1997 Cadillac Deville: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 1997 Cadillac Deville
On the 1997 Cadillac Deville, the failure owners report most often is ABS module or sensor failure, with 25 reports on file. The earliest to appear is other fuel system problem, reported by a median of 80,000 miles. Overall it scores 60 out of 100, elevated risk for a 1997.
Elevated risk for a 1997 — 185th riskiest of the 243 1997 vehicles we can rate. 339 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 1997 Cadillac Deville
Owners have reported 49 named failure modes on the 1997 Cadillac Deville, and the three most-reported carry 22% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
ABS module or sensor failure leads with 25 reports and about 0.4 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other engine problem follows with 25 reports, median 120,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
Other fuel system problem follows with 23 reports, usually reported between 62k to 100,000 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (68), engine (50) and electrical (43).
The mileage the reports cluster at
94 of the reports on the 1997 Cadillac Deville came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 82,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 18% by 50,000 miles, 68% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 80,000 and 90,000 miles, which alone holds 14% of the dated reports.
4% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, so this is mostly a story about older, higher-mileage cars.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 49. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 5 mention a crash, 9 a fire and 4 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.00, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200 and headlight failure or clouding at $150–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
18% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 25 | 6 | — | 59k | — | 0.4 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 25 | 4 | — | 121k | — | 0.4 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 23 | 16 | 62k | 81k | 101k | 0.4 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 21 | 4 | — | 67k | — | 0.3 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 21 | 3 | — | 72k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 21 | 2 | — | 69k | — | 0.3 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 19 | 9 | 58k | 92k | 138k | 0.3 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 15 | 2 | — | 76k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 13 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 10 | 2 | — | 77k | — | 0.2 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 9 | 3 | — | 82k | — | 0.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 8 | 6 | — | 86k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other steering problem | steering | 8 | 3 | — | 82k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 7 | 6 | — | 109k | — | 0.1 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 7 | 1 | — | 76k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 5 | 3 | — | 69k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 5 | 1 | — | 161k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 5 | 2 | — | 63k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 4 | 2 | — | 29k | — | 0.1 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 4 | 1 | — | 146k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 4 | 1 | — | 67k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Air suspension failure | suspension | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $900–$4,500 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 4 | 3 | — | 42k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Overheating | cooling | 3 | 3 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 3 | 1 | — | 141k | — | 0.1 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 2 | 1 | — | 73k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 102k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 138k | — | 0.0 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 48k | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 110k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 11 | 4 | — | 141k | — | 0.2 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 1997 Cadillac Deville draws about 5.6 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 85th percentile of complaint rates among 1997 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 60,434 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 1997 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
ABS module or sensor failure
1997 cadillac deville has intermittent traction control activation. Dealer could not find the problem. They stated that they could replace wireing harness at a cost of $600 but did not know if it would solve the problem. They stated that sometimes it does and at other times it does not. Informed them of a recall on ABS system and cadillac hq. Has never heard of it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Consumer complained about problems with traction control, ABS and console message center, indicating a problem with steering. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who informed consumer that these problems were not covered under a recall, and any repairs would be charged to the consumer. *ak
Other engine problem
While driving at an undetermined speed vehicle stalled, making it difficult for the driver to pull out of traffic. *ak consumed smelled gas and noticed the vehicle consumed 12 gallons instead of 4. Service center wouldn't start or move vehicle once they discovered gas stray emanating from motor. They stated consumer was lucky vehicle didn't catch fire. *ph
Vehicle burns oil excessively. *ak the vehicle may stop working at anytime. It seemed as though the engine didn't have an oil pan. The oil was changed regularly as scheduled and would burn 2 to 4 quarts between changes and began to use more between 39k to 42k miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem but would not help remedy the problem. *sc *jb
Other fuel system problem
While driving, the consumer smelled a strong gas odor. Upon inspection, the consumer noticed gas all over the vehicle's underbody. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a ruptured fuel rail. *jb
When starting the vehicle the consumer smelled gas which had come from the engine. The consumer stated the fuel rail leaked and dumped fuel on the engine. The consumer contacted a number of dealers and found many had back-order on the fuel rail. *ak cadillac was aware of the problem. (94-97's had experienced the same problem) *scc
Recalls on the 1997 model year
NHTSA has issued 2 recall campaigns covering the 1997 Cadillac Deville, affecting an estimated 99,661 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fitt and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electron. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
483,477 vehicles 2004-03-04- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
156,910 vehicles 1997-04-28- Defect
- The electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module can cause the antilock brake system (ABS) to cycle during a non-ABS brake application.
- Consequence
- This condition can result in an increase in vehicle stopping distance increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 1997 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Elevated risk for a 1997 — 185th riskiest of the 243 1997 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 10 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1997 comes out best at 60 and 2000 worst at 67, with 1997 itself at 60.
No other year of this model scores meaningfully better than 1997, so if this generation is what you want, the year is not the lever.
Within the 1996–1999 generation specifically, 1997 is the strongest year at 60 and 1998 the weakest at 62.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1996-1999 generation, 1997 Cadillac Deville scores best at 60 and 1998 Cadillac Deville worst at 62.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure from about 58k and other fuel system problem from about 62k.
On a 1997 Cadillac Deville with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
Where these figures stop being useful
339 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 339 reports, 94 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 28% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Cadillac Deville?
The most-reported failures are abs module or sensor failure (25 reports, median 60,000 miles), other engine problem (25 reports, median 120,000 miles) and other fuel system problem (23 reports, median 80,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Deville problems start?
Other fuel system problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 80,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 60,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 82,500 miles.
Is the 1997 Cadillac Deville reliable?
It scores 60 out of 100 on our risk index, which is elevated — 185th riskiest of the 243 1997 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 1997 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Cadillac Deville is best?
Within the 1996–1999 generation, 1997 scores best at 60 out of 100 and 1998 worst at 62. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed