Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 60 of 73 complaints with a usable failure date.
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
27 complaint records2 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLS OUT WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*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
16 complaint records2 fire reports
"RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #99V070000. CONTACTED DEALER. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. *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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
10 complaint records
"THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM SNAPPED IN TWO AND THE RIGHT WHEEL CAME OFF AND THE TIRE TURNED SIDEWAYS LODGING UNDER THE RIGHT FENDER. *MJS..."- 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 suspension 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ99013 opened Jun 1999 | closed Feb 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CADILLAC COOLANT COOLED ALTERNATOR FIRES - led to recall 99V070000 |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99V070000 | Electrical System | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF. | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999058 1999-04-14 | Electrical | 1,371 | On certain vehicles, a rectifier bridge short may develop in the generator even when the engine is off. The electrical short could cause an engine compartment fire that could spread to the rest of the vehicle. |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This 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 System | This 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 | 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. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | 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. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 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. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This 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 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This 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... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | 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. | |
| PIP5346 Nov 2015 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | 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. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. | |
| PIC5913 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 08089-B Nov 2008 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE | |
| 08-089 Jun 2008 | Equipment | BUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. | |
| PIC-4887 Jun 2008 | Suspension | GMC: HARSH RIDE OR LINE INSTALLATION CONCERN WITH DELCO SHOCK KIT. CONCERNS WITH CONNECTING THE LINES TO THE SHOCKS AND THE AIR COMPRESSOR. CONCERN OF HARSH RIDE AFTER INSTALLATION. *PE | |
| 3951 Oct 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | KNOCKIG NOISES OR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. VEHICLES WITH LD8 OR L37 4.6L V8 ENGINES. *KB | |
| 020730039E Aug 2005 | Power Train | FIRM TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, SHUDDER/CHUGGLE, TRANSMISSION WON'T DOWNSHIFT ON DECELERATION, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0742 SET. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 030844005B Jan 2005 | Visibility | POOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 040861001 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | FLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *EH | |
| 000310007F Nov 2004 | Suspension | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *JB UPDATED *EH GM VOICEMAIL MESSAGE. *TT | |
| 040730034 Aug 2004 | Power Train | SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0741, TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) EXCESSIVE SLIP, TRANSAXLE CHUGGLE, SLIP/SURGE. *TT | |
| 000310007E Feb 2004 | Suspension | SHAKE/VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 990603009A Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *TT UPDATE *EH | |
| 010850002B Jan 2004 | Seats | FRONT HEATED SEAT INOPERATIVE/COLD. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 01-08-50-002B DATED 05/01/2003. *TT | |
| 00062A Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE EXHAUST LEAK NOISE HEARD INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SIT BULLETIN 1412205. *TT | |
| 01771 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8, L37, LH2 ENGINE COOLANT OR OIL LEAK.*MR | |
| 01792 Jan 2004 | 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 | |
| 01709 Jan 2004 | Structure | INDENTATION OF REAR FASCIA NEAR URPA SENSOR. SIT BULLETIN 1454741. *TT | |
| 02038 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1000. *MR | |
| 01263 Jan 2004 | Steering | STEERING CLUNK NOISE. *MJ | |
| 02103 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 4T80E MH1 SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0741 (TCC STUCK OFF). *TT | |
| 3001 Jan 2004 | Equipment | VOLUME IS ONLY CONTROLLED USING STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. *TT | |
| 3003 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442 SMALL LEAK DETECTED, INSPECT AT FUEL FILLER NECK. *MJ | |
| 3015 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | MULTIPLE STABILITRAK/PRECISION CONTROL CODES SUCH AS C1282, C1283, C1284, C1285, C1287, AND C1288 EXIST ON DELPHI BOSCH 5.0 OR 5.3 SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 3035 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ON, SES LIGHT ON AND CHUGGLE OR SURGE. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0741 (TCC STUCK OFF). *TT | |
| 00222A Nov 2003 | Service Brakes | UNEVEN RIGHT FRONT BRAKE WEAR WITH THE RIGHT FRONT OUTBOARD PAD BEING WORN AN AMOUNT INCONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE FRONT BRAKE PADS. *TT | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 990601010C Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COLD/KNOCK/TICK NOISE. *TT | |
| 020601009C Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT | |
| 030601027 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO INFORM DEALERS OF ENHANCEMENTS TO CRANKCASE, OIL DISTRIBUTION PLATE AND OIL PAN SEALING BY USING RTV SEALANT. *TT | |
| 010235009A Aug 2003 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN TO INSTRUMENT PANEL FASTENER REMOVAL. *TT | |
| 030236002 Aug 2003 | Steering | REVISED STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR OR STEERING SHAFT LOWER BEARING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE AND STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CENTERING PROCEDURE. *EH | |
| 030866009 Aug 2003 | Structure | REAR COMPARTMENT CARPET WET/MUSTY ODOR AND/OR SPARE TIRE WELL WET. *TT | |
| 030139001A Jun 2003 | Equipment | REAR HVAC BLOWER CONTROL KNOB MAY FALL OFF. *TT | |
| 990601010B Jun 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COLD/KNOCK/TICK NOISE. *TT | |
| 030139006 May 2003 | Equipment | DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN DESIRED HVAC TEMPERATURE. *TT | |
| 030139001 Mar 2003 | Equipment | REAR HVAC BLOWER CONTROL KNOB MAY FALL OFF. *TT | |
| 020601009A Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT | |
| 09132002 Sep 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS MESSAGE CONCERNS INSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR NOISY. COMMENTS THAT A NOISE IN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON COLD STARTS. THIS NOISE MAY BE DESCRIBED AS A GRIND, GROWL, HUM, WHINE OR SQUEAL. A FAN NOISE MAY ALSO BE HEARD WHILE DRIVING. | |
| 020730031 Aug 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON INSPECTING THE JULIAN DATE CODE OF TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH PLUSE WIDTH MODULATED VALVE ASSEMBLY. *TT | |
| 000310007C Aug 2002 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *TT |
Showing 60 of 93 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- 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.
- 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.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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.
- 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 →