The 2001 Cadillac Deville has 4 safety recalls and 175 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (46 complaints).
Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints175filed by owners
Crashes · fires23 · 3reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths23 · 0reported in complaints
2001 Cadillac Deville in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
NHTSA recall 14V355000 · Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER LAP AND/OR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS THAT MAY NOT REMAIN LOCKED UP AS DESIGNED DURING A CRASH IN WHICH THE BELT PRETENSIONERS DEPLOY.
Risk: IN SUCH A CRASH, THIS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN INJURY FOR THAT OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINER KIT IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 31, 2003. 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 CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
Structure › Body
NHTSA recall 01V172000 · May 23, 2001 · 47,560 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SEDANS, HEARSE, AND LIMOUSINE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THESE VEHICLES HAVE SUNVISOR CENTER SUPPORTS WITH CERTAIN RADII LESS THAN THE 3.2MM REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Risk: RADII LESS THAN 3.2MM CAN INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF CERTAIN TYPES OF INJURIES, LIKE LACERATIONS, IF AN OCCUPANT CONTACTS THE SUPPORT DURING A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUNVISOR CENTER SUPPORTS WITH REDESIGNED SUPPORTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2001. 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 CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
NHTSA recall 00V347000 · Oct 30, 2000 · 116,682 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSE, AND LIMOUSINES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THESE VEHICLES HAVE SEAT BELTS THAT MAY NOT MEET THE 30-POUND PUSH BUTTON RELEASE EFFORT REQUIREMENT OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: HIGH RELEASE EFFORTS COULD MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR A CRASH VICTIM TO RELEASE THE BELT AND EXIT THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE LATCH PLATES OR REPLACE THE RETRACTOR. DEALERS WILL ALSO ADD "SNAP ON" LATCH CLIPS TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL OF INVERTED LATCH PLATE INSERTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE BEGAN MAY 29, 2001, AND THE SECOND PHASE BEGAN JULY 6, 2001. 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 CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2001 Cadillac DeVille 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
DeVille
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system 12v/24v/48v battery; Horn
46
4
2
4
92,250 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
39
1
2
1
45,747 mi
Steering Steering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist system
20
1
0
1
90,000 mi
Air bags Frontal; Side/window
19
14
0
14
74,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Foundation components
16
3
1
1
47,501 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
May 15, 2025 · 125,041 milesElectrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 1990 Cadillac Brougham. The contact purchased the vehicle from a dealer on eBay on 05/15/2025. The vehicle was shipped to the contact. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the Sales Agreement and the odometer indicated the mileage was 46,260. In addition, the contact stated that the Sales Advertisement indicated that the mileage was 46,260. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for service. The contact was informed of several needed repairs. The contact then became suspicious of the odometer. The contact later acquired a Carfax report. The Carfax report indicated that in 2016 the vehicle received an Emissions Test, and the…
Feb 6, 2022Electrical system All light come on in engine
Jun 1, 2019Structure › Body WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR ONE DAY THE DASHBOARD HAD FALLEN WITHOUT ME KNOWING WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I ASKED AROUND TO SEE IF IT WAS A WAY TO FIX IT OR IF THEY HAD KNOWN ANYONE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I USE MY VEHICLE TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND IT'S THE ONLY CAR I HAVE BUT THE CONDITION OF THE CAR IS GETTING WORSE AND THE DASHBOARD IS COMING APART MORE.
Mar 4, 2019 · 115,000 milesAir bags THE DASHBOARD IS LITERALLY FALLING DOWN IN TO YOUR LEGS AND FEET. I HAD A LARGE PIECE FALL ON MY LEGS AND FEET WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WORK DONE ON THE CAR WHERE THEY HAVE TO REMOVE THE DASHBOARD. THERE ARE PIECES OF BLACK PLASTIC THAT FALL OUT OF THE DASHBOARD AREA ALL THE TIME. I HAVE HAD TO TAPE THE LIGHT SWITCHES INTO PLACE WITH DUCT TAPE. AND THE RADIO AND A/C CONTROL AREA I HAVE PROPED UP WITH A SHELF BRACKET TO TRY AND HOLD IT IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A COUNTY ROAD WHEN THE LARGE PIECE FELL DOWN.
Sep 2, 2018 · 90,000 milesElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE "CHECK SERVICE AIR LEVELING SYSTEM" AND "BATTERY CHARGING" WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jan 5, 2017 · 103,000 milesEngine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER CRANK SHIFT POSITION SENSORS, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE SENSORS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
Oct 17, 2016 · 78,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH GOING 48MPH AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG OR ANY OTHER AIR DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS SO MUCH DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALED A COMPLETE LOSS. I WOULD LIKE CAR TO BE INSPECTED FOR FAULTY AIR BAGS AND ALSO FRONT END FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT AS DID NOT HOLD UP WELL WITH CRASH. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD 78,000 MILES AND WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION PRIOR TO CRASH. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS AND WITH THAT MUCH DAMAGE AND SPEED THEY SHOULD OF BEEN DEPLOYED THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY VIOLATION. I WAS DRIVING EAST BOUND AT 48 MPH CAR IN FRONT SLAMMED ON BRAKES I TRIED TO AVOID THEM AND WENT TO THE RIGHT BUT THERE WAS A POLE AND ANOTHER TRUCK SO I…
Jul 15, 2016 · 177,000 milesSuspension TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BATTERY ACID. AS A RESULT, THE REAR AXLE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE04060 · opened Aug 17, 2004 · closed Feb 3, 2005FAILING SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON AUGUST 17, 2004, ODI OPENED AN INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS AND ONE INSURANCE COMPANY REPORT ALLEGING DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT UNBUCKLING DURING CRASHES ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 CADILLAC DEVILLE SEDANS.ON OCTOBER 8, 2004, GM SUBMITTED DATA TO ODI RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS DATA CONTAINED INFORMATION ABOUT SYSTEM DESIGN, SYSTEM OPERATION, SEAT BELT BUCKLE TESTING AND CONSUMER COMPLAINTS.BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF THE DATA, ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED REGARDING SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF UNWANTED SEATBELT UNBUCKLING DURING A CRASH.AT THIS TIME, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF…
