RoadVitals

1994 Cadillac Seville

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
50
Latest Aug 22, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Aug 31, 1994
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 50 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Cadillac Seville, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and visibility categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 28 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine2139.6%
  • Electrical611.3%
  • Visibility59.4%
  • Brakes47.5%
  • Airbags35.7%
  • Transmission35.7%
  • Fuel system23.8%
  • Steering23.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
94V158000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Aug 31, 1994
56,269 units potentially affected
The defect: IF THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY CONTACTS THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER OUT HOSE, THE HOSE MAY WEAR THROUGH ALLOWING ENGINE OIL TO LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
The risk: AN OIL LEAK THAT CONTACTS THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TIE STRAP TO RETAIN THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER OUTLET HOSE TO THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER INLET HOSE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR ASSURING ADEQUATE CLEARANCE OF THE AFFECTED HOSE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
93V164000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Oct 1, 1993
8,545 units potentially affected
The defect: THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE RETAINING BRACKET.
The risk: THE DISENGAGED THROTTLE CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THETHROTTLE CAM MECHANISM, RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE STICKING IN EITHER THE OPENPOSITION OR CLOSED POSITION. WHEN THE THROTTLE STICKS IN THE OPEN POSITION,UNWANTED VEHICLE ACCELERATION WILL OCCUR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
The remedy: INSPECT THROTTLE CABLES TO ENSURE THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE IS FULLY SEATED IN THE RETAINING BRACKET AND INSTALL A CABLE TIE STRAP TO SECURE THE CABLE IN ITS CORRECT SEAT.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE94053ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Jul 14, 1994
Closed Sep 16, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGLed to recall 94V158000
SQ94016ClosedInvestigation

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH

Opened Feb 7, 1994
Closed Mar 21, 1994

There is no summary currently available

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 50
Electrical
Filed Aug 22, 2014
Fire reported

THIS VEHICLE IS FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH A DELCO/BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AND 1/4 MILE, THE RADIO SOUND BECAME DISTORTED AND INTERRUPTED. THE VEHICLE'S VOLTAGE DISPLAY INDICATED 13.3 VOLTS, RATHER THAN THE NORMAL 14.2 OR ABOVE. I TURNED OFF THE RADIO. I NOTICED AN ODOR I IDENTIFIED AS "HOT ELECTRICAL." I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION KEY. VISIBLE SMOKE WAS FLOWING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR RADIO SPEAKER UNDER THE REAR WINDOW. I OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HOOD TO ACCESS THE BATTERY AND OPENED THE TRUNK. THE TRUNK LINER MATERIAL ON THE ROOF OF THE TRUNK BETWEEN THE SEAT BACK AND TRUNK OPENING WAS BURNING. THE FLAMES WERE SPREADING IN A CIRCULAR PATTERN CENTERED ON THE LEFT REAR SPEAKER. I PULLED THE BURNING MATERIAL FROM THE VEHICLE AS MY FRIEND BROUGHT ME A DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER. I PUT OUT THE FIRE AS ANOTHER FRIEND DISCONNECTED THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. THESE SPEAKERS HAVE AN ELECTRONIC MODULE MOUNTED TO THEM. THE MODULE WAS BURNED AND THE WIRES LEADING TO IT WERE BURNED AS FAR BACK AS THE TRUNK LINING MATERIAL HAD BURNED. I ISOLATED THE BURNED MODULE AND DAMAGED PORTION OF THE WIRES LEADING TO IT BY CUTTING THE WIRE HARNESS. I INSULATED THE WIRES AND CONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE RADIO PLAYED NORMALLY THROUGH THE REMAINING SPEAKERS. THE VOLTAGE INDICATOR SHOWED NORMAL VOLTAGE, 14.2 - 14.3 VOLTS. I OBSERVED NO ANOMALIES OR WARNINGS. NO FUSES NOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS TRIPPED TO INTERRUPT THE POWER TO THE MODULE AND PREVENT THE FIRE. THE DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO THE SPEAKER AND SURROUNDING TRUNK LINING MATERIAL. I AM SURE IF THIS ISSUE BEGAN AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10627490
Incident
Aug 18, 2014
Mileage
188,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 11, 2006

THE THROTTLE IS STILL OPEN AFTER RELEASING THE GAS PEDAL, CAUSING THE CAR TO CONTINUE MOVEMENT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. SIMILAR TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V164000. *NM

NHTSA ID
10167892
Incident
Jun 1, 2006
Filed Jan 17, 2006

I OWN A 1994 CADILLAC 4 DOOR SEVILLE. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. RECENTLY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TUNE UP THE VEHICLE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER COVERING THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR MOUNTED ON THE FIREWALL HAD LITERALLY BEGAN TO DISINTEGRATE. THIS EXPOSED THE INSIDE INSULATION WHICH IS WITHIN INCHES OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF NOT PROTECTED. I HAVE TAKEN DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE AREA AND CAN PRESENT THEM TO THE NHTSA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE BLOWER MOTOR PLASTIC COVER JUST LITERALLY FALLS OFF THE FIREWALL..ITS CRACKS LIKE THE CHOCOLATE COVERING A CAKE SO TO SPEAK..TOUCH IT AND IT JUST FLAKES OFF IN CHUNKS LIKE YOU WERE BREAKING A CANDY BAR IN HALF. I HAVE ALSO SAVED SOME OF THOSE PIECES FOR YOUR PERUSAL. NOW THE PROBLEM IS THE MORE I DRIVE, THE MORE PLASTIC FALLS OFF THE PLASTIC HOUSING. I AM AFRAID THAT AFTER A WHILE I WON'T BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH OUT THE CHANCE OF A FIRE IN THAT AREA. *JB

NHTSA ID
10147957
Incident
Dec 28, 2005
Mileage
140 mi
Visibility
Filed Nov 17, 2005
1 injury reported

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING HE FELT BOILING WATER HIT HIS FEET. HE HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND PARK IT. THIS CAUSED BURNS TO BOTH OF HIS FEET. HE IS A MECHANIC AND FEELS IT IS BECAUSE THE HEATER CORE BUSTED. HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE BURNS TO HIS FEET. *AK

NHTSA ID
10142997
Incident
Nov 16, 2005
Fuel system
Filed Sep 26, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT IN 7-04. HE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2000. WHEN HE DROPPED THE FUEL TANK TO GET TO THE FUEL PUMP HE NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL WIRES GOING INTO THE PUMP WERE BLACK. WHEN HE UNSCREWED THE PUMP HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL WERE WIRES WERE FRIED. HE TOOK THE FUEL PUMP TO A COUPLE OF CAR PARTS RETAIL PLACES, AND THEY TOLD HIM THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT. A MECHANIC AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT THAT WHEN RUN NINES THE CAR A LOT THE FUEL PUMP LOOKED LIKE THAT, THE WIRES WERE FRIED TOGETHER. THE MECHANIC IMPLIED THAT HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF FUEL PUMPS IN CADILLAC THAT LOOKED LIKE THAT. ALSO, TOLD THE CONTACT THAT BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK WAS SEALED IT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY IT WILL NOT CATCH ON FIRE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10137563
Incident
Jul 9, 2004
Mileage
98,380 mi
EngineVisibility
Filed Jul 22, 2005
1 injury reported

1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE HAD HOT COOLANT POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FOOT CAUSING SEVERE BURNS.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE HEATER CORE HAD RUPTURED, IN ADDITION THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE WATER PUMP WATER PUMP HOUSING, HOSES AND THERMOSTAT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10130250
Incident
Jun 22, 2005
Mileage
147,295 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 25, 2005

OIL WAS LEAKING OUT THE LOWER CRANK CASE, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER, AND WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
10115845
Incident
Mar 18, 2005
Airbags
Filed Apr 12, 2004
Crash reported1 injury reported

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK

NHTSA ID
10067047

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

PIC4696D

EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.

PIC4696C

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

990601019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

ENGINE OIL LEAKS ALONG THE UPPER TO LOWER CRANKCASE JOINT. *TT

01792

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8 L37 ENGINE WATER PUMP COVER P/N 12571913- THERMOSTAT LOOSE. ALSO INCLUDING MODEL 2003 CADILLAC ELDORADO. *MR

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Cadillac Seville by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2004900—
2003161030.0
2002452048.1
2001531043.3
2000382043.6
1999731145.2
1998652256.2
1997952359.2
19961222460.8
1995742461.8
1994Viewing502260.8
1993422152.4
1992271049.0
1991210046.7
1990193054.7
1989520—
1988111150.1
1987112144.0
1986113162.1
1985611—
1984111—
1983230—
1982040—
1981120—
1980010—
1979100—
1978220—
1977100—
1976010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.