2002 Cadillac SLS Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 30%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Cadillac SLS, 30% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Head bolts pulled out of block on a 2002 Cadillac with a northstar engine. The first time it happened the car had 74,000 mile and was fixed under the vehicles extended warranty. The 2nd time it happened the car had 87,000 on it and the same head bolt that was fixed failed. The engine was not repairable and had to be replaced. This was a patch job that GM knew was not permanent and they now do not want to take care of their shoddy repair procedure.”
NHTSA complaint #10234414, filed 2008-07, 87,000 miles“A low coolant light appeared on my 2002 Cadillac SLS (4.6l northstar VIN-y). While parked steam/smoke (small amount) began rising from the engine compartment and a small puddle of coolant was found below vehicle. Vehicle was inspected and a crack in the engine block was discovered. Mechanic stated this was very odd. Vehicle has 103k miles. Water pump gasket was replaced at 65k miles, head gaskets, thermostat & radiator were replaced at 78k miles and water pump clamp/hose replaced at 83k miles. All these repairs were made by the dealership while the vehicle was under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10252119, filed 2008-12, 103,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Cadillac SLS
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Cadillac SLS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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