Summary
The Cadillac Seville has 29 recalls spanning 1975 through 2001, with the most serious recent issue being a generator electrical short on 1998 and 1999 models that can start an engine compartment fire even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.
The 2001 model year has an incorrect tire pressure label specifying the wrong tire size, which can lead to improper inflation and affect handling. The 2000 model has a crankshaft position sensor that can fail intermittently, causing the engine to stumble, stall, or refuse to start. On 1998 models, the windshield wiper motor can lose its low-speed function when switched down from high, reducing visibility in rain. The 1997 model has two concerns: nylon tubing in the fuel rail can crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment, and the anti-lock brake control module can cause the ABS to activate during normal braking, extending stopping distances. The 1996 instrument panel cluster can develop an internal short that blacks out the gauges and warning lights while driving.
Going back through the mid-1990s, 1995 models can deploy airbags without warning due to water intrusion into the system. The 1994 model year has a throttle control cable that can pop out of its retaining bracket and jam the throttle open or closed, as well as an air conditioning compressor clutch that can wear through the engine oil cooler outlet hose, allowing oil to drip onto hot exhaust components and ignite. The 1993 model shares that same oil cooler hose wear risk, and also has fuel injection feed and return lines that were not fully locked at the factory and can work loose, leaking fuel near ignition sources.
The 1990 model has a transmission shift cable that can disengage from the floor control, causing the gear selector to misread its position and allowing the vehicle to roll in an unintended direction. A rear seat shoulder belt retractor can also stick in the locked position or fail to lock at all, reducing crash protection for rear passengers. The 1986 model has two separate issues: the floor mat can shift and trap the accelerator pedal, and the Twilight Sentinel automatic headlight system can cut out unexpectedly, leaving the driver without headlights or instrument lighting. The 1982 model has a fusible link that can open under heavy electrical load from the rear defroster, cutting power to the headlights on vehicles with the Twilight Sentinel active.
Further back, the 1978 model has a fuel feed hose connecting the underbody fuel pipe to the rear of the engine that can deteriorate and crack on vehicles with electronic fuel injection. The 1977 model has a cruise control unit that can cause unexpected acceleration or fail to cancel when the brake pedal is pressed. The 1976 model has a distributor speed sensor that can fail and cause stalling, and a steering intermediate shaft coupling where the attaching bolts may not have been properly tightened, affecting steering feel and control. The original 1975 model has fuel hoses at the pressure regulator and between the tank and fuel rail that can deteriorate and leak, creating a fire risk.
