1996 Cadillac Seville Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 20%of 122 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Cadillac Seville, 20% of the 122 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Gm has a known problem with the cadallic northstar 4.6l head gaskets. They broke down between 70,000 and 140,000 miles GM will not assist in the repair of the head gaskets. Our Cadillac is a 1996 with 72,000 miles and has had the leaking since 40,000 miles. The dealer was and is willing to repair for approx. $3500.00. We have never been told about the lawsuit that was files and the dealer has known about the dex coolant problem. The dealer will not guarantee the head gasket they said was needed . …”
NHTSA complaint #10391428, filed 2011-03, 40,000 miles“Northstar engine problem - the head bolts pulled loose causing engine coolant to leak into the exhaust. Had inserts put in by local mechanic who had previously done two such repairs (Cadillac advised that it only had a 60% chance of fixing the problem if they did the work and the cost would be $3,000 - $4,000). Car had about 70,000 miles on it at time of failure. Car ran well until october 2008 when coolant loss started again. Have tried various sealant but it is likely the head bolts again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256236, filed 2009-01, 70,000 miles“When driving at any speed consumer heard knocking sound coming from the engine. Dealer examined the vehicle, but would only change the oil. The noise is still being heard while the vehicle is on.”
NHTSA complaint #10050517, filed 2003-12, 96,100 miles“I am very concerned about the oil consumption that is being used in my car. I have been told by Cadillac that it is normal for this engine to use 2-3 quarts of oil for every 3000 miles, with the many differents cars that we have owned I have never had this problem before. The warranty for the car expires at 70000 miles. What other action can I take.”
NHTSA complaint #752514, filed 2001-09“Cadillac knows this is a problem. Please stop them from stiffing the owners of any year northstar engine with the bill of $1800 to fix the problem. I had a 76 grand prix 400 v8 engine with 245000miles on it that didnt leak oil like this engine. If I knew Cadillac had a design defect with northstar engines I would not have bought the car.”
NHTSA complaint #742375, filed 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10020584Oct 19, 2006Knockig noises or excessive oil consumption. Vehicles with ld8 or l37 4.6l v8 engines.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 13% |
| 2002 | 7 | 16% |
| 2001 | 9 | 17% |
| 2000 | 6 | 16% |
| 1999 | 23 | 32% |
| 1998 | 20 | 31% |
| 1997 | 19 | 20% |
| 1996 | 25 | 20% |
| 1995 | 15 | 20% |
| 1994 | 21 | 42% |
| 1993 | 9 | 21% |
| 1992 | 3 | 11% |
| 1991 | 1 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1989 | 1 | 20% |
| 1988 | 2 | 18% |
| 1987 | 1 | 9% |
| 1986 | 4 | 36% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Cadillac Seville
24 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Cadillac Seville
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