← New search

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

What owners actually said

176 reports
92,000 miles · Jul 23, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHERE THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE PUMP AND THE TEMPERATURE COOLING…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHERE THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE PUMP AND THE TEMPERATURE COOLING SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND A NEW RADIATOR CAP WAS INSTALLED BUT STILL, TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000.

NHTSA ODI #10467083

27,450 miles · May 14, 2012
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, A HOLE WAS DISCOVERED IN THE FLOOR PAN DUE TO A LEAK COMING FROM THE BATTERY, WHICH WAS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, A HOLE WAS DISCOVERED IN THE FLOOR PAN DUE TO A LEAK COMING FROM THE BATTERY, WHICH WAS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,450.

NHTSA ODI #10458308

67,000 miles · Mar 23, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 6 MPH AND TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AW…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE DHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 6 MPH AND TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #10452757

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2012
Visibility

THREE OF THE FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN AND AFTER REPAIRING, WITHIN A YEAR TWO OF THE WINDOWS REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN AGAIN. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE A SUDDEN DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. IN ONE SITUATION, THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WHILE IN A RAIN STORM. THIS CAUSED A SUDDEN DISTRACTION TO…

Read full complaint

THREE OF THE FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN AND AFTER REPAIRING, WITHIN A YEAR TWO OF THE WINDOWS REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN AGAIN. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE A SUDDEN DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. IN ONE SITUATION, THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WHILE IN A RAIN STORM. THIS CAUSED A SUDDEN DISTRACTION TO THE ROAD. I STRAYED OUT OF MY LANE BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN BREAKING OF THE REGULATOR. SECOND TIME OCCURRED WHEN I WAS AT A GROCERY STORE. I CAME OUT TO FIND THE REAR WINDOW DOWN WHICH COULD HAVE ALLOWED SOMEONE INTO THE CAR AND ROB OR EVEN WORSE. I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN ANY OTHER CAR BUT THE CADILLAC DEVILLE'S. IN SPEAKING WITH OTHER CADILLAC OWNER'S JUST ABOUT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10448257

41,000 miles · Jun 29, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD MISREAD AFTER REFILLING THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL SENSOR HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD MISREAD AFTER REFILLING THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL SENSOR HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V238000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000.

NHTSA ODI #10409357

73,849 miles · Jun 28, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED SO THEY WOULD WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS BROKEN. THE BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED SO THEY WOULD WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS BROKEN. THE BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,849 UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 09/09/11*JB

NHTSA ODI #10409187

32,000 miles · Apr 20, 2011
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS ENGAGED, THE WINDOW OPENED WITH A LOUD POP. THE WINDOW THEN ABNORMALLY FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS ENGAGED, THE WINDOW OPENED WITH A LOUD POP. THE WINDOW THEN ABNORMALLY FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE REAR DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10396933

45,344 miles · Jan 20, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO AS…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,344 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,550.

NHTSA ODI #10378020

153,000 miles · Jan 5, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO PARK HIS VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE IN HIS HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE OFFER HIS ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO PARK HIS VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE IN HIS HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE OFFER HIS ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 153,000.

NHTSA ODI #10374840

76,905 miles · Oct 22, 2010
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EXPELLED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE AT A LOW SPEED AND THEN IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FLY WHEEL CRACKED AND A BOLT DISENGAGED FROM THE LOWER AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. …

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EXPELLED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE AT A LOW SPEED AND THEN IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FLY WHEEL CRACKED AND A BOLT DISENGAGED FROM THE LOWER AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,905. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10361757

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.