The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 21 of 95 complaints (22%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 122 in 1996 to 95 in 1997.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 95
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $4,300
- Combined MPG
- 18
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | vs. 1997 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300 | 4,300 | 4,300 | 3,450 | 4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15 / 23 | 15 / 24 | 15 / 24 | 15 / 24 | 15 / 24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494 | 494 | 494 | 494 | 494 | |
| Complaints filed | 74 | 122 | 95 | 65 | 73 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 10 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 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 1997 Cadillac Seville 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 Seville?
Engine: 21 of 95 NHTSA complaints (22%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Cadillac Seville get?
EPA rates it 18 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 Cadillac Seville?
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 | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 21 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 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
- 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
- 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.