1993 Cadillac Deville Problems

What owners report

Owners of this 1993 Cadillac Deville most often report anti-lock brake system faults, engine cradle mounts rusting or breaking away from the frame, and oil leaks from the engine and transaxle cooler lines. Many complaints come from cars with well over 100,000 miles, though several reports describe failures at lower mileage, and a recurring theme is drivers being told by dealers that nothing was wrong or that the vehicle was outside a recall or warranty.

1. 1
   Brakes

   ABS light on / anti-lock braking failure

   • 14 complaints (15%)
   • median 129,000 mi at 13.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2006

   Owners describe the ABS warning light coming on while driving, after which the anti-lock system stops working or the pedal feels abnormal. Complaints mention the pressure modulator valve assembly and master cylinder being replaced, sometimes in stages, with owners questioning the cost. Several say the dealer confirmed the ABS unit needed replacement. Reported across a wide mileage range, with several complaints filed on cars already past 100,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask whether the ABS light comes on during a test drive and whether the modulator or master cylinder has been replaced; a scan or brake inspection can confirm the current state of the system.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Anti lock brake system completely replaced - a major preblem was, dealership did not make me aware approx 50% had brakes repaired. I was informed they were aware a $500 part had to be replaced and after that was put on there was another part approx $400 that may have to be replaced, of course that was needed after 1st part replaced . Making payment of approx $1500 to replace brakes after labor included. I had a big problem that I had to spend over $800 before they could tell me if I had to come up with another $700. …”

   NHTSA complaint #708884, filed 1999-07

   “Consumer has been attempting to get assistance from GM regarding ABS brake repairs, consumer states GM had recalled many GM cars and trucks for the problem, however this vehicle was not included, consumer was only given a certificate to use when buying a new car, consumer can not afford to buy a new car and wants assistance with these repairs.”

   NHTSA complaint #563641, filed 2001-10
2. 2
   Electrical system

   Engine stalling and underhood fires

   • 21 complaints (23%)
   • median 128,000 mi at 10.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2009

   Several owners describe the engine quitting while driving, sometimes followed by smoke from under the hood and the vehicle catching fire. Complaints report the dealer attributing one fire to excessive oil in the engine, and another owner notes no warning light came on before the fire. Other electrical complaints include repeated battery replacement and intermittent no-start conditions. Reported at a range of mileages, often with the engine stopping first and fire following shortly after.

   What to check: Ask about any history of stalling, electrical repairs, or fire damage, and have the wiring, ignition, and fluid levels checked; look for melted or scorched connectors under the hood.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Consumer states that when key is in the ignition sometimes the vehicle will not start. Consumer has to try turning ignition 3 or 4 times before vehicle will start.”

   NHTSA complaint #10031896, filed 2003-08, 137,000 miles

   “No engine light on the console came on to warren consumer of engine trouble. Smoke was seen coming from the hood, and when consumer pulled over to check it out after lifting the hood,the engine bursted into flames. Fire department was called to put out fire. Dealer was not contacted because the consumer bought the vehicle used.”

   NHTSA complaint #829482, filed 1998-10
3. 3
   Body and structure

   Engine cradle mounts break or rust through

   • 6 complaints (7%)
   • median 127,777 mi at 15.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2000–2011

   Complaints describe the engine cradle mounts pulling through the cradle or breaking loose, letting the engine and transaxle drop and affecting steering. Some owners say this happened at low speed or at a stop, while another report describes loss of steering and a separated exhaust after the cradle dropped. Repairs involved the cradle mounts and, in at least one case, the right front axle assembly. Mostly reported on cars between roughly 80,000 and 175,000 miles, with several noting rust on the cradle.

   What to check: Have the cradle and its mounts inspected from below for rust, cracked metal, or pulled-through bolt holes before buying, especially on cars from rust-belt areas.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I just came off i70 when I was making a right hand turn==the washers holding the cradle mounts on the rear of the cradle pulled thrpugh the cradle itself rendering the engine tranny assembly on the ground the steering pulled out of its sleeve and had no steering the exhaust pipe also separated due to the drooping of the cradle on the ground.”

   NHTSA complaint #10066259, filed 2004-04, 126,554 miles

   “Was driving in a 25mph zone when both rear engine cradle mounts broke loose causing the engine to drop effecting steering of said car. Had this been on a highway, serious injury could have resulted.”

   NHTSA complaint #10283545, filed 2009-09, 174,969 miles
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Oil leaks from engine and transaxle cooler lines

   Mentioned in 4 of 44 sampled complaints

   Owners report oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, and smoke from underneath after driving, with one complaint noting the air conditioner stopped working and a stop-engine warning appeared. Others describe transaxle fluid leaking from the cooler line, smell and smoke worsening on longer highway drives, and dealers declining repair because of multiple leaks. Reported from low indicated failure mileage up to about 110,000 miles, often noticed after longer drives at highway speed.

   Recall 94V199000

   What to check: Look for oil or red fluid spots under the car and check the transaxle cooler hose and engine oil pan area; ask whether recall 94V199000 (transaxle cooler hose) was performed for this vehicle.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “There exists a design flaw in the Cadillac Deville's. Mine is a 1993 model but I have been told by the dealer that it is a consistent flaw within the Deville line. It requires the replacement of the oil pan, oil gaskets, and oil seals anywhere from 2 to 3 years. I had mine replaced five times in ten years. Besides the cost, the potential for damage to the engine and possibility for the car to create damage to others is beyond measure. Cadillac has been contacted and does nothing about the recall because they do not consider it a safety defect. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10038999, filed 2003-09, 111,234 miles

   “While driving , the vehicle began to smoke, the consumer pulled over and discovered oil was leaking from the engine block and the trans axle coolant hose was also leaking. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who refused to repair it, the dealer stated there were too many leaks in too many places. The consumer repaired the problems himself. The consumer stated the manufacturer should have taken responsibility for the repairs since there was a recall regarding the same year, make and model.”

   NHTSA complaint #10019898, filed 2003-05
5. 5
   Vehicle speed control

   Sudden acceleration or high idle / speed control faults

   • 6 complaints (7%)
   • typically at 6.9 yrs old
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2002

   Owners describe the car accelerating on its own with the cruise control off, high idle and engine racing at a stop, and surging after the accelerator is released. Complaints mention throttle position sensor, idle speed control, and engine computer replacements, with dealers sometimes unable to identify a cause. Reported at various mileages; one owner notes the behavior appears in hot, humid weather above about 90 degrees.

   What to check: During a test drive, check for a hanging or racing idle when stopping and ask whether the throttle position sensor or idle control has been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Car suddenly accelerates like cruise control engages(cruise control is off) and unable to disengage by appling brakes.dealer has been unable to determine exact cause.latest incident happened while turning corner, causing car to accelerate while foot was on brake and cross over center line,sliding in gravel, striking tree on opposent side of roadway. The tps has been replaced twice and the ECM and ignition lock replaced once.”

   NHTSA complaint #759300, filed 2002-03

   “Vehicle idles very high when attempting to slow down or when at a complete stand still, engine and rpms race. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has reset and replaced the idle speed control, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.”

   NHTSA complaint #857197, filed 2000-02

Buying note. On a car this old, condition and maintenance history matter more than the model's reputation: have the brake system, engine cradle mounts, and fluid leaks inspected before purchase, and confirm any open recalls. Records showing recent brake and cooling-line work are worth asking for.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 44 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.