1997 Cadillac Deville Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 11%of 269 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Cadillac Deville, 11% of the 269 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The consumer noticed the head light had burned out, and water was inside the head light lens and it was loose and about to fall out. The consumer check the other head light lens and it too was loose and about to fall out. The consumer replaced the head light and placed duct tape on the lenses to keep them from falling out, the dealer was aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10026551, filed 2003-08, 65,000 miles“The consumer experienced a problem with the headlight lenses. The lenses kept falling out of position. The owner stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH the lens fell out of position on to the road. The owner contacted the dealer, who suggested that the entire fixture be replaced. The dealer will not sell the lens by itself. The right headlight lenses fell out. The weather was warm and or clear.”
NHTSA complaint #10117683, filed 2005-05, 35,000 miles“My 1997 Cadillac Deville was one month out of warranty when the right headlight cover fell off whil my wife was on the highway. Upon further inspection, I found that the left headlight cover was about to fall off as the adhesive had failed that holds the lens to the headlight body. No replacement covers are available. The only fix is to replace the entire headlight assembly at a cost of $689.75 for the two headlight assemblies. Cadillac has reuected this as a manufacturing defect or as a safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #743315, filed 2001-03“While driving about 65 MPH on the open road a headlight lens came loose, and bounced off the passenger side windshield. We didn't know what it was until we stopped and examined the auto. There was a slight dent in the post between the windshield and the passenger side window. The left headlight lens ws examined and found to be loose. On the return trip the left headlight lens came off. Fi may have gone under the car as I recall a slight noise while driving. The parts man at the dealer made the comment that this usually doesn't happen to cadillacs and when it does they ususlly just drop off. …”
NHTSA complaint #762132, filed 2002-05“Consumer was traveling at approximately 65 MPH in high wind when cover for right front headlamp fell off. Then, it started raining which caused headlamp bulb to go out. Consumer was stopped by state police who informed him that headlight was out. Headlight assembly was replaced and the same day while driving the left plastic cover blew off.”
NHTSA complaint #886594, filed 2001-04Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 43 | 18% |
| 1997 | 29 | 11% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 7 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Cadillac Deville
62 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Cadillac Deville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology