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Owner report · 1996 model year

1996 Cadillac DeVille

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The Verdict

Worst problem area

Steering

Steering leads by volume: 43 of 218 complaints (20%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (10) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

At a glance

NHTSA complaints
218
Recall campaigns
2
EPA fuel cost per year
$4,300
Combined MPG
18

Complaints by model year

  1. 2181996
  2. 2691997
  3. 2371998

Where owners report problems

  1. Steering43 (20%)
  2. Engine41 (19%)
  3. Fuel System35 (16%)
  4. Brakes21 (10%)
  5. Driver Assistance & Speed Control21 (10%)
  6. Airbags & Restraints18 (8%)
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 3 years.
Category199619971998vs. 1996 Large Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)4,3004,3003,450
Combined MPG181818
City / Highway MPG15 / 2415 / 2415 / 24
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)494494494
Complaints filed218269237Not compared
Recalls issued223Not compared
Crash-involved complaints11414Not compared
Fire-involved complaints781Not compared
Injuries reported12617Not compared
Deaths reported002Not compared
Configurations compared111

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 1996 Cadillac DeVille have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 1996 Cadillac DeVille?

Steering: 43 of 218 NHTSA complaints (20%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Cadillac DeVille get?

EPA rates it 18 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 1996 Cadillac DeVille?

EPA estimates $4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

Similar Vehicles

EPA-Rated Configurations (1)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic 4-spd84.6LFront-Wheel DrivePremiumLarge Cars15 mpg24 mpg18 mpg$4,300494 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine410200
Transmission & Drivetrain111010
Fuel System350200
Electrical180300
Brakes211100
Steering430100
Suspension, Wheels & Tires170000
Airbags & Restraints1890100
Driver Assistance & Speed Control210000
Body, Seats & Latches143050
Visibility & Lighting140010
Other110000

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (2)

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Campaign 04V110000 · Mar 4, 2004

    Defect
    SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
    Consequence
    FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

    Campaign 95V229000 · Dec 5, 1995

    Defect
    THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 113, "HOOD LATCH SYSTEM."
    Consequence
    CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SECONDARY LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD CAN CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD REDUCING THE VISION OF THE DRIVER AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH.