1997 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 1997 Cadillac Seville problems
The 1997 Cadillac Seville, particularly the Northstar V8 version, is known for several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues are based on complaints from owners of this car and are discussed in detail below:
- Heating and Air Conditioning: The heating and air conditioning system on the Seville can malfunction due to failing door actuators. This issue can be diagnosed and repaired, but it can also lead to more significant problems if not addressed promptly.
- Ignition System: The ignition system on the Seville can fail, causing the vehicle to refuse to start. This issue can be caused by wires in the steering column that connect to the ignition lock cylinder breaking, resulting in the anti-theft systems kicking in and the vehicle failing to start.
- Cooling System: The cooling system on the Seville can leak coolant, leading to overheating the engine and eventually a blown head gasket. This issue can be costly to repair and requires prompt attention to prevent further damage to the engine.
- Crankshaft Position Sensor: The crankshaft position sensor on the Seville can fail, causing the engine to stall intermittently. This issue can be costly to repair and requires prompt attention to prevent further damage to the engine.
In summary, the 1997 Cadillac Seville, particularly the Northstar V8 version, is known for several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues include head gasket problems, third
Is a 97 Cadillac Seville a good car?
Consumer reviews
Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.6. Interior 4.8. Performance 4.8.
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.
What is the 0 60 on a 1997 Cadillac Seville?
7.4 seconds
How fast is the 1997 Cadillac Seville? The 1997 Seville ranges in power from the SLS Sedan 4D with 275 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds to the STS Touring Sedan 4D with 300 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds.
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.
1997 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Cadillac Seville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Cadillac Seville
The NHTSA has received 105 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Cadillac Seville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Cadillac Seville vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-03
- VIN: 1G6KY529XVU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ROUGHLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,007.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6KY5291VU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND INDICATED THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL AND RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW-UP TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-05
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y8VU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIFTEEN TIMES WITHIN AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-19
- VIN: 1G6KS52YXVU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: HIT A SPEED BUMP - LOUD NOISE - COULD BARELY BRAKE - AVOID COLLISION AND AFTER EVENTUALLY BEING ABLE TO STOP; LOOKED UNDER CAR AND FLUID GUSHING OUT LIKE A RAINSTORM. CALL INSURANCE COMPANY WHO STATED IT WAS A COLLISION; HOWEVER, REPAIR SHOP AND ADJUSTER FOR INSURANCE COMPANY STATED IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN DUE TO RUSTING AND CRACKING OF BRAKE LINE, ETC. AND WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR - AUTO REPAIR DID SEND A PAPER SHOWING A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BY NHTSA ID: 04V110000 ON JUNE 2, 2004 DEALING WITH FUEL SYSTEM AND THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION WHICH MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. I INFORMED NOT ONLY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE REPAIR SHOP, AND I ALSO CALLED CADILLAC AT L-8---458-8006, ABOUT THIS RECALL AND SINCE I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM CADILLAC, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THEM. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-15
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PARKED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6KY5291VU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON FEBRUARY 18, 2010 I HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR 5 HRS AFTER BEING DRIVEN. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-06
- VIN: 1G6KY5295VU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 97 CADILLAC SEVILLE,CLUNCKING IN FRONT END ,RACK AND PINION,CAN FEEL THE NOISE COMING FROM INSIDE THE RACK AND PINION. STEERING SEEMS TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT OR IN A TURN. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-25
- VIN: 1G6KY5299VU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINE FAILURE - 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE STS - 4.6L ENGINE - REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED - DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND ABRASION CAUSED BY NORMAL USAGE - BRAKE FLUID LOSS LEADS TO NO PEDDLE PRESSURE AND GREATLY DIMINISHED OR ZERO BRAKING CAPABILITY. SUGGEST RECALL TO INSPECT ABRADED BRAKES LINES. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. LESS THAN 72 HOURS LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UPON STARTING. FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND WERE EXTINGUISHED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FIRE. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH WAS ESCALATED TO HIGHER AUTHORITIES. THE CONTACT IS AWAITING A CALL BACK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 144,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-05
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y3VU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT (MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED) AT A VAST RATE. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY. IN ADDITION, THE HEATING GAUGE WOULD SPORADICALLY MOVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY PERFORMING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-23
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y0VU
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATE SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING NON-ABS APPLICATIONS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000. UPDATED 6/22/09 *CN THE HORN, FAN BLOWER AND STABILIZER LINK WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/25/09.*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-04
- VIN: 1G6KY5298VU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,020.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-29
- VIN: 1G6KY5299VU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60 TO 65 MILES AN HOUR, THE DISTANCE BEFORE THE MALFUNCTION BEGAN WAS APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES BEFORE MY BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY WERE APPLIED DURING A NON BRAKING APPLICATION. THE CADILLAC STS SLOWED DOWN INTO A CAR THAT HIT MY REAR BUMPER. I TRIED TO RECOVER FROM THE BUMP. AS AN RESULT, THE MOMENTUM SENT ME INTO A ROCKY BUT GRASSY DITCHED AREA ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT OF THE EBTCM FAILING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY BUMPER WAS DAMAGED, FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED, ALONG WITH MY STEERING AND STRUTS. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH THIS DEFECTIVE EBTCM AND THE REMEDY HAS BEEN THAT A INSPECTOR WILL EVALUATE THE CAR THEN NEXT(....) I WILL BE NOTIFIED WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL REPAIRED. THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED MAJORITY OF THE TIME SINCE MY INCIDENT. I'M WAITING FOR THE INSPECTOR TO CALL AND SCHEDULE AN DATE TO VIEW VEHICLE. AFTER THE DATE OF ACCIDENT, I WENT TO GET A DIAGNOSIS OF THE DAMAGE FROM AN AUTHORIZED CADILLAC DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO START WITH THE EBTCM AND STRUTS. IN ADDITION, THEY WOULD NEED MORE TIME TO DIAGNOSIS OTHER ISSUES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-10
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y9VU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE COOLANT LEAKS INSIDE THE ENGINE AND THEY REPLACED FOUR GASKETS, A WATER PUMP, AND HOSE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 57,813.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A NEW ECM AND HAD IT INSTALLED, BUT LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY RECALL INFORMATION. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIRS WAS $1,200. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 198,000.
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G6KY5297VU
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: HEATER CORE EXPLODED AND THE HOT RADIATOR FLUID POURED ON MY FOOT, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. MY INJURIES WERE BAD BURNS TO MY FOOT AND PULLED MUSCLES. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED, WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS A BADLY MADE PRODUCT. BECAUSE IT WAS PART PLASTIC, WHICH CRACKED WHEN THEY REPAIRED IT THEY PUT AN ENTIRELY METAL HEATER CORE AS REPLACEMENT. THEY ALSO COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT IT POURED THE HOT WATER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR, USUALLY IT GOES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- VIN: 1G6KY5295VU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 97V064000 CONCERNING THE ABS BRAKES. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO EXCESSIVE COST. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE SLS STALLS IN TRAFFIC. *TS THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE STALLING. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
- VIN: 1G6KD54Y9VU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IN THE GAS TANK DID NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT HAS A DIGITAL FUEL GAUGE ON IT. THE VEHICLE SHOWED NINE GALLONS OF GASOLINE, THEN IT INCREASED WITHOUT PLACING ANY GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE, AND SHOWED THE TANK WAS COMPLETELY FULL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE ON JULY 1, 2002. THERE WAS NO FOR WARNING, AND THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE. *AK (11/17/05) *SC
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y6VU
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SMOKE AND SMELL OF ELECTRICAL FIRE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO GM CADILLAC DEALER. THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM IN OTHER CADILLAC'S "SEVERAL TIMES". THE TURNSIGNAL SWITCH MELTED. THEY REPLACED TURNSIGNAL SWITCH & CANCELING CAMS. REASEEMBLED AND TESTED. PRICE: $392.47
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-20
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND GOING AROUND CORNERS THE STEERING VEERS TO ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER SUDDENLY. THERE IS ALSO STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. IF THIS HAPPENS AT A HIGH SPEED I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL IT AND SOMETHING SERIOUS COULD HAPPEN. THIS SEEMS RELATED TO OTHER 1997 GM RACK AND PINION FAILURES THAT I HAVE RESEARCHED. WILL HAVE THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KY5291VU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1. NO INJURY, NO CRASH, WIFE COMPLAINED OF BREAKPEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR AS SHE BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE - I OBSERVED LARGE AMOUNTS OF BREAK FLUID IN DRIVEWAY. I INSTRUCTED HER TO GET OUT AND SHUT IT OFF- MESSAGE CENTER ALSO WARNED OF BRAKE FAILURE. 2. STEEL BRAKE LINE CHAFED AGAINST THE FRAME OF '97 SEVILLE STS - FACTORY INSTALLATION/DESIGN WITH CLEARANCE TOO TIGHT IN THE LOCATION WHERE THE LINE CROSSES OVER THE FRAME TO THE TERMINAL BRACKED AT THE REAR WHEEL - WORE THROUGH THE BRAKE LINE. I'VE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW AND THERE WAS NEVER A DAMAGE OR A REPAIR IN THE AREA WHERE IT WORE THROUGH. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A VERY SERIOUS CLASS DEFECT AS THE LOCATION OF THE WEAR THROUGH IS NOT IN A SERVICE AREA OF THE CAR AND THERE IS NO WARNING OF AN EMINENT FAILURE. 3. I USED A HACKSAW TO CUT OUT THE WORN PORTION OF THE BREAK LINE AND USING COMPRESSION FITTING FROM THE HARDWARE STORE AND A NEW BRAKE LINE SECTION FROM THE AUTO PARTS STORE RE-ROUTED THE LINE AWAY FROM THE FRAME THAT CUT THE ORIGINAL LINE. I HAVE THE WORN LINE AND DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF IT AND THE FAILURE BEFORE REMOVAL. THERE NEEDS TO BE A SERVICE RECALL INSPECTION OF ALL '97 SEVILLES TO SEE IF THIS IS OCCURING ON EVERY OR MOST MODELS. THE GROMETS AND BRACKETS THAT POSITION THIS LINE ARE MOST LIKELY COMMON ON ALL MODELS UP THROUGH '97.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-27
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y1VU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEADS ON 1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE (SLS) PULLED LOOSE FROM ENGINE LETTING ANTIFREEZE ENTER INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER OF ALL EIGHT CYLINDERS. HEADS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE TAKEN OFF ENGINE AND MILLED TO REFIT TO ENGINE BLOCK. THIS WORK DONE AT LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER (SAM SWOPE CADILLAC, SERVICE MANAGER DAVE HOLLAND 502 499 5015) COST TO REPAIR ENGINE $4,999.47........I HAVE SPOKEN TO QUITE A FEW CADILLAC OWNERS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL AND THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THE CADILLAC NORTHSTAR ENGINE AND ALL CADILLAC DEALERSHIPS ARE WELL VERSED IN REPAIRING THIS ENGINE DEFECT........I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IF GENERAL MOTORS HAD PUT STEEL INSERTS INTO THE ALUMINUM BLOCK FOR THE HEADBOLTS TO TIGHTEN INTO AT THE FACTORY THAT THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT REPEATEDLY OCCUR! FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD GM WAS TRYING TO SAVE WEIGHT AND IMPROVE FUEL CONSUMPTION AND THAT IS WHY THEY WENT TO AN ALUMINUM BLOCK AND HEADS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-15
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y4VU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE AIR BAGS IN THE FRONT DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. *AK *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-15
- VIN: 1G6KS52Y5VU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVINGA ND UPON HITTING THE BRAKES ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS WAS A RECALL.CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 97V064000 CONCERNING ECBM REPLACEMENT. *AK
1997 Cadillac Seville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Cadillac Seville.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.
Negative 1997 Cadillac Seville car reviews
Positive 1997 Cadillac Seville car reviews
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I drove a Cadillac a few times when I was in my teens and ever since then, I've wanted one. Last year, I finally got my hands on a 1997 STS and I have to say, I absolutely love it! It's a hoot to drive, very powerful, and incredibly comfortable. Although it's in great condition, I have to admit that I've had a few disappointments with its reliability. The one time I took it on a trip, the alternator quit on me after I had already replaced the starter, but before the headlight control module gave out. Just last week, my wife and I were on our way to an anniversary dinner with our children when the security problem code came up. Two days later, it refused to start altogether. It's currently at the garage with a fuel pump problem that the technician found while trying to fix the security code issue. Despite these setbacks, I still love my car and enjoy driving it. It's a real beauty!
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Your 1997 Cadillac Seville is an excellent value for the money, especially as a used vehicle. I purchased mine in 2002 for $8,000 with 101,000 miles on it and recently traded it in for a '97 Infiniti Q45. I decided to trade it for an Infiniti because I prefer rear-wheel drive cars, and unfortunately, I couldn't afford the newer RWD STS that came out in '04. Over the last two years, my car required a few repairs, which is typical for a luxury car of its kind. The Northstar V8 started leaking a lot of oil at 140,000 miles, but it's not a reliability issue, so I just added a quart every week, which only cost me $3 a week. If you need to replace the struts/air ride, I recommend going with Arnott. They're an excellent aftermarket company, and the cost for parts is only $700 compared to $2,000 through GM.
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Great ride! It's very comfortable and fast. However, the quality is poor and repairs can be quite expensive.
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The Cadillac Seville is a great alternative to the 7-Series BMW. Why spend more?
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You've got an excellent power, handling, comfort and mileage in this car. The sleek looks of this model are even better than the newer '98 and later model Sevilles. The dual memory of seat position, A/C settings, mirrors and radio stations for two different drivers is an excellent touch.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Cadillac Seville problems:
1997 Cadillac Seville Problems and Complaints - 74 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Cadillac Seville? Our list of 74 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Cadillac Seville.
2005 deville,head gasket problems, how common | Cadillac Owners ...
Mar 1, 2010 ... Seems my 1997 Cadillac Deville d'Elegance has been slowly developing the DREADED HEAD GASKET problem for quite some time now, if I only had ...
Opinions on '93-97 Cadillac Seville STS | GTPlanet
May 12, 2009 ... ... engine) but turned out it had cracked heads at only 101k miles. Take that as you will, as I have no idea if that's a common problem or not.
1997 Cadillac DeVille Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Cadillac DeVille? Our list of 27 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Cadillac DeVille.
1997 Deville Problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jul 8, 2011 ... Re: 1997 Cadillac Deville Problems Bad fuel level senders are pretty common in Cadillacs in the 100,000 mile range. The sender is made up of ...
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Are you having problems with your 1997 Cadillac Seville?
Jonathan Hodkiewicz 2025-02-11
Luckily I bought an extended warranty with this car. Although I have had some trouble with it, the dealership has always been helpful and accommodating. I have been to the dealership 22 times in the three years that I have owned this car, but they have always been able to fix the issues. While I have had better experiences with cars made in Japan, I appreciate the effort that GM puts into their engineering. I will definitely consider buying American again in the future.
Adan Bins 2024-11-28
I love my car, but it has a few issues. The headlights only work sporadically, and the air conditioner doesn't work. The front grill underneath the hood is also falling down. Additionally, it requires premium gas and only gets 18-19 miles per gallon. However, it does have a great stereo!
Leif Corkery 2024-01-03
Always viewed Cadillac as a great car, but I had a bad experience with this one. The struts failed before 70,000 miles and they were much more expensive to replace than I expected. The electrical system has caused numerous problems and the gasoline gauge cannot be trusted. I wish I had purchased an extended warranty. Unfortunately, I can't even trade it in without losing thousands of dollars.