1997 Cadillac Seville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 17%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,325miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Cadillac Seville, 17% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,325 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“1997 Cadillac Seville sts power steering failed while making a left turn. Steering effort increased instantly and caused the car to run off the road, no damage or injury fortunately as the speed was low. Steering to the right is comparatively normal but steering to the left requires as much force as I can muster, worse at slower speeds (such as parking or turning left form a stop or crawl). …”
NHTSA complaint #10082390, filed 2004-07, 86,000 miles“97 Cadillac Seville,cluncking in front end ,rack and pinion,can feel the noise coming from inside the rack and pinion. Steering seems to lock up while driving straight or in a turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10289895, filed 2009-10, 87,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 56% |
| 2003 | 2 | 13% |
| 2002 | 7 | 16% |
| 2001 | 8 | 15% |
| 2000 | 6 | 16% |
| 1999 | 8 | 11% |
| 1998 | 10 | 15% |
| 1997 | 16 | 17% |
| 1996 | 16 | 13% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 9% |
| 1987 | 1 | 9% |
| 1986 | 2 | 18% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Cadillac Seville
19 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Cadillac Seville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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