1974 Cadillac Deville problems

General information about Cadillac-Deville
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

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Common 1974 Cadillac Deville problems

The 1974 Cadillac Coupe DeVille is a car that has been appreciated for its style and luxury, but like any other car, it has its common problems. Here are some of the issues that have been reported by owners:

Radio: Another issue that has been reported is the radio. The search results indicate that the radio in a 1974 Coupe DeVille may have a problem with the volume dial, which can be quirky and sometimes does not work as it should. The radio may only come to life if the volume is turned to maximum, and some of the speakers may not work at all.

Seat Back Locks: The search results also indicate that the seat back locks in the 1974 Coupe DeVille may need to be repaired or replaced. One owner found a way to remove the seat back lock mechanism without disassembling the whole front seat and replaced it with a new one.

Convertible Top: For those who own the convertible version of the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado, the search results indicate that the convertible top is a "sissor top" design, which is complex and can cost $1500 to $2000 to repair and recover. It is recommended to take the car to someone with experience with this type of top.

Exhaust Manifold: The search results also indicate that the right-side exhaust manifold in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may crack. This is a common problem that can add up over time.

Climate Control A/C Controller: The climate control A/C controller in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may also be a problem. This is a minor issue, but it can add up over time.

Bumper Fillers: The search results indicate that the bumper fillers in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may crack and need to be replaced. Repros are available in ABS.

Wood Grain Wheel Insert: The wood grain wheel insert in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may flake out, which is a hard-to-find part.

CV Joints: The CV joints in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may also be a problem. It is recommended to make sharp turns in a parking lot and listen for clicking.

Door Panels: The door panels in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may crack, which is another minor issue that can add up over time.

Brake Calipers: The search results indicate that the brake calipers in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado may need to be replaced every year or so. It is recommended to change the brake hoses and use new brake fluid to prevent this problem.

Transmission: The search results do not indicate any specific problems with the transmission in the 1974 Cadillac Eldorado, but one owner asked if it is possible to put in another transmission than the 3-gear TH425 to get fuel consumption down.

In summary, the 1974 Cadillac Coupe DeVille and Eldorado have several common problems, including issues with the air conditioning compressor, radio, seat back locks, convertible top, exhaust manifold, climate control A/C controller, bumper fillers, wood grain wheel insert, CV joints, door panels, brake calipers, and transmission. These issues can add up over time and may require repairs or replacement parts. However, with proper maintenance and care, these cars can provide a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

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 did a Cadillac cost in 1974?

The 1974 Sedan de Ville was 230.7 inches long, with a 130-inch wheelbase. Curb weight was 5032 pounds. As the middle-tier Cadillac, these were pricey but not too bank busting—for a Caddy, anyway. The '74 Sedan de Ville had a base price of $8100 ($48,083 today), and 60,419 were produced for the model year.

What size engine is in a 1974 Cadillac DeVille?

Cadillac De Ville 7.7 V8 OHV 6th Generation 223ps, (1971 - 1974)

What was the last year Cadillac DeVille was made?

2005

DEVILLE. The Deville (discontinued in 2005) and its technology and prestige were synonymous with Cadillac. Its 4.6L Northstar V8 featured an electronically controlled ignition to optimize combustion and power.

What years of DeVille to avoid?

Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles

How much did a Cadillac cost in 1974?

What size engine is in a 1974 Cadillac DeVille?

Cadillac De Ville 7.7 V8 OHV 6th Generation 223ps, (1971 - 1974)

What was the last year Cadillac DeVille was made?

2005

1974 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:

Wheels problems
Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1974 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1974 Cadillac Deville complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1974 Cadillac Deville.

1999-01-20

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-12-22
Fire: 1
Components: WHEELS
Summary: RIGHT WHEEL GRINDING AND PULLING RESULTING IN FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).

Add Complaint

1995-02-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-10-22
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: WHEN USING ON EMERGENCY FLASHER AND APPLYING BRAKES, BRAKES OVER RIDE FLASHERS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Add Complaint

1974 Cadillac Deville recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1974 Cadillac Deville.

1974-06-21

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1974 Cadillac Deville problems:

Cadillac Eldorado Questions - What are Common Problems with ...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c8546_ds474553

Feb 9, 2010 ... What are Common Problems with 1974 Eldorados? - I am looking at buying at buying at Caddy and I dig the style of 74 Eldorados.

1974 deville climate control problems

https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/index.php?topic=126525.0

Aug 11, 2013 ... 1974 deville climate control problems. ... 1970 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1970 four door ... It is common for them to go bad. The one in ...

Brakes | Geralds 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Seville, 1967 Cadillac ...

https://www.eldorado-seville.com/files/tag-brakes.php

... common problem on these cars btw. After the ... 1974 Cadillac Coupe deVille (45) · 1978 Cadillac ... 1974 Cadillac Coupe DeVille · 1974 Cadillac Repair Tip · 1976 ...