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2002 Cadillac Deville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Deville years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Cadillac Deville are substantially higher than the model-year median of 44.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

114 reports with mileage · 62 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports2 fire reports13 injury reports

Steering complaints

18 reports
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82,000 miles · Jun 19, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER.THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFEC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER.THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10604554

60,000 miles · Feb 9, 2013
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE DANGEROUSLY FAILED PREMATURELY TWO TIMES IN 113,000 MILES. FAILED DANGEROUSLY AT 60,000 AND 113000 MILES. THIS RESULTED IN FRONT WHEEL SHIMMY (SHAKING STEERING WHEEL EXCESSIVELY) AT HIGH SPEEDS AND AT ALL TIMES WHEN BRAKING. FELT LIKE I WAS LOOSING BRAKES WHEN BRAKING DOWN A HILL. WHEN CAR IS JACKED UP …

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FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE DANGEROUSLY FAILED PREMATURELY TWO TIMES IN 113,000 MILES. FAILED DANGEROUSLY AT 60,000 AND 113000 MILES. THIS RESULTED IN FRONT WHEEL SHIMMY (SHAKING STEERING WHEEL EXCESSIVELY) AT HIGH SPEEDS AND AT ALL TIMES WHEN BRAKING. FELT LIKE I WAS LOOSING BRAKES WHEN BRAKING DOWN A HILL. WHEN CAR IS JACKED UP WHEEL ROCKED BACK AND FORTH ABOUT 2 INCHES. SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON GM CARS THAT USE THE CARTRIDGE TYPE OF WHEEL HUB BEARING ASSEMBLIES AS INDICATED BY NUMEROUS POST ON THE INTERNET AND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS AN AUTO MECHANIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10496943

26,000 miles · Jan 18, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PARKS HIS VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN SPORADICALLY LOCKS AND BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE CAUSED BY A PIN IN THE STEERING COLUMN, THE IGNITION, AND THE CYLINDER. THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PARKS HIS VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN SPORADICALLY LOCKS AND BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE CAUSED BY A PIN IN THE STEERING COLUMN, THE IGNITION, AND THE CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,343. UPDATED 02/12/08. *LJ THE FRONT DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN

NHTSA ODI #10215350

46,000 miles · Nov 1, 2007
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AS THE SPEED INCREASED, THE VIBRATION WORSENED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER A SOLUTION. THE MAN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AS THE SPEED INCREASED, THE VIBRATION WORSENED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER A SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

NHTSA ODI #10207684

32,000 miles · Apr 2, 2006
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrash

A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS 4-DOOR SEDAN WAS ORIGINALLY PARKED HEAD-FIRST INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED THE IGNITION, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THEN PUT THE VEHICLE INTO THE REVERSE GEAR "R", SLOWLY AND PARTIALLY RELEASING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE MOVED BACK NORMALLY AS EXPECTED. AFTER ABOUT 15 FEET, THE DRIVER TU…

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A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS 4-DOOR SEDAN WAS ORIGINALLY PARKED HEAD-FIRST INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED THE IGNITION, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THEN PUT THE VEHICLE INTO THE REVERSE GEAR "R", SLOWLY AND PARTIALLY RELEASING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE MOVED BACK NORMALLY AS EXPECTED. AFTER ABOUT 15 FEET, THE DRIVER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO POSITION TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT. AT THAT MOMENT, THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY REVVED UP, THE BRAKES FAILED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION, THE STEERING MECHANISM FAILED (DRIVER'S ACTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAD NO IMPACTS ON THE ACTUAL MOTIONS OF THE FRONT WHEELS), AND A SIGNIFICANT "CLANKING" NOISE (AS IF SOME MAJOR COMPONENTS IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA HAD BEEN BROKEN) WAS CLEARLY NOTICEABLE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER SCRATCHING THE SIDE OF ANOTHER PARKED 4-DOOR SEDAN AND SUBSEQUENTLY HITTING A SIGN POST ABOUT 35 FEET FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE COULD BE SEEN WITH ITS ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOWERED AND THE FENDERS "RESTED" ON AND TOUCHING THE FRONT WHEELS, AS IF THE FRONT AXLE HAD BROKEN. LOOSE BEARINGS / NUTS COULD BE FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10154368

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSeats

PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND AIR BAG LIGHT.*MR THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED LIT, OFTEN FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY BUT THE DEALER INDICATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE UNLESS THE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT TO THE DEALER. THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAS…

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PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND AIR BAG LIGHT.*MR THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED LIT, OFTEN FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY BUT THE DEALER INDICATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE UNLESS THE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT TO THE DEALER. THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED. THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10083414

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2003
Exterior LightingSteering

THE HEADLIGHTS AND STEERING DID NOT WORK PROPERLY.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10006970

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2001
SteeringVisibility

LOUD INTERMITENT GRINDING NOISE HEAR WHEN STEERING TURNED WHEN BACKING OUTAND TURNING WHEEL CAR DRIVEN LESS THAN 100 MILES. AS CAR MILAGE INCREASES NOISE IS BECOMING MORE CONSTENT. WINDSHIELD THE RUBBER GASKETS ON BOTH SIDES IS INSTALLED ON TOP OF THE GLASS INSTEAD OF IN THE GROVES PROVIDED.THIS ALLOWS ROAD SALT AND OTHER DEBRIS…

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LOUD INTERMITENT GRINDING NOISE HEAR WHEN STEERING TURNED WHEN BACKING OUTAND TURNING WHEEL CAR DRIVEN LESS THAN 100 MILES. AS CAR MILAGE INCREASES NOISE IS BECOMING MORE CONSTENT. WINDSHIELD THE RUBBER GASKETS ON BOTH SIDES IS INSTALLED ON TOP OF THE GLASS INSTEAD OF IN THE GROVES PROVIDED.THIS ALLOWS ROAD SALT AND OTHER DEBRIS TO ACCOMULATE AT BOTTOM CORNERS OF WINDSHIELD. THIS CAUSES A MESSEY APPEARANCE AND WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE CORROSION. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE WINDSHIELD MAY POP OUT DEGRADING THE BODY INTEGRITY. POOR ALIGNMENT. ALL POINTS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REAR CAMBER COULD BE ADJUSTED TO SPECIFICATIONS EXCEPT THE REAR CAMBER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #754482

Official recalls

5

14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jun 23, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

03V238000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jul 1, 2003

ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

02V227000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Sep 5, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER LAP AND/OR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS THAT MAY NOT REMAIN LOCKED UP AS DESIGNED DURING A CRASH IN WHICH THE BELT PRETENSIONERS DEPLOY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN SUCH A CRASH, THIS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN INJURY FOR THAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINER KIT IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V067000 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)

Mar 6, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.