1999 Cadillac Seville Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Cadillac Seville, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2626.0%
- Electrical1717.0%
- Suspension99.0%
- Steering88.0%
- Brakes88.0%
- Airbags55.0%
- Driver assistance44.0%
- Seat belts44.0%
- Fuel system44.0%
- Visibility33.0%
- Interior & seats33.0%
- Exterior lighting33.0%
- Tires & wheels33.0%
- Heating & air conditioning11.0%
- Transmission11.0%
- Other / unspecified11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 294,853.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE AND AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WERE BEING AFFECTED BY THE FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED ELEVEN GASKETS WITHIN THE ENGINE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATE 1/13/16 LN *JS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE AND AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE WERE BEING AFFECTED BY THE FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED ELEVEN GASKETS WITHIN THE ENGINE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATE 1/13/16 LN *JS
MY SON ALMOST DIED ON OCTOBER 25, 2013 IN HIS 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE IN OUR DRIVEWAY WHILE HE WAS RELAXING IN IT WITH HIS DOG. HE HAD FALLEN ASLEEP WAITING FOR HIS MOTHER/MY WIFE AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. HE NEEDED TO CLIMB OUT OF WINDOW AND PULL HIS DOG THROUGH THE WINDOW. HE INJURED HIMSELF AND WENT TO HOSPITAL. THE FIRE WAS SO INTENSE THAT THE ENGINE FELL APART FROM HEAT, THE CABIN WAS DESTROYED, FRONT TIRES ARE GONE/MELTED WHILE TRUNK AND GAS TANK WERE RELATIVELY FINE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO THIS DISASTER IN OUR DRIVEWAY. MY SON ALSO LOST VARIOUS PERSONAL POSSESSIONS AND HIS TRANSPORTATION TO WORK. IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE MY SON'S NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE AND THE ONLY THING GM SAYS IS THAT THE FIRE DAMAGED THE CAR AND THERE IS NOTHING IT CAN DO. IT ALSO HAS INFORMED ME THAT IF I WISH TO TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION, I MUST RETAIN THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS A BURNED-OUT SHELL OF A VEHICLE IN OUR FRONT DRIVEWAY. IT IS A REMINDER EVERY DAY THAT MY SON ALMOST DIED IN WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A HIGH QUALITY CAR AND GM DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ITS CUSTOMERS. I WAS HOPING THAT GM WOULD RESOLVE THIS MATTER IN A REASONABLE MANNER SO MY SON COULD MOVE FORWARD WITH HIS LIFE. HE LOST SEVERAL PERSONAL AFFECTS, HIS PRESCRIPTION EYE GLASSES, SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MONEY HE HAD WITHDRAWN TO GIVE TO MY WIFE FOR A SCHOOL BILL. I ALSO HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE OUR BONNEVILLE FOR 5 MONTHS BECAUSE THE CADILLAC IS BLOCKING ACCESS TO IT. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO THAT WILL RESOLVE THIS MATTER IN A FAIR MANNER? WE NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE FROM GM. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
GETTING VIBRATION ON SMOOTH ROADS AT 60-68 MPH. PUT ON 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES, REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS, BALANCED ALL TIRES, STILL EXPERIENCE VIBRATION. DEALER CAN'T FIX. WHAT ARE OTHER SOLUTIONS BESIDES SAYING TIRES ARE OUT OF ROUND? *AK
CONSTANT FRONT END VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OF 65-70. CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM SYSTEM DID NOT ALLOW ME TO ADD VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *JB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEM INVOLVES FAULTY STEERING RACK, IT HAS RUPTURED SEAL. WHICH PROHIBITS POWER STEERING ASSIST, WHILE MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS. *BF THE LACK OF POWER STEERING RESTRICTS THE CONSUMERS ABILITY TO TURN TO THE LEFT. *TC *JB
FROM ABOUT SEPTMBER 2003 ON WE'VE HAD ISSUES W/ OUR 1999 SEVILLE SLS SHUTTING DOWN. IT SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN PROGRESS AT 55+ MILES PER HOUR AND AT A STANDSTILL. EVERYTHING GOES, THE ENGINE, LIGHTS, BRAKES, STEERING, ETC. IT IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE FOURTH TIME AND THEY ARE STILL NOT SURE THEY KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SUGGESTS THAT I LET THE REPAIR CENTER FIX THE CAR AGAIN AND TAKE IT HOME TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED FROM A PUBLIC AND PERSONAL SAFTEY PERSPECTIVE THAT THIS IS NOT ADVISABLE AND THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR. IT'S IS DARK HERE VERY EARLY, TRAFFIC IS HEAVY AND THE DEER ARE ON THE MOVE B/C HUNTING SEASON JUST STARTED. IF I NEED LIGHTS, BRAKES OR STEERING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT OR GUIDE ME HOME IN THE EVENING I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT I CAN RELY ON THIS VEHICLE. LOOKING TO CADILLAC TO SEE IF A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RESULT CAN BE OBTAINED. *AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
APPLIED BRAKES AND FRONT END DID NOT DIP AS IT SHOULD HAVE; NO GRIPPING AS IT SHOULD HAVE; FELT GRINDING AND SLIPPAGE AS VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD WITHOUT LOSING ANY MOMENTUM. THERE WAS SUFFICIENT STOPPING DISTANCE THAT VEHICLE SPEED SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED AND STOPPED. *TR
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE BRAKE PEDAL DISASSEMBLED FROM THE BRAKE BOOSTER, CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED EVERYTHING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITHIN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THERE WAS NO SAFETY CLIP BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER.*AK
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK
WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FOLD UP AND PUSH THE AIR BAG BACK INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE PLACED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE WITH THE DEALER NOR THE MECHANIC. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON DRY PAVEMENT, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN GEAR, AND SUSTAINED NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE. *SC THE CONSUMER SIFFERED MINOR INJURIES. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 CADILLAC STS SEVILLE SEAT BELT BUCKLING DIFFICULTY**CC THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A DESIGN GLITCH AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE ACCELERATOR WOULD STICK AT TIMES AND THE POWER SEATS JAMMED. *JB
THROTTLE STUCK A 60 MPH. WITH HARD BRAKING CAR WAS HALTED AFTER CONSIDERABLE TRAVEL DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN FINALLY STOPPED AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3600 RPM. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF THEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED ENGINE PREFORMED NORMAL AFTER THAT. CAR WAS TAKEN TO BUDS GMC IN ST. MARYS OHIO AND THE TPS WAS DETERMINED AT FAULT. CUSTOMER HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM BUDS ABOUT 1 MONTH REVIOUSLY. OWNER WAS BILLED 143.75 FOR REPAIRS. CAN FAX REPAIR BILL. THIS CAR AT THE TIME OF THIS OCCURANCE CONTAINED THE DRIVER, WHOM WAS PREGNANT , AND A YOUNG CHILD. IF ANY OTHER HI WAY CONDITIONS HAD BEEN PREVAILENT OTHER THAN CLEAN DRY ROADS A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. I BELEIVE THAT A SURVEY SHOULD BE CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE HOW MANY TPS'S IN THIS TYPE OF CAR HAVE FAILED AND MAYBE A RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 CADILLAC STS SEVILLE SEAT BELT BUCKLING DIFFICULTY**CC THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A DESIGN GLITCH AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE ACCELERATOR WOULD STICK AT TIMES AND THE POWER SEATS JAMMED. *JB
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RELATED PROBLEM WITH A GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCT INVOLVING SOME TYPE OF FAILURE IN THE FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEM OF HIS WIFES VEHICLE.*SCC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The hard fuel rail line has begun to leak and no GM dealers carries parts to resolve problem. The 1999 STS Cadillac is in good working condition but because of the leak, it is unsafe to drive.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT SMELLS GASOLINE WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. HE DISCOVERED THAT A FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING ON THE NUMBER ONE CYLINDER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,640 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,540. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE FUEL RAIL CRACKED JUST ABOVE THE CYLINDER #1. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED ON PRIOR YEARS. UPDATED 07/29/08. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT UNEXPECTEDLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED THAT RELAY SWITCH WAS CORRODED DUE TO WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID GETTING DOWN INTO THE SWITCH. *AK THE CORROSION WAS CAUSED BY THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID SPILLING INTO THE RELAY. *LA
CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD, ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WAS BROKEN, AND THE PLASTIC COVER UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 CADILLAC STS SEVILLE SEAT BELT BUCKLING DIFFICULTY**CC THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A DESIGN GLITCH AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE ACCELERATOR WOULD STICK AT TIMES AND THE POWER SEATS JAMMED. *JB
CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD, ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WAS BROKEN, AND THE PLASTIC COVER UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE LENSES TURNED YELLOW AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT UNEXPECTEDLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED THAT RELAY SWITCH WAS CORRODED DUE TO WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID GETTING DOWN INTO THE SWITCH. *AK THE CORROSION WAS CAUSED BY THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID SPILLING INTO THE RELAY. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
GETTING VIBRATION ON SMOOTH ROADS AT 60-68 MPH. PUT ON 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES, REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS, BALANCED ALL TIRES, STILL EXPERIENCE VIBRATION. DEALER CAN'T FIX. WHAT ARE OTHER SOLUTIONS BESIDES SAYING TIRES ARE OUT OF ROUND? *AK
TIRE BLEWOUT ON HIGHWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED AND TIRES ROTATED AND CHECKED SEVERAL DAYS EARLIER. A COUPLE OF TIRE DEALERS CHECKED THE TIRE AND COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE OF ROAD HAZARDS. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE, BUT TRYING TO PROVE IT WASA STRUCTURAL DEFECT I CAN SEE IS GOING TO BE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. CADILLAC COVERS ALL DEFECTIVE PARTS, BUT GOODYEAR SAYS YOU CAN'T PROVE THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE EVEN IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF A PUNCTURE OR HITTING SOMETHING IN THE ROAD! YOUR INPUT AND HELP IS APPRECIATED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 1 6-000-12 TIRESIZE: 235/60-16)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER BECOME SICK WHILE TRAVELING DUE TO AN ODOR LESS FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. DEALER CLEANED AIR CONDITIONER AND CHANGED OTHER PARTS, AND PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER BELIEVES VEHICLE QUALIFIES FOR LEMON LAW. HAS BEEN REPAIRED 29 TIMES ELECTRICAL SHORTS ON INSIDE. ALSO, CRUISE CABLE BROKE 3 TIMES. TIRES COULD NOT BE BALANCED UNTIL ROTORS WERE REPLACED. AND , PASSENGER SEAT TRACK REPLACED AND DRIVER SEAT. HEATER WENT OUT. *AK ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT WHILE TRAVELING. WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. HEATER FAN WAS MAKING NOISE. TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
GETTING VIBRATION ON SMOOTH ROADS AT 60-68 MPH. PUT ON 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES, REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS, BALANCED ALL TIRES, STILL EXPERIENCE VIBRATION. DEALER CAN'T FIX. WHAT ARE OTHER SOLUTIONS BESIDES SAYING TIRES ARE OUT OF ROUND? *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .