NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 225 owner complaints for the 1996 Cadillac Deville. Most complaints involve steering (44) and engine and engine cooling (40). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 113, "HOOD LATCH SYSTEM."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“CAR LOSES POWER COMPLETELY AND CUTS OFF. THERE IS NO ELECTRIC OR ENGINE AVAILABLE AND THE CAR MUST BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO PROCEED IN TRAFFIC. THIS FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS AT LOW RATES (20-35MPH) OF SPEED BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS. POWER STEERING IS DIMINISHED DUE TO POWER FAILURE. *TR”
“MY FATHER PURCHASED A 1996 SEDAN DEVILLE BRAND NEW. HE PASSED AWAY IN APRIL 1998. MY MOTHER DROVE THE CAR UNTIL THIS YEAR. SHE GAVE ME THE CAR. THE CAR HAS APPROX 17,000 MILES. I JUST FOUND OUT THE CAR HAS A BLOWN REAR HEAD GASKET. I REALIZE THE CAR IS 15 YRS OLD BUT I FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THE CAR WAS NEVER ABUSED AND STILL SMELLS NEW INSIDE. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH GM? *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) YET THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PLASTIC TUBING CONNECTED TO THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL FAILED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPRAY INTO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TUBING WAS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED THEREFORE THEY COULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeVille Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 225 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (44), engine and engine cooling (40), fuel system, gasoline (32). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Cadillac Deville at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).