NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Cadillac Deville Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1996 Cadillac Deville has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 217 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Cadillac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Cadillac Deville, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1996 Cadillac Deville owner complaints

Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Cadillac Deville, describing incidents dated December 1, 1995 to December 26, 2018.

Most-cited components

Steering 41 complaints
Engine 40 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 34 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 21 complaints
Service Brakes 19 complaints
Electrical System 17 complaints

Of the 217 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 217 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11164233 · Filed December 31, 2018
ONE DAY I COULD SMELL GAS FAIRLY STRONG, AND THEN I STOPPED AT A FRIENDS SHOP, OPENED THE HOOD AND YOU COULD SEE GAS SPURTING OUT. AS I WAS LOOKING UP THIS PART AND THEN SPOKE WITH SOMEONE THAT INFORMED ME THAT YES THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE FUEL RAIL AND THAT IT WAS CLOSED. OF COURSE I HAD TO…
ODI #10938535 · Filed December 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BY THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), BUT THE…
ODI #10746426 · Filed August 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Read all 217 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Cadillac Deville in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA04-003: FUEL RAIL LEAKS
Closed April 23, 2004
- Recall 04V-110
Preliminary Evaluation PE03-050: FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
Closed February 3, 2004
Recall Query RQ03-001: POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
Closed September 15, 2003
Preliminary Evaluation PE98-005: ERRATIC TURN SIGNAL OPERATION
Closed August 27, 1998
Engineering Analysis EA98-004: INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
Closed June 16, 1998
- Recall 98V-115

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

GM/FUEL RAIL TUBING

NHTSA #04V110000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 483,477 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 04014 · Owners notified June 2, 2004 · Vehicles built March 1, 1995 – June 30, 1996 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 04014.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Structure — Body — Hood — Hinge and Attachments

NHTSA #95V229000 · NHTSA notice

Reported December 5, 1995 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 12,783 vehicles

Owners notified December 22, 1995 · Vehicles built July 1, 1995 – September 1, 1995 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 113, "HOOD LATCH SYSTEM."

Safety consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SECONDARY LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD CAN CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD REDUCING THE VISION OF THE DRIVER AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH.

Notes

SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOODL ASSEMBLY; HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS; FMVSS NO. 113.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

1996 Cadillac Deville 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 1

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

5 investigations

217 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Cadillac Deville.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11164233

Incident: December 26, 2018 · Filed: December 31, 2018

ONE DAY I COULD SMELL GAS FAIRLY STRONG, AND THEN I STOPPED AT A FRIENDS SHOP, OPENED THE HOOD AND YOU COULD SEE GAS SPURTING OUT. AS I WAS LOOKING UP THIS PART AND THEN SPOKE WITH SOMEONE THAT INFORMED ME THAT YES THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE FUEL RAIL AND THAT IT WAS CLOSED. OF COURSE I HAD TO PARK IT TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING ON FIRE.. IT'S A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE AND IT'S IN MINT CONDITION. I AM ASKING FOR SOME HELP IN GETTING THIS REPAIRED/REPLACED.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10938535

Incident: December 3, 2016 · Filed: December 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE BY THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Seat Belts

ODI #10746426

Incident: August 15, 2014 · Filed: August 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Seat Belts

ODI #10731936

Incident: June 29, 2015 · Filed: July 4, 2015

MY SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT LATCH. THE TONGUE WILL NOT INSERT INTO THE BUCKLE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO GM/ CADILLAC AND WAS TOLD TO VISIT THE LOCAL DEALER. THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEALER IN ZANESVILLE, OHIO TOLD ME THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SINCE I NEVER USE THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT AND IT HAS THE IDENTICAL BUCKLE, MY SUGGESTION WAS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT FOR THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT AND USE THE BUCKLE FOR MY DRIVER'S SEAT. I WAS TOLD FOR LEGAL REASON THEY COULD NOT DO THIS. SO IT IS OK FOR ME THE DRIVER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT WHEN THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH GM BUT IS AVAILABLE IN MY MIDDLE BACK SEAT WHICH IS NEVER USED. I NOTICED THE 91 CADILLAC DEVILLE HAD A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM.

Engine

ODI #10480161

Incident: March 1, 2012 · Filed: October 15, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN HOT AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THEIR COST AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEM NOT TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. A LETTER WAS WRITTEN TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST IN THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10396042

Incident: March 14, 2011 · Filed: April 15, 2011

MY FATHER PURCHASED A 1996 SEDAN DEVILLE BRAND NEW. HE PASSED AWAY IN APRIL 1998. MY MOTHER DROVE THE CAR UNTIL THIS YEAR. SHE GAVE ME THE CAR. THE CAR HAS APPROX 17,000 MILES. I JUST FOUND OUT THE CAR HAS A BLOWN REAR HEAD GASKET. I REALIZE THE CAR IS 15 YRS OLD BUT I FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THE CAR WAS NEVER ABUSED AND STILL SMELLS NEW INSIDE. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH GM? *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10364962

Incident: October 15, 2010 · Filed: November 8, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) YET THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PLASTIC TUBING CONNECTED TO THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL FAILED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPRAY INTO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TUBING WAS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED THEREFORE THEY COULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Visibility

ODI #10354918

1 injury

Incident: August 3, 2010 · Filed: September 10, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI FREEZE CAME OVER THE FIREWALL AND CAUSED SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO HIS FEET. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEATER CORE FAILED ON THE VEHICLE AND ALLOWED THE ANTI FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167000.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10350630

Incident: August 15, 2010 · Filed: August 19, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED UNTIL HEAVY PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,201.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10264496

Incident: March 31, 2009 · Filed: April 8, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE ODOR WAS PRESENT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONTRIBUTED TO FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE. THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DISCONTINUED AND THE REPLACEMENT COMPONENT WOULD COST $400. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY;HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Other Cadillac Deville model years

Check your 1996 Cadillac Deville VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Cadillac Deville at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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