VehicleVerdict

1997 Cadillac Seville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 135 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.0 times the median Seville year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 29 Seville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (23), fuel system (22), and brakes (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

135

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

5

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Seville years?

Seville NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted156 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 14 complaints1988: 15 complaints1989: 5 complaints1990: 24 complaints1991: 28 complaints1992: 31 complaints1993: 53 complaints1994: 66 complaints1995: 87 complaints1996: 156 complaints1997: 135 complaints1998: 78 complaints1999: 106 complaints2000: 57 complaints2001: 68 complaints2002: 66 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 12 complaints
Seville NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Seville years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Cadillac Seville problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2317%
Fuel System2216%
Brakes1813%
Steering1612%
Electrical System1511%
Lighting118%
Airbags64%
Suspension64%
Visibility & Wipers54%
Tires & Wheels43%
Other32%
Body & Structure21%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Transmission11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1997 Cadillac Seville 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.

“FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REGARDING A MAN THAT WAS KILLED DURING AN ENGINE FIRE.*MR THE ATTORNEY REQUEST ALL INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY COMPLAINTS/RECALLS OF FUEL LINE PROBLEM OR FIRES IN THE 1995, 1996, AND 1996 OLDSMOBILE AURORA THE 1995, 1996 AND 1997 CADILLAC EL DORADO, CADILLAC SEVILLE OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1901 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. LESS THAN 72 HOURS LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UPON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 12, 2008 · fire

“DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS PAST THE 75000 WARRANTY MILAGE. THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUBBED A HOLE IN A RIGGED STEEL LINE BY RUBBING UP AGAINST THE FRAME OF THE CAR.THE REGIONAL FIELD REP. DID NOT EVEN WANT TO LOOK AT IT. THEY WERE TAKING WHAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS SAY ABOUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 25, 2000

“SMOKE AND SMELL OF ELECTRICAL FIRE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO GM CADILLAC DEALER. THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM IN OTHER CADILLAC'S "SEVERAL TIMES". THE TURNSIGNAL SWITCH MELTED. THEY REPLACED TURNSIGNAL SWITCH & CANCELING CAMS. REASEEMBLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 1, 2005 · fire

“SMOKE AND SMELL OF ELECTRICAL FIRE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO GM CADILLAC DEALER. THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM IN OTHER CADILLAC'S "SEVERAL TIMES". THE TURNSIGNAL SWITCH MELTED. THEY REPLACED TURNSIGNAL SWITCH & CANCELING CAMS. REASEEMBLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2005 · fire

1997 Cadillac Seville — common questions

Is the 1997 Cadillac Seville reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 135 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 29 Seville years. It is one of the Seville years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Seville problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), fuel system (22 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 1997 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

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

Is the 1997 Cadillac Seville under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.