Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Seville year — the 1992 model ranks #11 of 29 Seville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (4), speed control (4), and engine (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
31
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 4 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 3 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO STEERING RACK LOWER COUPLING PINCH BOLT MAY BE MISSING.
Consequence
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND SHAFT DISENGAGEMENT OCCURS, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCED BY THE DRIVER WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL PINCH BOLT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“HAD CRUISE CONTROL ON; STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES; ROAD WAS DRY & CLEAR AT THE TIME. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE & VEHICLE DID 180 DEGREE TURN & LANDED IN DITCH & BOTH REAR WHEEL AXLES BROKE. WHEELS SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. *AK”
“VEHICLE WAS HIT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE AT SUCH A HARD IMPACT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND HIT A STEEL POLE HEAD-ON. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY . DEFECT CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT STEERING WHEEL WITH CHEST AND BROKE RIBS. OTHERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ALSO INJURES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.…”
“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SITTING AT A LIGHT THE VAPORS ARE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HERE SINCE BACK IN 1994, AND THE DEAL CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“WHEN TURNING CAR OFF THEFT SYSTEM PRVENTS STARTING OF CAR. PLATED GOLD ON IGNITION KEY GRADUALLY FLAKES OFF, AND SHORTS OUT THEFT SYSTEM. *AK”
“HAD CRUISE CONTROL ON; STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES; ROAD WAS DRY & CLEAR AT THE TIME. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE & VEHICLE DID 180 DEGREE TURN & LANDED IN DITCH & BOTH REAR WHEEL AXLES BROKE. WHEELS SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1992 model at #11 of 29 Seville years. It is one of the Seville years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (4 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Cadillac Seville. 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 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.