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1999 Cadillac Seville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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What owners reported most

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

24 reports with mileage · 49 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

16 reports
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103,000 miles · Oct 29, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFire

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 WITH…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10786997

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFireInjury

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 F…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10568647

88,000 miles · Jun 16, 2012
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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10461934

50,142 miles · Apr 21, 2010
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 DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORME…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10326813

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

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 STAL…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10048489

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2003
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

FROM ABOUT SEPTMBER 2003 ON WE'VE HAD ISSUES W/ OUR 1999 SEVILLE SLS SHUTTING DOWN. IT SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN PROGRESS AT 55+ MILES PER HOUR AND AT A STANDSTILL. EVERYTHING GOES, THE ENGINE, LIGHTS, BRAKES, STEERING, ETC. IT IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE FOURTH TIME AND THEY ARE STILL NOT SURE THEY KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBL…

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FROM ABOUT SEPTMBER 2003 ON WE'VE HAD ISSUES W/ OUR 1999 SEVILLE SLS SHUTTING DOWN. IT SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN PROGRESS AT 55+ MILES PER HOUR AND AT A STANDSTILL. EVERYTHING GOES, THE ENGINE, LIGHTS, BRAKES, STEERING, ETC. IT IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE FOURTH TIME AND THEY ARE STILL NOT SURE THEY KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SUGGESTS THAT I LET THE REPAIR CENTER FIX THE CAR AGAIN AND TAKE IT HOME TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED FROM A PUBLIC AND PERSONAL SAFTEY PERSPECTIVE THAT THIS IS NOT ADVISABLE AND THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR. IT'S IS DARK HERE VERY EARLY, TRAFFIC IS HEAVY AND THE DEER ARE ON THE MOVE B/C HUNTING SEASON JUST STARTED. IF I NEED LIGHTS, BRAKES OR STEERING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT OR GUIDE ME HOME IN THE EVENING I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT I CAN RELY ON THIS VEHICLE. LOOKING TO CADILLAC TO SEE IF A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RESULT CAN BE OBTAINED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10045901

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2003
Electrical System

THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW STARTER AND IGNITION SWITCH. *PH *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10032428

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

PRACTICALLY EVERY DAY I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR SINCE MAY 2001, I HAVE MY ENGINE SUDDENLY STOP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF A FEW MILES PER HOUR UP TO 70 MPH. I HAVE ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN RESTARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THIS STALLING HAPPENS. I TAKEN IT TO THE CADILLAC DEALER WHO HAS SERVICED MY CAR SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT…

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PRACTICALLY EVERY DAY I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR SINCE MAY 2001, I HAVE MY ENGINE SUDDENLY STOP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF A FEW MILES PER HOUR UP TO 70 MPH. I HAVE ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN RESTARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THIS STALLING HAPPENS. I TAKEN IT TO THE CADILLAC DEALER WHO HAS SERVICED MY CAR SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALER IS MARTIN CADILLAC, 12101 OLYMPIC BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90064. SINCE THE MAY 2001 I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO MARTIN CADILLAC TO CURE THIS PROBLEM, THE LAST TIME WAS ON DEC. 17, 2001. THEY RETURNED IT TO ME ON DECEMBER 24 AND CLAIMED THEY HAD FOUND THE PROBLEM AND REPAIRED THE CAR. IT IS NOW WORSE THAN EVER. ON TWO OCCASIONS I NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR STALLED WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUSY STREET. SHORTLY AFTER GETTING THE CAR IN DECEMBER WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE I WAS A TRANSITION SECTION THAT CONNECTED ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER. I WAS FRANTICALLY TRYING TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT IT WOULDN'T START. TRAFFIC BACKED UP AND UNFORTUNATEDLY A REAREND COLLISION RESULTED SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME. IT HAS NOW BECOME TOO DANGEROUS TO ME, MY PASSENGERS, AND TO THE CARS AROUND ME TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS CAR. IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION I CANNOT SELL IT. I KNOW THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM UNIQUE TO MY CAR. RECENTLY I READ THAT THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO OTHER GM CARS. PROBABLY SOME OF WHICH ARE CADILLACS. MY CADILLAC DEALER IS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE MADE AT LEAST 4 ATTEMPTS SINCE MAY, 2001. I AM NOW GOING TO ARBITRATION TO GET CADILLAC TO BUY BACK THIS DEFECTIVE CAR. THE HEARING SHOULD OCCUR SOMETIME IN THE NEXT 5 TO 6 WEEKS..

NHTSA ODI #756834

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2002
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

THROTTLE STUCK A 60 MPH. WITH HARD BRAKING CAR WAS HALTED AFTER CONSIDERABLE TRAVEL DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN FINALLY STOPPED AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3600 RPM. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF THEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED ENGINE PREFORMED NORMAL AFTER THAT. CAR WAS TAKEN TO BUDS GMC IN ST. MARYS OHIO …

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THROTTLE STUCK A 60 MPH. WITH HARD BRAKING CAR WAS HALTED AFTER CONSIDERABLE TRAVEL DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN FINALLY STOPPED AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE IDLED AT 3600 RPM. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF THEN THE CAR WAS RESTARTED ENGINE PREFORMED NORMAL AFTER THAT. CAR WAS TAKEN TO BUDS GMC IN ST. MARYS OHIO AND THE TPS WAS DETERMINED AT FAULT. CUSTOMER HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM BUDS ABOUT 1 MONTH REVIOUSLY. OWNER WAS BILLED 143.75 FOR REPAIRS. CAN FAX REPAIR BILL. THIS CAR AT THE TIME OF THIS OCCURANCE CONTAINED THE DRIVER, WHOM WAS PREGNANT , AND A YOUNG CHILD. IF ANY OTHER HI WAY CONDITIONS HAD BEEN PREVAILENT OTHER THAN CLEAN DRY ROADS A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. I BELEIVE THAT A SURVEY SHOULD BE CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE HOW MANY TPS'S IN THIS TYPE OF CAR HAVE FAILED AND MAYBE A RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #756762

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2000
Electrical SystemPower TrainSeats

CONSUMER BELIEVES VEHICLE QUALIFIES FOR LEMON LAW. HAS BEEN REPAIRED 29 TIMES ELECTRICAL SHORTS ON INSIDE. ALSO, CRUISE CABLE BROKE 3 TIMES. TIRES COULD NOT BE BALANCED UNTIL ROTORS WERE REPLACED. AND , PASSENGER SEAT TRACK REPLACED AND DRIVER SEAT. HEATER WENT OUT. *AK ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT WHILE TRAVELING. …

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CONSUMER BELIEVES VEHICLE QUALIFIES FOR LEMON LAW. HAS BEEN REPAIRED 29 TIMES ELECTRICAL SHORTS ON INSIDE. ALSO, CRUISE CABLE BROKE 3 TIMES. TIRES COULD NOT BE BALANCED UNTIL ROTORS WERE REPLACED. AND , PASSENGER SEAT TRACK REPLACED AND DRIVER SEAT. HEATER WENT OUT. *AK ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT WHILE TRAVELING. WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. HEATER FAN WAS MAKING NOISE. TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #875321

Official recalls

1

99V070000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Apr 12, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ99013 · Cadillac Coolant Cooled Alternator Fires

Opened Jun 10, 1999 · Closed Feb 22, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

No summary supplied.