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Owner report · 1997 model year

1997 Cadillac DeVille

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1997 Cadillac DeVille
Crash-test image: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Brakes

Brakes leads by volume: 63 of 269 complaints (23%) mention it.

Complaints filed rose from 218 in 1996 to 269 in 1997.

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

At a glance

NHTSA complaints
269
Recall campaigns
2
EPA fuel cost per year
$4,300
Combined MPG
18

Complaints by model year

  1. 2181996
  2. 2691997
  3. 2371998
  4. 1871999

Where owners report problems

  1. Brakes63 (23%)
  2. Engine48 (18%)
  3. Fuel System40 (15%)
  4. Visibility & Lighting34 (13%)
  5. Electrical31 (12%)
  6. Steering22 (8%)
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 4 years.
Category1996199719981999vs. 1997 Large Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)4,3004,3003,4504,300
Combined MPG18181818
City / Highway MPG15 / 2415 / 2415 / 2415 / 24
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)494494494494
Complaints filed218269237187Not compared
Recalls issued2231Not compared
Crash-involved complaints1141417Not compared
Fire-involved complaints7814Not compared
Injuries reported1261725Not compared
Deaths reported0023Not compared
Configurations compared1111

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 1997 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 1997 Cadillac DeVille?

Brakes: 63 of 269 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Cadillac DeVille get?

EPA rates it 18 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 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
Engine480300
Transmission & Drivetrain111020
Fuel System400210
Electrical310310
Brakes633110
Steering220000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires140000
Airbags & Restraints131020
Driver Assistance & Speed Control30000
Body, Seats & Latches120000
Visibility & Lighting340000
Other150110

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.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

    Campaign 97V064000 · Apr 28, 1997

    Defect
    THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.
    Consequence
    THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.