1986 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.
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Common 1986 Cadillac Deville problems
The 1986 Cadillac DeVille is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, power window regulators, and heating and air conditioning systems.
- Engine Burns Oil:
The engine of the 1986 Cadillac DeVille is prone to burning oil, which can lead to more severe problems if not addressed promptly. The average cost to fix this issue is $2,000, and it typically occurs around 72,000 miles.
- Engine Failure:
Engine failure is another common problem in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille. This issue can be caused by various factors, including worn-out parts, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects. The average cost to fix engine failure is $6,200, and it typically occurs around 70,000 miles.
- Overheats and Leaking Antifreeze:
The 1986 Cadillac DeVille's engine can also overheat and leak antifreeze. This issue can be caused by a faulty water pump, a damaged radiator, or a leaking head gasket. The average cost to fix this issue is $5,600, and it typically occurs around 98,000 miles.
- Electrical System Diagnosis:
The electrical system in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can be prone to issues, including faulty wiring, blown fuses, or malfunctioning sensors. The average cost to diagnose electrical system problems is between $88 and $111.
- Ignition Coil Replacement:
The ignition coil in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can fail, causing misfires or difficulty starting the engine. The average cost to replace the ignition coil is between $449 and $646.
- Brake Booster Replacement:
The brake booster in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can fail, causing difficulty braking or a soft brake pedal. The average cost to replace the brake booster is between $755 and $839.
- Engine Front Cover Gasket Replacement:
The engine front cover gasket in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can leak, causing oil to leak onto the ground. The average cost to replace the engine front cover gasket is between $499 and $576.
- Noise Diagnosis:
The 1986 Cadillac DeVille can produce various noises, including squeaks, rattles, or grinding sounds. The average cost to diagnose noise issues is between $88 and $111.
- No Start Diagnosis:
The 1986 Cadillac DeVille can have difficulty starting, which can be caused by various factors, including a dead battery, faulty ignition system, or a malfunctioning fuel system. The average cost to diagnose no-start issues is between $88 and $111.
- Fuel Injector Replacement:
The fuel injectors in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can fail, causing the engine to run poorly or not start at all. The average cost to replace the fuel injectors is between $302 and $360.
- Wheel Lug Stud Replacement:
The wheel lug studs in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can break or become damaged, causing difficulty in securing the wheel to the hub. The average cost to replace the wheel lug studs is between $93 and $116.
- Sunroof Motor Replacement:
The sunroof motor in the 1986 Cadillac DeVille can fail, causing the sunroof to not open or close properly. The average cost to replace the sunroof motor is between $458 and $474.
In summary, the 1986 Cadillac DeVille is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, power window regulators, and heating and air conditioning systems. These issues can be costly to repair, and it is essential to address them promptly to avoid more severe problems down the road.
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 long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
Is a Cadillac DeVille fast?
Is the 2003 Cadillac DeVille a powerful car? It depends on your definition of powerful. The 2003 DeVille ranges in power from the Sedan 4D with 275 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds to the DTS Sedan 4D with 300 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds.
What does DeVille mean Cadillac?
of the town
Early history. 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville Cadillac Coupe de Ville badging. The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town".
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 long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
Is a Cadillac DeVille fast?
Is the 2003 Cadillac DeVille a powerful car? It depends on your definition of powerful. The 2003 DeVille ranges in power from the Sedan 4D with 275 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds to the DTS Sedan 4D with 300 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds.
Is a Cadillac DeVille a luxury car?
About DeVille
Eventually becoming a single word under the General Motors luxury brand, the name DeVille brand was continuously used as Cadillacs expression of stylish luxury.
1986 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Cadillac Deville
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Cadillac Deville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Cadillac Deville vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 1986 CADILLAC DEVILLE/FLEETWOOD ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. CONSUMER REQUESTS THAT ENFORCEMENT OF SAME INSPECTION, TESTING AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FAILED BRAKING PARTS FOR HIS VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS DID NOT PERFORM IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS WAS FLAWED. THE CONSUMER STATED WATER CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT AFFECTED THE ABS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE PUMP HARNESS AT NO COST TO HIM. RECALL 87V093000 *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
- VIN: 1G6CD6986G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR DEVELOPED AN OIL LEAK, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE OIL PAN GASKET. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHO CHANGED THE OILPAN GASKET. IT STILL LEAKED OIL, SO I REMOVED THE ENGINE. I DISCOVERED THAT THE BLOCK HAD A CRACK FROM THE CRANK SHAFT TO THE CAM SHAFT ON THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. I TRIED TO ALUMINUM WELD IT ONCE, BUT IT STILL LEAKED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-10
- VIN: 1G6CD4782G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY UPON RETURNING FROM WORK, PARKED THE VEHICLE, NOTICED A PUDDLE OF WATER UNDERNEATH. LIFTED UP THE HOOD, COULD SEE WATER COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE CYLINDER GASKET. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD6985G4
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: LATCH LOCK ASSEMBLY ON BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES BECAME DEFECTIVE, NOT ALLOWING BOTH DOORS TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-24
- VIN: 1G6CD6987G4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-14
- VIN: 1G6CD6987G4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DIFICULT STEERING WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. ALSO, ENGINE LEAKS OIL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-07
- VIN: 1G6CD6985G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DEVELOPED A LOUD TICKING/KNOCKING NOISE IN ENGINE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-15
- VIN: 1G6CD698XG4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. (ATTORNEY)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- VIN: A1G6CD6989G
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED AND VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. OWNER BELIEVES A DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT CAUSED THE PROBLEM.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-11
- VIN: 1G6CD6889G4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY STICKS WHEN APPLIED, ENGINE ACCELERATES TO HIGH SPEED, VEHICLE KEEPS MOVING WITH BRAKES APPLIED. TEST DRIVEN BY DEALER, NOT DUPLICATED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ALUMINUM ENGINE HAS FAILED AT 80K MILES. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD6984G4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER FRONT AND REAR SHOULDER/LAP BELT UNDER NORMAL MOVEMENT CAUSES TO COME UNDONE FOR NO REASON. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE AND DOES NOT WORK AND WILL NOT START UP. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-25
- VIN: 1G6CD4781G4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN PUTTING INTO DRIVE/REVERSE, ALSO STIFF GEAR SHIFT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-31
- VIN: 1G6CD4781G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAMSHAFT BALANCER PULLEY FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE NOISE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-26
- VIN: 1G6CD4781G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TPS SENSOR FAILED, RESULTING IN HIGH IDLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-29
- VIN: 1G6CD4781G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: UPPER ENGINE HOSE FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE LEAK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE MOTOR BLEW UP AND CADILLAC WILL NOT REPAIR IT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-02
- VIN: 1G6CD6982G4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS LINE CORRODED/RUSTED ALL WAY THROUGH. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-02
- VIN: 1G6CD6982G4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK IS RUSTED; CAUSED FUEL LEAKAGE; CORRECTED AT OWNERS EXPENSE. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-12
- VIN: 1G6CD6982G4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE SPARE WELL DOES NOT HOLD FULL SIZE TIRE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-07
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL PUMP FAILURE, OIL IS NOT CIRCULATING THRU ENGINE. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6CD6983G4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-25
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. TT
1986 Cadillac Deville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Cadillac Deville.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Summary: THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.
- Consequence: LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.
- Remedy: THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Cadillac Deville problems:
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Other years of Cadillac Deville
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