CADILLAC SEVILLE · model year

1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE

135 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1997CADILLACSEVILLE carries 135 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 8 fires, 5 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1997 SEVILLE is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 8 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline (7) and engine and engine cooling:engine (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 1997 SEVILLE, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

135
Complaints
4
Crashes
8
Fires
5
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

135 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL6
STEERING:RACK AND PINION5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
STEERING4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
SUSPENSION4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS3

Recent Complaints

20210415ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,007.

Mileage: 89,007

20210415ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,007.

Mileage: 89,007

20170424FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND INDICATED THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL AND RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW-UP TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

20170424FireSEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND INDICATED THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL AND RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW-UP TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

20140606ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIFTEEN TIMES WITHIN AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN

Mileage: 137,000

20130730FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

HIT A SPEED BUMP - LOUD NOISE - COULD BARELY BRAKE - AVOID COLLISION AND AFTER EVENTUALLY BEING ABLE TO STOP; LOOKED UNDER CAR AND FLUID GUSHING OUT LIKE A RAINSTORM. CALL INSURANCE COMPANY WHO STATED IT WAS A COLLISION; HOWEVER, REPAIR SHOP AND ADJUSTER FOR INSURANCE COMPANY STATED IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN DUE TO RUSTING AND CRACKING OF BRAKE LINE, ETC. AND WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR - AUTO REPAIR DID SEND A PAPER SHOWING A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BY NHTSA ID: 04V110000 ON JUNE 2, 2004 DEALING WITH FUEL SYSTEM AND THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION WHICH MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. I INFORMED NOT ONLY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE REPAIR SHOP, AND I ALSO CALLED CADILLAC AT L-8---458-8006, ABOUT THIS RECALL AND SINCE I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM CADILLAC, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THEM. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR

Mileage: 87,200

20130730FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

HIT A SPEED BUMP - LOUD NOISE - COULD BARELY BRAKE - AVOID COLLISION AND AFTER EVENTUALLY BEING ABLE TO STOP; LOOKED UNDER CAR AND FLUID GUSHING OUT LIKE A RAINSTORM. CALL INSURANCE COMPANY WHO STATED IT WAS A COLLISION; HOWEVER, REPAIR SHOP AND ADJUSTER FOR INSURANCE COMPANY STATED IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN DUE TO RUSTING AND CRACKING OF BRAKE LINE, ETC. AND WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR - AUTO REPAIR DID SEND A PAPER SHOWING A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BY NHTSA ID: 04V110000 ON JUNE 2, 2004 DEALING WITH FUEL SYSTEM AND THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION WHICH MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. I INFORMED NOT ONLY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE REPAIR SHOP, AND I ALSO CALLED CADILLAC AT L-8---458-8006, ABOUT THIS RECALL AND SINCE I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM CADILLAC, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THEM. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR

Mileage: 87,200

20120719FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PARKED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 81,000

20100225FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON FEBRUARY 18, 2010 I HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR 5 HRS AFTER BEING DRIVEN. *TR

Mileage: 173,000

20091026STEERING

97 CADILLAC SEVILLE,CLUNCKING IN FRONT END ,RACK AND PINION,CAN FEEL THE NOISE COMING FROM INSIDE THE RACK AND PINION. STEERING SEEMS TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT OR IN A TURN. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

20090927SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKE LINE FAILURE - 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS - 4.6L ENGINE - REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED - DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND ABRASION CAUSED BY NORMAL USAGE - BRAKE FLUID LOSS LEADS TO NO PEDDLE PRESSURE AND GREATLY DIMINISHED OR ZERO BRAKING CAPABILITY. SUGGEST RECALL TO INSPECT ABRADED BRAKES LINES. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

20090617FireFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 STARTING. FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND WERE EXTINGUISHED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FIRE. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH WAS ESCALATED TO HIGHER AUTHORITIES. THE CONTACT IS AWAITING A CALL BACK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 144,000.

Mileage: 144,000

20090605ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT (MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED) AT A VAST RATE. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY. IN ADDITION, THE HEATING GAUGE WOULD SPORADICALLY MOVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY PERFORMING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20090429SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATE SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING NON-ABS APPLICATIONS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000. UPDATED 6/22/09 *CN THE HORN, FAN BLOWER AND STABILIZER LINK WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/25/09.*JB

Mileage: 138,000

20090429SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATE SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING NON-ABS APPLICATIONS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000. UPDATED 6/22/09 *CN THE HORN, FAN BLOWER AND STABILIZER LINK WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/25/09.*JB

Mileage: 138,000

20090429ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATE SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING NON-ABS APPLICATIONS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000. UPDATED 6/22/09 *CN THE HORN, FAN BLOWER AND STABILIZER LINK WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/25/09.*JB

Mileage: 138,000

20090429ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATE SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING NON-ABS APPLICATIONS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000. UPDATED 6/22/09 *CN THE HORN, FAN BLOWER AND STABILIZER LINK WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/25/09.*JB

Mileage: 138,000

20080905STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,020.

Mileage: 130,000

20080812SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60 TO 65 MILES AN HOUR, THE DISTANCE BEFORE THE MALFUNCTION BEGAN WAS APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES BEFORE MY BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY WERE APPLIED DURING A NON BRAKING APPLICATION. THE CADILLAC STS SLOWED DOWN INTO A CAR THAT HIT MY REAR BUMPER. I TRIED TO RECOVER FROM THE BUMP. AS AN RESULT, THE MOMENTUM SENT ME INTO A ROCKY BUT GRASSY DITCHED AREA ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT OF THE EBTCM FAILING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY BUMPER WAS DAMAGED, FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED, ALONG WITH MY STEERING AND STRUTS. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH THIS DEFECTIVE EBTCM AND THE REMEDY HAS BEEN THAT A INSPECTOR WILL EVALUATE THE CAR THEN NEXT(....) I WILL BE NOTIFIED WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL REPAIRED. THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED MAJORITY OF THE TIME SINCE MY INCIDENT. I'M WAITING FOR THE INSPECTOR TO CALL AND SCHEDULE AN DATE TO VIEW VEHICLE. AFTER THE DATE OF ACCIDENT, I WENT TO GET A DIAGNOSIS OF THE DAMAGE FROM AN AUTHORIZED CADILLAC DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME I W

Mileage: 120,100

20080812ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60 TO 65 MILES AN HOUR, THE DISTANCE BEFORE THE MALFUNCTION BEGAN WAS APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES BEFORE MY BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY WERE APPLIED DURING A NON BRAKING APPLICATION. THE CADILLAC STS SLOWED DOWN INTO A CAR THAT HIT MY REAR BUMPER. I TRIED TO RECOVER FROM THE BUMP. AS AN RESULT, THE MOMENTUM SENT ME INTO A ROCKY BUT GRASSY DITCHED AREA ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT OF THE EBTCM FAILING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY BUMPER WAS DAMAGED, FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED, ALONG WITH MY STEERING AND STRUTS. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH THIS DEFECTIVE EBTCM AND THE REMEDY HAS BEEN THAT A INSPECTOR WILL EVALUATE THE CAR THEN NEXT(....) I WILL BE NOTIFIED WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL REPAIRED. THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED MAJORITY OF THE TIME SINCE MY INCIDENT. I'M WAITING FOR THE INSPECTOR TO CALL AND SCHEDULE AN DATE TO VIEW VEHICLE. AFTER THE DATE OF ACCIDENT, I WENT TO GET A DIAGNOSIS OF THE DAMAGE FROM AN AUTHORIZED CADILLAC DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME I W

Mileage: 120,100

Compare 1997CADILLACSEVILLE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE have?
The 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE has 135 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 8 fires, 5 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE?
The most-complained component for the 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE.
Is the 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.