VehicleVerdict

2002 Cadillac Seville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Seville year — the 2002 model ranks #7 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 (12), engine (10), and electrical system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Seville years?

Seville NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Seville years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Cadillac Seville problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1218%
Engine1015%
Electrical System812%
Steering711%
Transmission58%
Airbags46%
Brakes46%
Lighting35%
Body & Structure35%
Seat Belts23%
Fuel System23%
Speed Control12%
Seats12%
Other12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2002 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V238000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 2003 · 102,212 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence

FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

02V067000SteeringMarch 6, 2002 · 249 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.

Consequence

IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH VIBRATION ON CADILLAC SEVILLE STS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN BETWEEN 50 AND 75 MPH AND NO GM DEALER COULD FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT WITH THE CAR AND GM HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT, I STARTED HAVING BACKACHE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ALSO CHECK THIS WEBSITE A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 1, 2006

“WHILE STOPPED BEHIND 3 VEHICLES AT A STOPLIGHT I FLORIDA A FEMALE WHO SAID SHE WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH DRIVING HER HUSBANDS STICK SHIFT VEHICLE STALLED OUT. TWO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME PULLED AROUND HER WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, THIS LEFT ABOUT TWENTY FEET BETWEEN MY CAR AND HERS. SHE ACCIDENTALLY PUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 14, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING, STEERING COLUMN WOULD VIBRATE/SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AND MAKE A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND THE PROBLEM REOCCURRING. *AK DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAS EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE IN THE BEARINGS. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 18, 2002

“2002 CADILLAC SEVILLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GM VEHICLES AND A SOFT BUSHING PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION AT THE THIRD CLUTCH HOUSING THAT WEARS OUT PREMATURELY AND TRANSMISSION OIL POURS OUT THE LEFT AXLE SEAL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPLACE THE OIL SEAL AND BUSHING IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 1, 2011

2002 Cadillac Seville — common questions

Is the 2002 Cadillac Seville reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 2002 model at #7 of 29 Seville years. It is one of the Seville years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Seville problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2002 Cadillac Seville have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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.

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.