1989 Cadillac Seville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1989 Cadillac Seville — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Seville years?

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

See all Seville years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Cadillac Seville problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	2	40%	▼ down
Engine	1	20%	▼ down
Other	1	20%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	20%	— flat

Does the 1989 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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).

89V055000BrakesApril 5, 1989 · 634 units

Defect

ONE OR BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD LOOSEN.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE ABSHYDRAULIC UNIT FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONAND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. WHEN APPLIED BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THEY SQUEAK AND HISS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 1998

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CONTACT FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES BEFORE OR AFTER THE INSPECTION. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ALLOW THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 2007

1989 Cadillac Seville — common questions

Is the 1989 Cadillac Seville reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1989 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Cadillac Seville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Cadillac Seville years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Seville years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2002, 1994, 2000, 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among Seville years belongs to 1982.

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 1989 compare to other Seville years?

What are the most common 1989 Cadillac Seville problems?

Does the 1989 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1989 Cadillac Seville — common questions

Is the 1989 Cadillac Seville reliable?

Does the 1989 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

Which Cadillac Seville years should you avoid?

Related