1996 Cadillac DeVille
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
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | vs. 1996 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300 | 4,300 | 3,450 | |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 18 | 18 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15 / 24 | 15 / 24 | 15 / 24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494 | 494 | 494 | |
| Complaints filed | 218 | 269 | 237 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 4 | 14 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 7 | 8 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 12 | 6 | 17 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Sep 16, 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)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 41 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 35 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 43 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 18 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 14 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 10, 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 6, 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.