Summary
The Cadillac DeVille has 26 recalls spanning 1973 through 2014, with the most serious being a defect on 2000-2014 models where a heavy key ring or a jarring event can shift the ignition out of the run position, potentially preventing airbags from deploying in a crash.
The 2000 model year carries the heaviest concentration of issues. On those vehicles, the same ignition switch movement that affects airbag readiness also cuts engine power, power steering, and power braking. A separate 2000 brake recall affects hearse and limousine configurations, where a front brake hose can contact the wheel, wear through, lose fluid, and produce a low pedal with longer stopping distances. The 2000 model also has a cruise control cable on limousine builds where the plastic end fitting can fracture against the brake master cylinder and prevent the throttle from closing fully. Seatbelt retractors on 2000 models can fail to stay locked after the pretensioners fire in a crash, and the front belt buckle release buttons on some 2000-2001 models require more force than permitted to unlatch, making it harder to exit after a collision.
The 2003 model year has a driver's side airbag inflator that can either fail to deploy properly or rupture and send fragments into the cabin. On 2002 models, the same seatbelt retractor locking issue from 2000 reappears. The 1999 model has faulty side impact sensors that can trigger the side airbags without a crash. The 1998 model year has two related hood hinge issues: pivot bolts can fracture and allow the hood corner to rise or become unstable, and in a crash the hood can be driven back through the windshield. A separate 1998 recall covers a misrouted evaporative emissions harness that can interfere with the throttle linkage and prevent it from returning to idle.
The 1997 model has side airbags that can deploy spontaneously during startup or normal driving. Going back to the early 1990s, 1991 and 1993 models share a transaxle oil cooler hose that can pull free from its coupling, spilling fluid into the engine compartment where it can ignite. The 1996 model year has a secondary hood latch that may not engage properly, allowing the hood to fly open unexpectedly. The 1986 model has an anti-lock brake system where fluid seeping from a pressure switch can contaminate the pump motor and disable ABS function. Earlier production includes a 1977 accelerator pedal with a rubber flap that can wedge under the pedal and cause an unintended surge when shifting into gear, a 1974 airbag wiring harness that can be pulled into contact with the power steering pulley, and a 1973 secondary hood latch that can fail to catch if the primary latch releases while driving.
