1987 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 1987 Cadillac Deville problems
The 1987 Cadillac Deville is a beloved classic car, but it can have some common problems that owners may encounter. One issue is related to the power window regulators in each door, which can fail and cause the window to fall into the door and not roll back up. This problem can be found in Devilles dating back to the 1991 model year, and the cost to replace the window regulator can range from $538 to $579.
Another common problem is related to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Some of the HVAC door actuators can fail, resulting in incorrect air delivery or temperature regulation. This issue affects model years dating back to 1990, and the cost of diagnosing the problem can range from $53 to $67.
Additionally, some 1987 Devilles may experience engine oil leaks, specifically from the lower crankcase portion of the engine block. This problem can be costly to repair, as it requires engine removal, with the cost of replacing the oil pan gasket ranging from $982 to $1,207.
Furthermore, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) control module may fail in some Devilles, requiring a diagnosis to determine the issue. The cost of diagnosing the ABS problem can range from $79 to $100.
These are just some of the common problems that 1987 Cadillac Deville owners may encounter. It is important to note that these issues may not affect all vehicles of this model year, and the cost of repairs can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the repair shop. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues or catch them early, potentially saving owners from more costly repairs down the line.
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 many miles per gallon does a 1987 Cadillac DeVille get?
Find and Compare Cars
| 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood/DeVille | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 4.1 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 18 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 23 highway 5.6 gals/100 miles |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
What engine does a 1987 Cadillac DeVille have?
1987 Cadillac DeVille Specs and Features Change Car
Cadillac DeVille offers 130 horsepower with the 4-Speed Automatic transmission. It features 8 cylinder 4L NA V8 overhead valves (OHV) 16V 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.
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 many miles per gallon does a 1987 Cadillac DeVille get?
Find and Compare Cars
| 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood/DeVille | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 4.1 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 18 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 23 highway 5.6 gals/100 miles |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
What engine does a 1987 Cadillac DeVille have?
1987 Cadillac DeVille Specs and Features Change Car
Cadillac DeVille offers 130 horsepower with the 4-Speed Automatic transmission. It features 8 cylinder 4L NA V8 overhead valves (OHV) 16V 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.
1987 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
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Cadillac Deville
The NHTSA has received 54 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Cadillac Deville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Cadillac Deville vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6CD5187H4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL AND THERE WAS OIL SEEN LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, AS THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PARK, A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES FROM THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-18
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES SOLD AT WALMART. I HAD PURCHASED TWO TIRES IN AUGUST OF 2005. WHEN I WAS FIRST SOLD THESE TIRES I ASKED THE ASSOCIATE SELLING THE TIRES IF THESE TIRES WERE APPROVED FOR ALL SEASON DRIVING. THE ASSOCIATE ASSURED ME THEY WERE. I WAS DRIVING IN MY CAR YESTERDAY I SLID ON A PIECE OF ICE AND HAD NO TRACTION. IF I WAS NOT AN EXPERIENCED WINTER DRIVER I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR AND WRECKED IT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE COMPANY STOP ADVERTISING THESE TIRES AS ALL SEASON TIRES ,BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GOOD FOR WINTER ICE CONDITIONS. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-26
- VIN: 1G6CD5182H4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER SAID MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME RUSTED. CONSUMER HAD HARBOR MOTORS IN MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RUSTED MOTOR MOUNTS AND FRAME. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH MANUFACTURER, AND WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH ANSWER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IT WAS AN OLD CAR WITH 174,000 MILES ON IT. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE IS 95% RUST FREE ON THE BODY SHEET METALS. *AK *NM
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6CD5184H4
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 1987 CADILLAC DEVILLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO WIRING REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR SUCH AS A NEW RACK AND PINION, STRUTS, TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND REPAIRS TO THE AIR CONDITION. *JB *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
- VIN: 1G6CD1181H4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS A RESULT, P0WER ASSIST FOR FRONT BRAKES FAILED. RECALL 87V093000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *TC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: 1G6CD1184H4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.THERE IS NO POWER AT ALL INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD1182H4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HEAD GASKETS BLEWOUT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. WARNING LIGHTS FOR ENGINE DID NOT COME ON.CONTACTED DEALER, AND TOOK VEHICLE TO SHOP. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-06
- VIN: 1G6CD1182H4
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN TURNING ON AIR CONDITIONER IT WILL NOT VENTILATE COOL AIR JUST LIKE A REGULAR FAN, AND WHEN HEATER IS TURN ON HOT, AIR WILL NOT COME OUT FROM BOTTOM, IT WILL COME OUT THROUGH TOP INTO CONSUMER'S FACE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5188HH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY IS KNOCKING, WHEN THE 50,000 MILE WARRANTY WAS UP, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE NEW ENGINE IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING. *SLC
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- VIN: 1G6CD5181H4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN, STEERING WHEEL WON'T TURN, AND IT MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE. ALSO, IT GETS STUCK. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-04
- VIN: 1G6C0D1184H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN ENGINE FAILED CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE CAR. CONSUMER FELT THAT A BRAND NEW ENGINE SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER, ONLY LASTED 25000 MILES AND QUIT. ENGINE REPLACED WITH ONE OF THE SAME TYPE, WHICH IS FAILING AFTER 25000 MILES. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-23
- VIN: 1G6CB5181H4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING SHE NOTICED STEAM WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. A TECHNICIAN TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE MANIFOLD. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-28
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ROOF OF CAR CAME OFF. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-16
- VIN: 1G6GD5182H4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LEAK IN GASKET CAUSED ENGINE TO SPUTTER AND EMISSION OF SMOKE, RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE. QCAW
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5186H4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: ABS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5186H4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS NEED WORK CONTINUOUSLY DUE TO VIBRATION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5186H4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH ABS SYSTEM, RECALL WORK DENIED DUE TO VIN#.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD518H43
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE RACK AND PINION DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY BEFORE FIVE TO TEN MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: SOLID MEDAL PART INSIDE THE WHEEL CRACKED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5180H4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR LEAKING.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-10-01
- VIN: 1G6CD5186H4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: IN COLD WEATHER CONDITON THE STEERING WHEEL FREEZES UP, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MAKE A LEFT OR A RIGHT HAND TURN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-15
- VIN: 1G6CB518XH4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE IS MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6C05181H4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING.'
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5189H4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD LEAKS WATER INTO OIL.
1987 Cadillac Deville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Cadillac Deville problems:
1987 Cadillac DeVille Reviews - Carsurvey.org
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