Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 106 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.1 times the median Seville year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 29 Seville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (26% of the total).
106
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27 | 25% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 17 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 10 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 9 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 8 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 6 | 6% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
Consequence
THE ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE THAT COULD SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE AND ANYTHING NEAR IT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERATOR.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE AND AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WERE BEING AFFECTED BY THE FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE AND AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WERE BEING AFFECTED BY THE FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER…”
“VEHICLE HAS CONSTANT VIBRATION IN STEERING AT 65 TO 70 MPH. SELLING DEALER AND TIRE DEALER HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. INSTALLED 8 NEW GOODYEAR AND 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES, CHECKED FACTORY WHEELS AND TRANSAXLES FOR PROPER BALANCE, REPEATED WHEEL ALIGNMENTS & TIRE BALANCE FRONT/REAR HAVE…”
“APPLIED BRAKES AND FRONT END DID NOT DIP AS IT SHOULD HAVE; NO GRIPPING AS IT SHOULD HAVE; FELT GRINDING AND SLIPPAGE AS VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD WITHOUT LOSING ANY MOMENTUM. THERE WAS SUFFICIENT STOPPING DISTANCE THAT VEHICLE SPEED SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED AND STOPPED. *TR”
“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 60MPH HEARD CLICKING NOISE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE. A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON DASH. VEHICLE WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE STEERING ARM HAD 2 BOLTS AND 1 BOLT HAD FALLEN OUT AND THE SECOND BOLT WAS BARELY…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 106 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 29 Seville years. It is one of the Seville years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (27 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), suspension (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Cadillac Seville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.