Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 68 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Seville year — the 2001 model ranks #6 of 29 Seville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (10), engine (10), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
68
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 15% | — flat |
| Suspension | 10 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 8 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE LABEL. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P235/55R17 TIRES, THE TIRE PRESSURE LABEL INCORRECTLY SPECIFIES P235/60ZR16 TIRES.
Consequence
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE CAN DAMAGE TIRES, AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DT: THE CALLER SAID A NUT CAME OFF THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT. THE CALLER'S WIFE WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND SHE HEARD A CLUNG AND WHEN SHE LOOKED THE WHEEL WAS TILTED OUT ON THE BOTTOM. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO FIXED IT. MANUFACTURER CANCELED THE $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE. *AK SES LIGHT…”
“DT: THE CALLER SAID A NUT CAME OFF THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT. THE CALLER'S WIFE WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND SHE HEARD A CLUNG AND WHEN SHE LOOKED THE WHEEL WAS TILTED OUT ON THE BOTTOM. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO FIXED IT. MANUFACTURER CANCELED THE $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE. *AK SES LIGHT…”
“1. NO WARNING BEFORE FAILURE. ENGINE CRANK SENSORS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. 2. ENGINE STOPS, CAR DECELERATES, NO PS, HARD TO CONTROL, NEAR ACCIDENT FROM LACK OF CONTROL OR BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. 3. CADILLAC NORTHSTAR 2000-2001 SEVILLE CRANK SENSOR (2 PER ENGINE) REPLACED REPEATEDLY. *JB”
“WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD POPPING NOISE, AND THEN LOST TOTAL STEERING CONTROL. VEHICLE CONTINUED ON, AND HIT A CURB BEFORE STOPPING. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING LOCK UP WAS NOT DETERMINED.*AK”
“FRONT PLASTIC BUMPER CRACKED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER A 1 MPH IMPACT IN A PARKING SPACE. THE FRONT SURFACE HAS NO DAMAGE BUT THE TOP IS BADLY CRACKED WITH PIECES FALLING OUT. EITHER THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE (TOO BRITTLE) OR THE DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. IT SHOULD WITHSTAND A 5 MPH HIT. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 68 complaints put the 2001 model at #6 of 29 Seville years. It is one of the Seville years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (10 complaints), engine (10 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 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.