Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 123 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Deville year — the 1993 model ranks #14 of 34 Deville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (24), transmission (19), and electrical system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
123
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
18
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 24 | 20% | — flat |
| Transmission | 19 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 13 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 11 | 9% | — flat |
| Suspension | 10 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 7% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 7 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 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.
“CONSUMER HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO GET ASSISTANCE FROM GM REGARDING ABS BRAKE REPAIRS, CONSUMER STATES GM HAD RECALLED MANY GM CARS AND TRUCKS FOR THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED, CONSUMER WAS ONLY GIVEN A CERTIFICATE TO USE WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR, CONSUMER CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY A…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BURNING AND LEAKING A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL. THE CONTACT ALWAYS NOTICED OIL SPOTS ON THE GROUND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR A WHILE, SMOKE WILL APPEAR FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE, RATHER THAN THE HOOD.…”
“NO ENGINE LIGHT ON THE CONSOLE CAME ON TO WARREN CONSUMER OF ENGINE TROUBLE. SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE HOOD, AND WHEN CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT AFTER LIFTING THE HOOD,THE ENGINE BURSTED INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT OUT FIRE. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED BECAUSE THE…”
“CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES LIKE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGES(CRUISE CONTROL IS OFF) AND UNABLE TO DISENGAGE BY APPLING BRAKES.DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE EXACT CAUSE.LATEST INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE TURNING CORNER, CAUSING CAR TO ACCELERATE WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE AND CROSS OVER CENTER LINE,SLIDING…”
“REAR STRUT FAILED TO OPERATE BEFOR REACHING A 100,000 MILE OF WEAR. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE NORMAL. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 123 complaints put the 1993 model at #14 of 34 Deville years. It is one of the Deville years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (24 complaints), transmission (19 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.