1972 Cadillac Deville problems
The Cadillac DeVille is a model name used by Cadillac over eight generations, originally used to designate a trim level of the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and later to designate a standalone model in the brand range. The last model marketed specifically as a DeVille was the 2005 full-size sedan, at the time, Cadillac's largest model.
For 2006, the Deville nameplate was retired, when the model line was carried forward (with minor revisions) as the Cadillac DTS, using a nomenclature adopted by the Cadillac STS and CTS.
Early history
The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town". In French coach building parlance, a coupé de ville, from the French couper (to cut) i.e. shorten or reduce, was a short four-wheeled closed carriage with an inside seat for two and an outside seat for the driver and this smaller vehicle was intended for use in the town or city (de ville). An (unshortened) limousine or (in the United States) town car has a division between the passenger and driver compartments and if the driver's seat is outside it may be called a sedanca de ville or town car.
The first Cadillac "Coupe de Ville" was shown during the 1949 Motorama. It was built on a Cadillac Sixty Special chassis and featured a dummy air-scoop, chrome trim around front wheel openings, and a one-piece windshield and rear glass. The interior was black and trimmed in gray leather, including the headliner, to match the roof color. It was equipped with a telephone in the glove compartment, a vanity case and a secretarial pad in the rear armrest, power windows and highly decorative chrome interior trim. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was used by GM President Charles E. Wilson until 1957 when he presented it to his secretary. At some time during this period it acquired a dark Vicodec roof. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was found and restored in the 2010s; it was in a private collection in London, Ontario, Canada as of 2017.
The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was introduced late in the 1949 model year. Along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, it was among the first pillarless hardtop coupes ever produced. At US$3,496 ($44,768 in 2023 dollars ) it was only a dollar less than the Series 62 convertible, and like the convertible, it came with power windows standard. It was luxuriously trimmed, with leather upholstery and chrome 'bows' in the headliner to simulate the ribs of a convertible top. In its first year the Series 62 Coupe de Ville only sold 2,150 units. But 1950 sales more than doubled to 4507, and in 1951 sales more than doubled again to 10,241 exceeding the sales for the Series 62 Club Coupe that year. Also, in 1951, Coupe de Ville chrome script appeared on the rear roof pillar for the first time, to further distinguish it from the Series 62 Club Coupe.
In 1956 the Series 62 Coupe de Ville was joined by the Series 62 Sedan de Ville, Cadillac's first standard production 4-door hardtop. Similarly to the Coupe de Ville, it was also more expensive and more luxuriously trimmed than the standard 4-door Series 62. With 41,732 sold, it also easily outsold the Series 62 sedan in its very first year. Given their sales success, it was only natural that the Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville were moved to their own separate series in 1959, the Series 6300, being joined by a DeVille convertible in 1964.
Social links
Common 1972 Cadillac Deville problems
The Cadillac brand has a rich history of producing large vehicles with impressive engines. The largest Cadillac engine ever was a 500-cubic inch V8 that debuted in 1970 in the Eldorado, while other models utilized 472-inch V8s and 500-inch V8s in the following years.
In terms of wheelbase, the longest standard size Cadillac ever built was the 1930 Cadillac, which had a 140-inch wheelbase, making it the longest standard Cadillac to date.
Overall, Cadillac's history is marked by a blend of innovation, ambitious engineering endeavors, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology, making it a notable figure in the evolution of luxury vehicles and engine advancements.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What engine is in a 1972 Cadillac DeVille?
The 1972 Sedan deVille was powered by the Cadillac 7.7 litre 472 CID V8 16-valve OHV V8. It was equipped with a Rochester 4MV 4-bbl downdraft Quadrajet with equalized manifold, mechanical fuel pump, dry-type air filter, intake silencer and an improved automatic choke.
How much does a Cadillac cost in 1972?
The 1972 Eldorado proved a big success with 40,074 finding buyers (32,099 coupes and 7,975 convertibles). Base price for the coupe was $7380 and the convertible cost $7681, though it was easy to option either model past $11,000.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
How much does a Cadillac cost in 1972?
The 1972 Eldorado proved a big success with 40,074 finding buyers (32,099 coupes and 7,975 convertibles). Base price for the coupe was $7380 and the convertible cost $7681, though it was easy to option either model past $11,000.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Cadillac Coupe DeVille get?
I had a '72 CDV. 472. In general, it got 8 MPG. Now, if you were on the highway and really, really careful and didn't go over 55, you could get maybe 14.
1972 Cadillac Deville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Deville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1972 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1972 Cadillac Deville complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1972 Cadillac Deville.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-31
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK WHILE ON MECHANIC'S LIFT. (INVESTIGATOR FOR ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) (OTHER VEHICLE ON 476384) *SKD
1972 Cadillac Deville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1972 Cadillac Deville.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1972 Cadillac Deville problems:
What common problems can I anticipate if I buy a 1972 Cadillac ...
Oct 20, 2021 ... Same as any 40 year old car. Corroded electrical switches, relays and motors. Degraded rubber seals, gaskets, hoses, and mounts. General ...
1971 or 1973 DeVille | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jul 26, 2012 ... Now I'm wondering if there are any known common problems with these cars I should lookout for? I am not a car mechanic, but I have done some ...
Q&A: 1973 Cadillac Coupe DeVille - Get Expert Answers on Classic ...
Apr 30, 2012 ... For example, the most common problem that comes up with these systems (Frigidaire 6 cylinder compressor) is the loss of the front ceramic seal ...
1972 deville hazards and brake lights | Cadillac Owners Forum
Oct 3, 2004 ... I just aquired and 1972 Coupe Deville. I'm in the process of making it road worthy and I've noticed that the brake lights and hazards are ...
Thoughts on 472 caddy motor? | The H.A.M.B.
Jan 15, 2007 ... ... problems at the gas pump as ... Cadillac engine should have no problem. ... timing chain is what did in the 472 caddy engine in my 72 sedan deville.
Other years of Cadillac Deville
Are you having problems with your 1972 Cadillac Deville?
Leave your review of 1972 Cadillac Deville