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Cadillac SevilleModel year report

1997 Cadillac Seville Problems

Complaints
95filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
91,204miles, 38 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl FWD · 15 city / 24 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Cadillac Seville (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe fuel smells and leaks traced to the fuel rail, power steering that becomes very hard to turn (especially to the left), and brake problems involving the ABS or a rusted/abraded brake line. Many reports come in above 80,000 miles, and several describe the fuel leak as noticeable while parked or after starting.

  1. Fuel system

    Fuel rail leak and fuel smell

    • 12 complaints (13%)
    • median 85,100 mi at 6.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • filed 2002–2013

    Complaints describe a strong gasoline smell in or around the car, sometimes with fuel visibly spraying or seeping from the fuel rail onto the engine. Owners say dealers found a pinhole or crack in the fuel rail or its tubing, and in some cases quoted back-order parts or asked the owner to pay. Some report being told the vehicle was not safe to drive until repaired. Reported from roughly 72,000 to 135,000 miles, often noticed while parked or shortly after starting.

    Recall 04V110000

    What to check: Ask whether recall 04V110000 was performed and inspect the fuel rail and lines for cracks, weeping, or a fuel smell after the engine is shut off.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Hit a speed bump - loud noise - could barely brake - avoid collision and after eventually being able to stop; looked under car and fluid gushing out like a rainstorm. Call insurance company who stated it was a collision; however, repair shop and adjuster for insurance company stated it was bound to happen due to rusting and cracking of brake line, etc. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10532740, filed 2013-07, 87,200 miles

    “Consumer called complaining about fuel injection system, injectors. Injectors were made out of plastic, gas was leaking through them, and was falling right on top of the engine. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that consumer should purchase the extra warranty on the vehicle. But the warranty will only cover the injectors made out of metal and not plastic.”

    NHTSA complaint #10029763, filed 2003-07, 83,000 miles
  2. Steering

    Power steering locks up turning left

    • 10 complaints (11%)
    • median 87,325 mi at 7.6 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2000–2009

    Owners describe the steering becoming suddenly very heavy, most often when turning left, to the point the wheel is hard to turn at low speed or in a parking lot. Some say it comes and goes, and dealers have replaced a power steering belt or pointed to the steering sensor or rack and pinion. A few complaints involve the rack and pinion itself or clunking from the front end. Mostly reported between about 53,000 and 130,000 miles, typically at low speed or in left turns.

    What to check: Turn the wheel fully both ways at idle and at low speed and check for uneven effort, noise, or clunking; ask whether the rack, pump, or belt has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving and going around corners the steering veers to one side or another suddenly. There is also strange noises coming from the front end when going over bumps. If this happens at a high speed I may not be able to control it and something serious could happen. This seems related to other 1997 GM rack and pinion failures that I have researched. Will have the rack and pinion replaced.”

    NHTSA complaint #10126724, filed 2005-06, 93,400 miles

    “In my 1997 Cadillac sts the steering gear went bad. During a left turn it will intermittently become harder to complete a left turn. Turning right is fine. Over 800000 GM cars were recalled in 1997 for this same problem however Cadillac is not one of them. When I contacted GM they told me that there was nothing they could do. When in a vehicle I feel it is important to be able to predict the resistance of the steering wheel as it may pertain to my and others future safety.”

    NHTSA complaint #10064490, filed 2004-04, 87,650 miles
  3. Brakes

    ABS activates without braking

    • 6 complaints (6%)
    • median 138,000 mi at 12.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1997–2009

    Owners report the ABS or traction control light coming on and the brakes cycling or the car skidding during normal, non-ABS stops and turns. Several say dealers could not reproduce the intermittent problem or told them the vehicle was outside a recall by VIN. A few describe the car slowing on its own at highway speed. Reported from low speeds up to highway speed, from around 100,000 to 140,000 miles in the sample.

    Recall 97V0640001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the electronic brake control module was replaced under recall 97V064000, and watch for ABS or traction lights or unexpected pedal cycling on a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 97v064000 concerning the ABS brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle has not been repaired due to excessive cost.”

    NHTSA complaint #10144068, filed 2005-11

    “While making a turn at 15 MPH the anti-lock braking system engaged, causing the vehicle to skid. When it released consumer was able to drive the vehicle until the next time when consumer turned it off.”

    NHTSA complaint #10046202, filed 2003-11
  4. Brakes

    Brake line wear and fluid loss

    • 5 complaints (5%)
    • median 88,170 mi at 13.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2000–2013

    Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor with little or no braking, sometimes with a brake warning message. Owners say a steel brake line had rubbed against the frame or a bracket until it wore through and leaked fluid. Repairs involved replacing the line, and some owners reported the fluid loss happened without much warning. Reported from about 88,000 to 190,000 miles, often noticed when backing out or braking from a stop.

    What to check: Have the brake lines traced along the frame and brackets for rubbing or rust, and check the fluid level and pedal feel before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “1. No injury, no crash, wife complained of breakpedal going to the floor as she backed out of the garage - I observed large amounts of break fluid in driveway. I instructed her to get out and shut it off- message center also warned of brake failure. 2. Steel brake line chafed against the frame of '97 Seville sts - factory installation/design with clearance too tight in the location where the line crosses over the frame to the terminal bracked at the rear wheel - wore through the brake line. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10126504, filed 2005-06, 88,170 miles

    “Brake line failure - 1997 Cadillac Seville sts - 4.6l engine - rear brake line failed - directly related to the improper installation and abrasion caused by normal usage - brake fluid loss leads to no peddle pressure and greatly diminished or zero braking capability. Suggest recall to inspect abraded brakes lines.”

    NHTSA complaint #10285361, filed 2009-09, 190,000 miles
  5. Engine cooling

    Coolant loss and head gasket repairs

    Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe losing coolant quickly, needing to top it up every few days, and a temperature gauge that moves erratically. Some owners report coolant entering the cylinders and warped heads requiring removal and resurfacing, while others mention replaced gaskets and a water pump with the leak continuing. One complaint notes oil consumption. Mostly reported between about 57,000 and 110,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the coolant level and look for residue or a sweet smell, and ask whether head gaskets, the water pump, or cooling system work has been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I bought a used 1997 Cadillac sls in 1999 which was still under warranty. The car has had electrical and mechanical problems off and on. I have religiously had my car serviced at the recommended schedule. I was told and LED to believe that the engine was virtually maintenance free up to 100,000 miles. My car has 82,000 miles and now they tell me that I need a new head gasket at nice cost of $2800.00. I'm tired of being charged for some little problem every time I bring it in!”

    NHTSA complaint #10018480, filed 2003-05, 86,447 miles

    “Heads on 1997 Cadillac Seville (sls) pulled loose from engine letting antifreeze enter into the combustion chamber of all eight cylinders. Heads were warped and had to be taken off engine and milled to refit to engine block. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10125234, filed 2005-06, 96,960 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the fuel rail and lines, the brake lines and ABS, the steering rack, and the cooling system, since these come up repeatedly in owner reports. Ask for service records showing whether the two recalls were completed and what steering or brake work has already been done.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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.

NHTSA recorded 95 consumer complaints for the 1997 Cadillac Seville. 38 of the complaints include a mileage, and 3% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 91,204 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 4 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 23 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (3), Engine (2), Equipment (2), Body and structure (2), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1).

Example complaints

Engine cooling: “On february 18, 2010 I had to call the fire department because my car had caught on fire. It had been sitting in the garage for 5 hrs after being driven.”

NHTSA complaint #10314396, filed 2010-02, 173,000 miles

Fuel system: “I bought a used car with an extended warranty. A week later the fuel switch went out. I had to spend $80 to get that fixed at the same dealership. After a few weeks the turing switch started smoking so I took it to different dealership to get check out and they fixed it for $100 (co pay) while my car was being fixed they found a major oil leak and asked me if I would like to see if my warranty would fix it. The warrenty people came out and said no we are not going to pay the $1,500 -$2,500 to fix it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10070348, filed 2004-01, 72,101 miles

Brakes: “I was on the highway driving at 60 to 65 miles an hour, the distance before the malfunction began was approximately 5 miles before my brakes automatically were applied during a non braking application. The Cadillac sts slowed down into a car that hit my rear bumper. I tried to recover from the bump. As an result, the momentum sent me into a rocky but grassy ditched area on the side of the highway. As a result of the ebtcm failing while driving on the highway, my bumper was damaged, front bumper was damaged, along with my steering and struts. …”

NHTSA complaint #10237912, filed 2008-08, 120,100 miles

Steering: “Smoke and smell of electrical fire coming from steering column. Immediately took to GM Cadillac dealer. They were aware of the problem as they have corrected the problem in other Cadillac's several times . The turnsignal switch melted. They replaced turnsignal switch & canceling cams. Reaseembled and tested. Price: $392.47”

NHTSA complaint #10127441, filed 2005-07, 57,062 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

3% of the 38 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 81,000 and 122,440 miles.

0%0–100%10–253%25–5016%50–7542%75–10032%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (38 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 91,204 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’99’0216’05’09’13’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1997 Cadillac Seville version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Seville FWD4.6L 8-cyl4-speed automatic152418$4,550

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1997 Cadillac Seville → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 23 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 23 bulletins →

Other model years of the Cadillac Seville

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2004931,5000—19—Not enough data
20031648,2881—19—Falling
20024589,0002—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20015351,0101—18Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20003850,0002—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19997351,8021—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19986579,5002—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19979591,2042—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199612294,0002—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199574103,0002—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199450101,1902—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199342118,0002—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19922763,0001—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199121—0—18—Stable
19901945,0002—17—Stable
19895156,0001—18—Not enough data
198811—0—17—Not enough data
198711—1—18—Not enough data
198611—2—18—Not enough data
19856—1—17—Not enough data

All Cadillac Seville model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Cadillac Seville?

Owners of this model year most often describe fuel smells and leaks traced to the fuel rail, power steering that becomes very hard to turn (especially to the left), and brake problems involving the ABS or a rusted/abraded brake line. The issues reported most often: Fuel rail leak and fuel smell; Power steering locks up turning left; ABS activates without braking.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Cadillac Seville have?

NHTSA recorded 95 consumer complaints for the 1997 Cadillac Seville as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1997 Cadillac Seville is reported most often?

Engine cooling is named most often, in 19 complaints (20% of the total), followed by fuel system with 19.

Has the 1997 Cadillac Seville been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Cadillac Seville get?

The EPA rates the 1997 Cadillac Seville (Seville, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Cadillac Seville reported?

Among the 38 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 91,204 miles and the middle half falls between 81,000 and 122,440 miles; 3% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.