Model year record

1996 Cadillac Seville recalls & problems

The 1996 Cadillac Seville has 2 safety recalls and 122 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (28 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints122filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths8 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineMar 4, 2004

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 04V110000483,477 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

EquipmentNov 30, 1995

Electrical

Recall 95V2240001,408 vehicles

Problem: THE ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT DISRUPTING THE PASS KEY SYSTEM, CAUSING FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND TELL-TALES, AND A POSSIBLE NO-START CONDITION. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS;" NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT;" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK, CAUSING LOSS OF GAUGE FUNCTION AND ALL TEEL-TALE INDICATORS EXCEPT FOR ABS, SIR, PARK BRAKE AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON. THE LOSS OF ALL TELL-TALES FOR SEAT BELTS, TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAM, HAZARD, OIL PRESSURE, COOLANT TEMPERATURE, AND OTHERS RESULT IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THESE SAFETY STANDARDS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER.

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.

Fuel economy

Seville

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 24 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*
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Cooling system	28	0	2	0	78,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Ignition	24	1	1	0	85,500 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Fuel injection system › Fuel rail	21	1	2	1	87,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Steering wheel/handle bar	17	2	0	1	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	11	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	10	3	1	4	114,645 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior	9	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	6	1	0	1	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch	5	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Bumpers	4	0	1	0	—
Exterior lightingTail lights; Turn signal	4	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner; Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler	3	1	0	2	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

EngineFire
The contact owned a 1996 Cadillac Seville. The contact stated while parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vents. The contact was able to exit the vehicle, and once the contact exited the vehicle, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact was unsure if a police report was filed. No one was injured. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
May 16, 2022 · 100,000 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT INTO THE AIR BAG COMPUTER SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS AND OTHER UNKNOWN PARTS RELATED TO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.
Jan 5, 2016 · 183,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASS KEY LOCK WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 95V224000 (EQUIPMENT) AND 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Feb 2, 2015 · 117,000 miles
Air bags1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ABRASIONS TO THE RIGHT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Jun 3, 2016 · 156,000 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSORS, SPARKS PLUGS AND IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. . THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSORS,WIRING, SPARKS PLUGS AND IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IS THE SAME FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED. HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE CONTACT'S YEAR MAKE OR MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Nov 28, 2012 · 80,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLACK WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE RADIO COMPONENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 95V224000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Dec 2, 2012
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE SLS. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A GROUNDED FUSE CAUSED A FAILURE TO THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Jul 12, 2011
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) FOR A FUEL LEAK BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE ONTO THE GROUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Feb 6, 2012 · 150,000 miles

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

FUEL RAIL LEAKSClosedLed to recall 04V110000
ON MARCH 3, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MY 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES (RPO L47 - VIN8 C) TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE FROM CRACKED FUEL RAILS AND, IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, CRACKED FUEL RETURN LINES. ACCORDING TO GM, THE NYLON TUBING (PA12) USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION IN THESE VEHICLES MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK.GM'S SUPPLIER ATTRIBUTED THE CRACKING TO THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF HEAT, TIME, ALCOHOL FUEL, FUEL PRESSURE CYCLING, AND DESIGN STRESSES.IN ADDITION, GM STATED THAT THE MY 1995 AURORA USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY ALSO CRACK AT UNUSUALLY HIGH RATES.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTED OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL IN ALL OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES AND WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE IN THE MY 1995 AURORAS. ON APRIL 16, 2004,…
EA04003 · opened Feb 3, 2004 · closed Apr 23, 2004
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGEClosed
THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED BY DANA.THE FUEL RAIL JUMPER TUBES WERE MADE OF MONOLAYER NYLON 12 (PA12).IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998, THE JUMPER TUBE MATERIAL WAS CHANGED FROM PA12 TO M-BOND (A MULTI-LAYER PTFE/PA12).IN ADDITION, ALL SERVICE PARTS PRODUCED SINCE THE END OF PRODUCTION 1997 USE THE M-BOND JUMPER TUBES. MATERIAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED BY DANA ON FAILED FUEL RAILS SHOWED THAT THE MONO-LAYER NYLON 12 JUMPER TUBES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING (ESC).GM BELIEVES THE ESC IS A RESULT OF HEAT, TIME, ALCOHOL BLENDED FUEL, FUEL PRESSURE CYCLING, AND DESIGNED IN STRESS. EIGHT OF THE GM COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF ODI COMPLAINTS.ODI HAS RECEIVED 77 OF IT'S 123 COMPLAINTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.FUEL RAIL PART SALES OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS RANGE FROM 3.0 PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR THE MY 1997 CADILLAC VEHICLES TO 13.1 PERCENT FOR…
PE03050 · opened Oct 30, 2003 · closed Feb 3, 2004
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREClosed
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED…
RQ03001 · opened Jan 2, 2003 · closed Sep 15, 2003
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTClosedLed to recall 98V115000
There is no summary currently available
EA98004 · opened Feb 24, 1998 · closed Jun 16, 1998