1992 Cadillac Seville problems
The Cadillac Seville is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Cadillac from the 1976 to 2004 model years as a smaller-sized, premium model. It was replaced by the STS in 2004 for the 2005 model year.
Origin of the name
The name of "Cadillac's first small car" was selected over a revival of LaSalle or the GM design staff's preference, LaScala, primarily because, as noted by GM Marketing Director Gordon Horsburgh, "It had no negatives." The initial suggestion was "Leland" in honor of one of the make's founders but it was rejected because most buyers wouldn't understand the reference and Henry Leland had also founded rival Lincoln.
Hundreds of suggestions were considered: after extensive research, LaSalle was the top pick with St. Moritz a distant second, trailed further by Seville. A troubled past (LaSalle) and difficult pronunciation (St. Moritz) led to the eventual selection of the Seville nameplate.
Seville is the name of a Spanish province and its capital, renowned for its history and treasures of art and architecture. Cadillac had first used the nameplate for a two-door hardtop version of the 1956 Eldorado. 1960 was the last model year for the Eldorado Seville, returning in 1967 under a different name.
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Common 1992 Cadillac Seville problems
The 1992 Cadillac Seville, particularly the Northstar V8 engine, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Head Gasket Problems: The Northstar V8 engine is prone to head gasket problems, which can lead to coolant leaks and overheating issues. This issue can be expensive to repair, with some owners reporting costs of up to $3,000. However, there are aftermarket head stud kits available that can help prevent this issue from occurring.
- Taillight Condensation: The taillights of the 1992 Cadillac Seville have a tendency to fog up with condensation in wet weather due to poor seals. It is also common for them to crack, which can cause water leaks and mold issues.
- Trunk Water Leaks: The trunk of the 1992 Cadillac Seville is prone to water leaks, which can be caused by poor rubber seals. This issue can lead to mold problems and corrosion, particularly in the spare wheel area.
- Third Brake Light Strip: The third brake light strip on the 1992 Cadillac Seville commonly breaks and is no longer manufactured by GM. A company called Lead Fix can rebuild them, but this can cost up to $200 and is only available in the US.
- Electrical Road Sensing Suspension: The electrical road sensing suspension on the 1992 Cadillac Seville is prone to break, and GM has discontinued the production of these. This issue can cause squeaks and rattles, particularly in older cars.
- Power Windows: The power windows on the 1992 Cadillac Seville can fail as a result of window regulators breaking. This issue can be expensive to repair, with some owners reporting costs of up to $500.
- Interior Cosmetic Issues: The driver's seat leather and center armrest can wear and crack on high mileage cars, but this is purely cosmetic. The shift knob can also break, particularly on models up until 1996, due to the plastic mechanism being quite brittle.
- Electrical Issues: The 1992 Cadillac Seville has many electrical components, and some owners have reported issues with the horn and climate control unit, including the heater.
In summary, the 1992 Cadillac Seville has several common problems, particularly with the Northstar V8 engine, electrical components, and water leaks. However, many of these issues can be prevented or repaired with aftermarket parts and regular maintenance.
What happened to the Cadillac Seville?
The Cadillac Seville is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Cadillac from the 1976 to 2004 model years as a smaller-sized, premium model. It was replaced by the STS in 2004 for the 2005 model year.
When did Cadillac stop making the Seville?
2004
The Cadillac Seville (discontinued in 2004) was a full-size performance sedan that combined responsive Northstar V8 engine power with advanced driving technology.
What replaced the Cadillac Seville?
The STS
The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville, which beginning in 1987 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville Touring Sedan) version.
Why won't my Cadillac Seville start?
The most common reasons a Cadillac Seville won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What happened to the Cadillac Seville?
The Cadillac Seville is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Cadillac from the 1976 to 2004 model years as a smaller-sized, premium model. It was replaced by the STS in 2004 for the 2005 model year.
Is a 97 Cadillac Seville a good car?
Consumer reviews
Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.6. Interior 4.8. Performance 4.8.
When did Cadillac stop making the Seville?
2004
The Cadillac Seville (discontinued in 2004) was a full-size performance sedan that combined responsive Northstar V8 engine power with advanced driving technology.
Why won't my Cadillac Seville start?
The most common reasons a Cadillac Seville won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
1992 Cadillac Seville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Seville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Cadillac Seville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Cadillac Seville
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Cadillac Seville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Cadillac Seville vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-08
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE WAITING FOR A RED LIGHT TO CHANGE TO A GREEN LIGHT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT WAS ABOUT 40 TO 45 MPH, AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS ISSUED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-09
- VIN: 1G6KY53B1NU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-19
- VIN: 1G6KS53B9NU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. (GENERAL RADIAL XP 2000II, DOT#A3XO 2NB 2400, SIZE 16 TIRE)*JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G6KS53B7NU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND UPON MAKING A SUDDEN STOP PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBACK BROKE TO RECLINING POSITION, CAUSING INJURIES TO PASSENGER'S SEAT OCCUPANT'S BACK AND NECK. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER NOTED THAT ENTIRE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6KS53B6NU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME MY MECHANIC SCRAPED CARBON FROM A METAL PLATE ON THE CARBURATOR. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN.*AK
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-04
- VIN: 1G6KS53B2NU
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN TURNING CAR OFF THEFT SYSTEM PRVENTS STARTING OF CAR. PLATED GOLD ON IGNITION KEY GRADUALLY FLAKES OFF, AND SHORTS OUT THEFT SYSTEM. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6KS53B5NU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKS WILL NOT STAY LOCKED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THERE IS NO RATCHET OR OTHER APPARENT LOCKING MECHANISM EXCEPT A SIMPLE FRICTION LOCK WHICH HAS FAILED. IN THE EVENT OF REAR END COLLISION, SEAT WOULD BE THROWN TO FULL PRONE POSITION. CADILLAC APPARENTLY DOES NOT WARRANT THIS DESIGN DEFECT. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO SEE IF OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-21
- VIN: IG6CD53B6N4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER TURNS THE KEY SOMETIMES CAR WON'T TURN ON. FEELS SOMETHING IN STEERING COLUMN IS NOT CONNECTING. ONE DAY IT MAY BE AN EMERGENCY AND VEHICLE WON'T START. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- VIN: 1G6KS53B7NU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON-ONE CADILLAC DEALER TELLS ME THE LEFT REAR STRUT IS BAD, ANOTHER CADILLAC DEALER TELLS ME THE LEFT FRONT STRUT IS BAD. ON THIS VEHICLE ONE STRUT COSTS $800 APIECE. I WAS TOLD THAT CADILLAC HAS A PARTIAL RECALL TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT STRUTS AND COMPUTER CHIP FOR ABOUT $600 DUE TO THE HIGH COST TO THE CONSUMER. I HAVE A BANGING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WHILE DRIVING. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS OR IS THERE A CHEAPER WAY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM? THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN FACTORY AND THE PRICE IS QUITE EXCESSIVE ESPECIALLY WHEN 2 CADILLAC DEALERS HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS. THANKS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED.CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE 9 TIMES TO THE DEALSHIP.AFTER THE ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED, ALSO THE EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- VIN: 1G6KS53B1NU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SITTING AT A LIGHT THE VAPORS ARE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HERE SINCE BACK IN 1994, AND THE DEAL CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6KS53B9NU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT TURN SIGNAL FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GGKS5389NU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS HIT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE AT SUCH A HARD IMPACT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND HIT A STEEL POLE HEAD-ON. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY . DEFECT CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT STEERING WHEEL WITH CHEST AND BROKE RIBS. OTHERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ALSO INJURES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. DUP 535125, POSTED ON 03-NOV-98. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GGKS5389NU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6KS53B5NU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HAD CRUISE CONTROL ON; STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES; ROAD WAS DRY & CLEAR AT THE TIME. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE & VEHICLE DID 180 DEGREE TURN & LANDED IN DITCH & BOTH REAR WHEEL AXLES BROKE. WHEELS SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN CAN HEAR THE FRONT TIRE RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING. DEALER CANNOT REMEDY. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6KY53B8NU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT ON TRUCK FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: 1G6KY53BXNU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- VIN: 1G6KY53BXNU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ESC MOTOR SWITCH FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: 1G6KS5382NU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6KY53B0NU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE COMSUMER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES, AND VEHICLE DIDN'T RESPOND. BRAKE PEDAL REACHED THE FLOOR. VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, RESULTING IN A MISHAP. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-15
- VIN: 1G6KS53B1NU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE MAKES TICKING NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-13
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6KY5380NU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONTAL COLLISION SPEED OF 25MPH, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B6KY53B4NU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. TT
1992 Cadillac Seville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1992 Cadillac Seville.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
- Summary: THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO STEERING RACK LOWER COUPLING PINCH BOLT MAY BE MISSING.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND SHAFT DISENGAGEMENT OCCURS, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCED BY THE DRIVER WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL PINCH BOLT.
Negative 1992 Cadillac Seville car reviews
Positive 1992 Cadillac Seville car reviews
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I really enjoy driving this car. It's both fun and fast, making it perfect for long trips.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Cadillac Seville problems:
1992 Cadillac Sedan Deville issues | Cadillac Owners Forum
Oct 24, 2008 ... Actually the head gasket is weakened from the stripped bolt problem that was mentioned. However according from the from the tech at Perfect ...
1992 Cadillac Seville Problems and Complaints - 45 Issues
Problem with your 1992 Cadillac Seville? Our list of 45 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1992 Cadillac Seville.
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Aug 21, 2005 ... I'm looking to get a 1992 Seville to avoid head gasket and thread bolt problems as well as any unexpected major repairs. Is the 4.9 more ...
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Problem with your 1992 Cadillac DeVille? Our list of 30 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1992 Cadillac DeVille.
Common 4.9 Cadillac Engine Problems - 1993 Cadillac Seville Q&A
Apr 30, 2019 ... I have a 1993 cadillac seville 4.9 liter. I have three problems. Fixing myself. The ptoblems are these: Intermittent - Answered by a ...
Other years of Cadillac Seville
Are you having problems with your 1992 Cadillac Seville?
Zion Barrows 2024-11-19
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with the car I recently purchased from the original owner. While it has had some challenges, I've been able to replace a number of parts including the gas tank, brake lines, ball joints, brakes, tires, transmission, antenna motor and antenna, radiator, water pumps, trans cooling fan, shocks, and exhaust system. Although it has overheated twice, I find it fun to drive when it's working properly. However, I would caution against purchasing this car without being aware of its history. Thanks for listening!
Reuben Anderson 2024-09-25
I purchased this car from the original owner, who was an older lady that took great care of it. At the time of purchase, the car had only 32K miles, but after 9 months, it has now reached 42K miles. Unfortunately, I have had to spend well over $4000 on repairs, including a new battery, radiator, AC compressor, alternator, bushings, starter, electrical work, antenna motor, and a transmission modulator, which cost over $2000 at the dealer. Despite my experience, I have decided to move on and purchased a 98 Lexus GS400, which is a superior car in comparison. It's a shame that American cars can't compete with the quality of Japanese cars.
Bernardo Brakus 2024-09-25
This was a great car! I sold mine 2 years ago because it had 175k miles on it, but it still ran smoothly until the end. It was comfortable on both surface streets and highways. I did have some issues with the thermostat and overheating, but other than that, there were never any serious problems. The V-8 engine was impressive and could really get up and go, even achieving 25+ mpg on the highway. The handling was good, but at speeds over 90mph, it became a bit worrisome. However, this car was never meant for high-speed chases, it was meant for cruising in comfort, and it did that very well!
Jarrod Schuppe 2024-02-23
I recently purchased this car with 112000 miles on it. The previous owner took great care of it and had it serviced every 3k miles at the Cadillac dealership. I absolutely love driving this car on the freeway as it gets an impressive 30 mpg on premium fuel. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and the car is just as quiet on the inside as some of the newer luxury cars I've rented in the past (such as Lexus, Benz, and BMW). The 4.9 engine provides great power, although it can be a bit much from a dead stop (since it's front-wheel drive), but it's perfect for passing. There is a small oil leak that needs to be fixed, which seems to be coming from the timing chain cover (typical GM issue). Additionally, the air conditioning compressor recently went down, but it's a relatively easy and affordable fix if you're willing to do it yourself. The only other issue I've had is that the factory Bose CD player tends to skip in cold weather. Overall, I have no complaints and would definitely consider buying another Cadillac.