1996 Cadillac Seville

122 federal complaints (156 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 45 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 23 model years of the Cadillac Seville →
Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
15 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
122
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
30
Electrical system
24
Fuel system
22
Steering
17
Equipment & interior
11
Air bags
10
Glass & wipers
9
Speed control
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 18 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 7 complaints3 years old: 10 complaints4 years old: 8 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 4 complaints7 years old: 7 complaints8 years old: 12 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 105 of 122 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 1 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 2 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 5 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 9 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 31 of 122 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

30 complaint records3 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. BEEN TO DLR 3 TIMES, DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

24 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"HORN IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PUSH IN TO MAKE ANY SOUND. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK CONSUMER SATES HORN IS TO SOFT TO HEAR EVEN IF ACTIVATED. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Fuel system

22 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A FUEL RAIL RECALL AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. NHTSA RECALL FUEL RAIL: 04V110000. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA04003
opened Feb 2004
closed Apr 2004Fuel System, GasolineFUEL RAIL LEAKS - led to recall 04V110000
ON MARCH 3, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MY 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES (RPO L47 - VIN8 C) TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE FROM CRACKED FUEL RAILS AND, IN...
PE03050
opened Oct 2003
closed Feb 2004Fuel System, GasolineFUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED BY DANA.THE FUEL RAIL JUMPER TUBES WERE MADE OF MONOLAYER NYLON 12 (PA12).IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998, THE JUMPER TUBE MATERIAL WAS CHANGED FROM PA12 TO M-BOND (A MULTI-LAYER PTFE/PA12).IN...
RQ03001
opened Jan 2003
closed Sep 2003SteeringPOWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P).
EA98004
opened Feb 1998
closed Jun 1998Air BagsINADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT - led to recall 98V115000
There is no summary currently available

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V110000Fuel System, GasolineSOME 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.Normally free
95V224000EquipmentTHE ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT DISRUPTING THE PASS KEY SYSTEM, CAUSING FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND TELL-TALES, AND A POSSIBLE NO-START...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1995230
1995-12-18
Electrical53THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 101 -"CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION", 108 - "LIGHTING EQUIPMENT" AND 208 - "SEAT BELT INSTALLATION".

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis 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.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis 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.
Show 40 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
17NA073
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis 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.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
TiresThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-073
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis 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.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis 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.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
3951
Oct 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingKNOCKIG NOISES OR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. VEHICLES WITH LD8 OR L37 4.6L V8 ENGINES. *KB
990601019
Feb 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL LEAKS ALONG THE UPPER TO LOWER CRANKCASE JOINT. *TT
04014
Aug 2004
Fuel SystemQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO ASSIST IN RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER INQUIRES TO THE UPCOMING PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL 04014 - ENGINE FUEL RAIL REPLACEMENT. *TT *MJ GM ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE. *TT
04192004
Apr 2004
Fuel SystemGM ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL POPULATION OF VEHICLES EXPOSED TO TIME, HEAT AND CERTAIN FUELS IS CAUSING NYLON TUBING IN THE FUEL RAILS TO DEVELOP AN UNUSUAL NUMBER OF LEAKS. FAILURE OF THE FUEL RAIL TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
01771
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8, L37, LH2 ENGINE COOLANT OR OIL LEAK.*MR
01792
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8 L37 ENGINE WATER PUMP COVER P/N 12571913- THERMOSTAT LOOSE. ALSO INCLUDING MODEL 2003 CADILLAC ELDORADO. *MR
3001
Jan 2004
EquipmentVOLUME IS ONLY CONTROLLED USING STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. *TT
3003
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442 SMALL LEAK DETECTED, INSPECT AT FUEL FILLER NECK. *MJ
030137002
Nov 2003
VisibilityREVISED HVAC BLOWER MOTOR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT
990601010C
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COLD/KNOCK/TICK NOISE. *TT
020601009C
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT
030601027
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO INFORM DEALERS OF ENHANCEMENTS TO CRANKCASE, OIL DISTRIBUTION PLATE AND OIL PAN SEALING BY USING RTV SEALANT. *TT
990601010B
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COLD/KNOCK/TICK NOISE. *TT
030850005
Feb 2003
SeatsFRONT HEATED SEAT INOPERATIVE / COLD. *TT
020601009A
Nov 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT
020601009
Mar 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON HIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *SLC
020601011
Mar 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING REVISED FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIN FOR CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT. *TT
150201
Feb 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS PRODUCT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONCERNS AN INTERMITTENT STUMBLE OR STALL CONDITION. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT INTERMITTENTLY THEY EXPERIENCE A STUMBLE OR STALL CONDITION WHEN COMING DOWN TO A STOP.
990601010
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A ENGINE COLD / KNOCK / TICK NOISE. *TT
831704
Oct 1998
StructureCONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC
839606
Aug 1998
EquipmentTRUNK MOUNTED 12 CD CHANGER EJECTS INTERMITTENTLY. YD
971101631041
Nov 1997
StructureCOMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS).
971101533304
Nov 1997
SuspensionCOMMENTS OF A RATTLE/LOOSE NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *YC
9709013202B
Sep 1997
SteeringEXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC
970901733205
Sep 1997
Electrical SystemEXCESSIVE FORCE REQUIRED TO OPERATE THE HORN WHEN COLD. *YC
731608
Jun 1997
VisibilityEXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TW
970501735019
May 1997
Service BrakesWHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED FORCE OR ENGINE LOAD MAY AFFECT AND CAUSE VARIOUS NOISES. *YC
549001A
Mar 1997
EquipmentCLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW
677156
Feb 1997
Vehicle Speed ControlBUZZ OR MOAN NOISE DURING TCC APPLY (REPLACE SPACER PLATE AND UPPER CONTROL VALVE). *AK
9674T80E01
Nov 1996
Power TrainBUZZ OR MOAN NOISE DURING TCC APPLY. *TW
3179
Power TrainSERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON AND CHUGGLE OR SURGE. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0741 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 39 (TCC STUCK OFF). *TT
3687
Power TrainMISSING CAMSHAFT INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT PLUG - SERVICE VME. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Cadillac Seville →