Electrical system: alternator
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VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
Research · Midsize Cars
1999 Cadillac SevilleRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 73 owner complaints for the 1999 Cadillac Seville. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (23) and electrical system (16). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 1999
Owner complaints
73
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
73 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 1999 – Jun 2022
- Engine and engine cooling23
- Electrical system16
- Suspension9
- Service brakes, hydraulic8
- Steering8
- Air bags5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Engine3
- Fuel system, gasoline3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
23 reports
“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
16 reports2 fires
“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”
Suspension
9 reports
“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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seville Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Cadillac Seville as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1999 Seville questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Cadillac Seville have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 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.
What are the most common 1999 Cadillac Seville problems?
Owners filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (23), electrical system (16), suspension (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1999 Cadillac Seville get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Cadillac Seville at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026