A LEAK, WHEN EXPOSED TO IGNITION SOURCE, FIRE COULD OCCUR,…”
“AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAUSE NOT DETERMINED BY FIRE MARSHALL. *AK THERE WAS A RECALL 94V199 REGARDING UPPER TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSE, RECALL STATES THE HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AND CAUSE A LEAK, WHEN EXPOSED TO IGNITION SOURCE, FIRE COULD OCCUR,…”
“DESIGN OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FLAWED, WHEN INSTALLING NEW BATTERY THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT NOTICE, THE COMPUTER UNIT NEEDS TO BE RESET AFTER INSTALLATION, INSTRUCTION MANUAL DOES NOT MENTION RESETTING OF COMPUTER.”
“AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAUSE NOT DETERMINED BY FIRE MARSHALL. *AK THERE WAS A RECALL 94V199 REGARDING UPPER TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSE, RECALL STATES THE HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AND CAUSE A LEAK, WHEN EXPOSED TO IGNITION SOURCE, FIRE COULD OCCUR,…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 183 complaints put the 1992 model at #12 of 34 Deville years. It is one of the Deville years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), fuel system (31 complaints), brakes (29 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 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.