1997 Cadillac Deville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 339 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.8 times the median Deville year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 34 Deville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (74), engine (52), and fuel system (41), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

339

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Deville years?

Deville NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Deville years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Cadillac Deville problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	74	22%	▲ up
Engine	52	15%	— flat
Fuel System	41	12%	— flat
Electrical System	35	10%	▲ up
Lighting	32	9%	▲ up
Steering	24	7%	▼ down
Suspension	15	4%	▲ up
Transmission	11	3%	— flat
Airbags	10	3%	▼ down
Other	9	3%	▲ up
Seats	8	2%	— flat
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	7	2%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	5	1%	▲ up
Body & Structure	5	1%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	5	1%	▼ down
Speed Control	3	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	3	1%	— flat

Does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

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

04V110000Fuel SystemMarch 4, 2004 · 483,477 units

Defect

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

97V064000BrakesApril 28, 1997 · 156,910 units

Defect

THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RECALL # 97V064000 GM/ABS; AFTER HAVING RECALL PERFORMED OWNER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON 7/28/98. SAME PART WAS REPLACED ON 10/14/98 BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE REPLACED BY THE FIRST DEALERSHIP.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 26, 1998 · crash

“UPON STARTING THE CAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, THE ENGINE BACKFIRED THROUGH THE INDUCTION SYSTEM STARTING AN ENGINE FIRE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED IT HAD CAUSED ENOUGH DAMAGE THAT THE CAR HAD TO BE JUNKED. *KB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 11, 2011 · fire

“I WAS TRAVELLING AT 80 MPH IN THE FAR LEFT LANE WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER- THE GAS INDICATOR INDICATED THAT I HAD 5 GALLONS OF GAS LEFT AND COULD GO 110 + MILES. YET WHEN I FINALLY GOT THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, IT INDICATED EMPTY. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 26, 1999

“AFTER PARKING VEHICLE A FIRE DEVELOPED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SPREAD INTO THE INTERIOR. CAUSE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 19, 2002 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN HIGH WIND WHEN COVER FOR RIGHT FRONT HEADLAMP FELL OFF. THEN, IT STARTED RAINING WHICH CAUSED HEADLAMP BULB TO GO OUT. CONSUMER WAS STOPPED BY STATE POLICE WHO INFORMED HIM THAT HEADLIGHT WAS OUT. *AK HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND THE SAME DAY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 16, 2001

1997 Cadillac Deville — common questions

Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 339 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 of 34 Deville years. It is one of the Deville years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Deville problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (74 complaints), engine (52 complaints), fuel system (41 complaints).

Does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1997 compare to other Deville years?

What are the most common 1997 Cadillac Deville problems?

Does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Cadillac Deville — common questions

Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville reliable?

What are the most common 1997 Deville problems?

Does the 1997 Cadillac Deville have recalls?

Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville under NHTSA investigation?

Which Cadillac Deville years should you avoid?

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