1999 Cadillac Seville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › Seville › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Cadillac Seville. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1999 Cadillac Seville. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. an electrical short can develop in the generator, even when the engine IS off.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The electrical short could cause an engine compartment fire that could spread to the rest of the vehicle and anything near it.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the generator.
Owner complaints
73 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
The hard fuel rail line has begun to leak and no GM dealers carries parts to resolve problem. The 1999 STS Cadillac is in good working condition but because of the leak, it is unsafe to drive.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the temperature gauge displayed that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was not diagnosed however, the temperature gauge and the water pump was replaced but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 294,853.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke and an abnormal odor. The exhaust manifold and the engine were being affected by the failure which could result in a fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke and an abnormal odor. The exhaust manifold and the engine were being affected by the failure which could result in a fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced eleven gaskets within the engine, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 99v070000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. update 1/13/16 ln *js
- Electrical system · Engine
My son almost died on october 25, 2013 in his 1999 cadillac seville in our driveway while he was relaxing in it with his dog. he had fallen asleep waiting for his mother/my wife and the engine caught fire. he needed to climb out of window and pull his dog through the window. he injured himself…
My son almost died on october 25, 2013 in his 1999 cadillac seville in our driveway while he was relaxing in it with his dog. he had fallen asleep waiting for his mother/my wife and the engine caught fire. he needed to climb out of window and pull his dog through the window. he injured himself and went to hospital. the fire was so intense that the engine fell apart from heat, the cabin was destroyed, front tires are gone/melted while trunk and gas tank were relatively fine. the police and fire departments responded to this disaster in our driveway. my son also lost various personal possessions and his transportation to work. It has been several months since my son's near death experience and the only thing gm says IS that the fire damaged the car and there IS nothing it can do. It also has informed me that if I wish to take any other action, I must retain the vehicle, which IS a burned-out shell of a vehicle in our front driveway. It IS a reminder every day that my son almost died in what I thought was a high quality car and gm does not care about its customers. I was hoping that gm would resolve this matter in a reasonable manner so my son could move forward with his life. he lost several personal affects, his prescription eye glasses, school supplies and money he had withdrawn to give to my wife for a school bill. I also have been unable to use our bonneville for 5 months because the cadillac IS blocking access to it. IS there anything you can do that will resolve this matter in a fair manner? We need immediate assistance from gm. thank you. *tr
- Electrical system
When I drive at any speed randomly the gas gauge goes to empty,windows don't work, ac goes off but fan still blows, power locks don't work, lights stay on when I stop and get out, but when I put the key back in and turn it to the "on" position and back off everything works again my battery went dead a few times due to the lights staying on and my girlfriend not knowing what's going on...what IS that!!!!! *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Applied brakes and front end did not dip as it should have; no gripping as it should have; felt grinding and slippage as vehicle continued forward without losing any momentum. There was sufficient stopping distance that vehicle speed should have been reduced and stopped. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville STS. the contact was driving 25 mph when the vehicle began to overheat abnormally. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the gasket replaced around the cooling system yet the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville STS. the contact was driving 25 mph when the vehicle began to overheat abnormally. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the gasket replaced around the cooling system yet the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the engine replacement and the manufacturer informed the contact that they were unable to provide any assistance. the contact stated the manufacturer should be held responsible for the repairs. the failure mileage was 76,000.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the electrical component that controlled the steering and brakes suddenly failed. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle which seemed to solve the problem. The vehicle was taken to an authorized…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the electrical component that controlled the steering and brakes suddenly failed. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle which seemed to solve the problem. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the ecm (electronic control module) needed to be replaced. He called the manufacturer but was told that they could not assist him with the repair costs. The current and failure mileages were 50,142.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
This may be nothing you can help with, however the northstar engines made by gm have had a defect for many, many years. There are no records that you have checked into the problems with this. It regards the head gaskets breaking at an alarming and consistent rate for the past 10 years! Ask any…
This may be nothing you can help with, however the northstar engines made by gm have had a defect for many, many years. There are no records that you have checked into the problems with this. It regards the head gaskets breaking at an alarming and consistent rate for the past 10 years! Ask any mechanic about this. Around 100,000 miles on the engine the head gaskets break, and coolant leaks into the engine. No one will replace the gaskets. All you can do IS spend a small fortune ($5,000 to $9,000) on a new engine. A waste of money since the next northstar engine will probably do the same thing. This IS something that gm knows about and continues to ignore. No wonder they are going out of business. After 100 years they still cannot produce a reliable engine! If you expect americans to continue buying american cars, especially cadillacs, please do some research on this. You can find letters written by seville owners on the web about this. I am most certainly not the only one, just one of many, many lemon owners. Hoping you care enough to have listened and check this out, sincerely *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. the contact smells gasoline whenever the vehicle IS started. he discovered that a fuel rail was leaking on the number one cylinder. the dealer stated that there were no open recalls. the current mileage was 62,640 and failure mileage was 62,540.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac seville. the contact smells gasoline whenever the vehicle IS started. he discovered that a fuel rail was leaking on the number one cylinder. the dealer stated that there were no open recalls. the current mileage was 62,640 and failure mileage was 62,540. updated 07/29/08 *bf the fuel rail cracked just above the cylinder #1. The consumer stated a recall had been issued on prior years. updated 07/29/08. *Jb
- Seat belts · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
1999 cadillac STS seville seat belt buckling difficulty**cc the dealer informed the consumer the problem was due to a design glitch and nothing could be done due to the age and mileage of the vehicle. the consumer also stated the accelerator would stick at times and the power seats jammed. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds at night, the headlights were not bright enough. the vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined the lenses turned yellow and needed to be replaced.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Car stalled (died) while exiting hwy on exit ramp; lost pwr steering, brakes, and was lucky to come to a stop without injury. This happens every few months and dealers cannot repeat or find the problem. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
While driving at highway speed, mostly when slowing down quickly, vehicle stalls & dies. When this occurs vehicle loses all power. Happens every few weeks; starts right up again after coming to stop, but it's difficult to stop because no power brakes, steering, etc. very dangerous. I want this to be a record of the problem in case I am killed in accident following an occurance of this type.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Dt: contact states while driving vehicle the brake pedal disassembled from the brake booster, causing loss of brakes. the service dealer stated everything needed to be replaced within the braking system. there was no safety clip between the brake pedal and the brake booster.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Driver noticed that the srs light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. the cause has not been determined at this time. the driver will contact the dealer in the near future. *ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack
Problem involves faulty steering rack, it has ruptured seal. which prohibits power steering assist, while making left hand turns. *bf the lack of power steering restricts the consumers ability to turn to the left. *tc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
I serviced my 1999 cadillac seville in november 2004. It only has 31,000 miles and IS driven on freeway only. The car stalled for no reason when I last drove it and now will not start. Battery IS fine, power kicks on but engine will not respond. This IS frightening as it dies while I was in an…
I serviced my 1999 cadillac seville in november 2004. It only has 31,000 miles and IS driven on freeway only. The car stalled for no reason when I last drove it and now will not start. Battery IS fine, power kicks on but engine will not respond. This IS frightening as it dies while I was in an intersection during a u-turn. Warranty just expired and I will be taking it to the dealer 1/10 (at my cost). I think they should step up to the plate. It was not surprising to see 7 other complaints against the same year's model.*ak
- Air bags
Fax fm mike petersen (or) re his wife's 1999 gm cadillac seville STS, the driver's side air bag deployed when starting the car.*mr the driver sustained only minor injuries such as soreness form the force of the air bag and temporary hearing loss. the manufacturer was contacted but they refused to provide any assistance. *nm
- Air bags
On june 17, at or about 7:30 pm, my wife entered her vehicle, a 1999 cadillac seville STS, she turned the key to start the car, and the driver side airbag deployed. the vehicle was parked on dry pavement, the vehicle was not in gear, and had sustained no previous damage. we contacted the local…
On june 17, at or about 7:30 pm, my wife entered her vehicle, a 1999 cadillac seville STS, she turned the key to start the car, and the driver side airbag deployed. the vehicle was parked on dry pavement, the vehicle was not in gear, and had sustained no previous damage. we contacted the local dealership, and subsequently, the manufacturer, to no avail. to date, they have refused to assist us with this problem. upon contacting the dealership, on friday, june 18, five different mechanics told us that this type of deployment IS "not supposed to occur." that, in fact, the airbag should not deploy if the car IS not in gear. further, upon contacting the manufacturer, I was told again that this situation should not occur. the manufacturer told me that the only circumstances under which the airbag will deploy inadvertently IS if moisture or corrosion builds up. under these circumstances, a warning light will display to signal the driver that there IS a problem with the airbag system. there was no indication that there was a moisture or corrosion buildup in the system. since the airbag deployed under circumstances in which it IS not supposed to, and since there was no indication by virtue of a displayed warning light, there IS obviously a defect in the design or manufacture of this system, on this particular model vehicle. fortunately, my wife was not driving the car when the deployment occurred. however, with thousands of 1999 cadillac seville's on the road, it may simply be a matter of time when an inadvertent deployment occurs while the vehicle IS moving. obviously, deployment under these circumstances, rather than save lives, may result in the loss of life; and considering that the manufacturer IS unwilling to acknowledge or assist to repair such defect, government or regulatory intervention IS imperative to avoid the potential loss of life. *nm
- Equipment · Suspension · Tires
Getting vibration on smooth roads at 60-68 mph. Put on 4 new michelin tires, replaced brake rotors, balanced all tires, still experience vibration. Dealer can't fix. What are other solutions besides saying tires are out of round? *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
When the consumer started the vehicle the driver's side air bag inadvertently deployed. the consumer was able to fold up and push the air bag back into the steering wheel, drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic informed the consumer that the vehicle would be placed on the…
When the consumer started the vehicle the driver's side air bag inadvertently deployed. the consumer was able to fold up and push the air bag back into the steering wheel, drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic informed the consumer that the vehicle would be placed on the diagnostic test to find the cause of the problem. the consumer did not agree with the dealer nor the mechanic. *ak the vehicle was parked on dry pavement, the vehicle was not in gear, and sustained no previous damage. *sc the consumer siffered minor injuries. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Headlights went out unexpectedly. took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer indicated that relay switch was corroded due to windshield wiper fluid getting down into the switch. *ak the corrosion was caused by the windshield washer fluid spilling into the relay. *la
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Problems with vehicle's engine and dashboard lights.*mr the dealership never did correct the dashboard light problem. The engine would die with out warning and at times while the consumer was making a turn. The consumer took the vehicle took another dealership, who fixed all the problems…
Problems with vehicle's engine and dashboard lights.*mr the dealership never did correct the dashboard light problem. The engine would die with out warning and at times while the consumer was making a turn. The consumer took the vehicle took another dealership, who fixed all the problems, however the engine continued to stall, the dealer was unable to diagnosis the engine stalling because there was a problem with the coding, which meant the computer did not recognize the problem. *jb *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled with out any warning. after a few minutes the vehicle would start up as if nothing had happened. the vehicle had been to the dealer for this problem twice already for this same problem and needed to go to the shop again. the manufacturer IS aware of the problem. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Cadillac coolant cooled alternator fires
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. Updated 2/17/09.
- 10026686GMC: harsh ride or line installation concern with delco shock kit. Concerns with connecting the lines to the shocks and the air compressor. Concern of harsh ride after installation.
- 10026586Buick\cadillac\chevrolet\gmc\hummer\oldsmobile\pontiac\saab\saturn service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment-analog onstar deactivation. Fcc ruled in 2002 wireless carriers would no longer re required to support analog wireless network starting in 2008. Csc letter was received. Updated 12/1/08.
- 10020584Knockig noises or excessive oil consumption. Vehicles with LD8 or L37 4.6L V8 engines.
- 10019202Missing camshaft intermediate drive shaft plug - service vme.
- 10013543Unwanted alarm activation, trunk key cylinder hard to open, trunk ajar lamp on, fuel gauge inoperative, rke inoperative, interior lamps inoperative and/or no communication with the rear integration module (rim).
- 10012688Floor pan corrosion perforation in battery compartment.
- 10012579Rear compartment carpet wet/musty odor and/or spare tire well wet.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 10011216Service engine soon (ses) light on, diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0741, torque converter clutch (tcc) excessive slip, transaxle chuggle, slip/surge.
- 10009634Service engine soon (ses) light on, ses light on and chuggle or surge. Diagnostic trouble code p0741 (tcc stuck off).
- 10009448This message concerns inside air temperature sensor noisy. Comments that a noise in the left side of the instrument panel on cold starts. This noise may be described as a grind, growl, hum, whine or squeal. A fan noise may also be heard while driving. This condition may be caused by the inside air temperature sensor.
- 10008897Multiple stabilitrak/precision control codes such as c1282, c1283, c1284, c1285, c1287, and c1288 exist on delphi bosch 5.0 or 5.3 systems.
- 10008881Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442 small leak detected, inspect at fuel filler neck.
- 10008847Volume IS only controlled using steering wheel controls.
- 100077314T80e MH1 service engine soon (ses) light on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0741 (tcc stuck off).
- 10007631Steering clunk noise.
Every Cadillac Seville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.