Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
0179201/01/2004100063324.0l l47, 4.6l ld8 l37 engine water pump cover p/n 12571913- thermostat loose. also including model 2003 cadillac eldorado. *mr04/28/2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
395110/19/200610020584Knockig noises or excessive oil consumption. vehicles with ld8 or l37 4.6l v8 engines. *kb11/20/2006
303501/01/200410009634Service engine soon (ses) light on, ses light on and chuggle or surge. diagnostic trouble code p0741 (tcc stuck off). *tt10/14/2004
0210301/01/2004100077314t80e mh1 service engine soon (ses) light on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0741 (tcc stuck off). *tt07/09/2004
0177101/01/2004100063074.0l l47, 4.6l ld8, l37, lh2 engine coolant or oil leak.*mr04/28/2004
990601010C11/01/2003990601010B10005597Engine cold/knock/tick noise. *tt03/04/2004
03060102710/01/200310004769This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers of enhancements to crankcase, oil distribution plate and oil pan sealing by using rtv sealant. *tt01/06/2004
020601009C10/01/2003020601009B10004748Higher than expected oil consumption. *tt01/05/2004
020601009A11/01/200202060100910000455Higher than expected oil consumption. *tt02/27/2003
9908612/01/19996089931Exhibiting a condition in which the cylinder head bolts may become loose and cause coolant leaks and possible engine damage. *tt02/29/2000
9908612/01/19996089009Some vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the cylinder head bolts may become loose and cause coolant leaks and possible engine damage. *tt01/12/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
990601010B06/01/2003990601010A10002890Engine cold/knock/tick noise. *tt09/30/2003
02060100903/01/2002631313Some customers may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. *slc05/22/2002
15020102/15/2001619241This product technical information concerns an intermittent stumble or stall condition. some customers may comment that intermittently they experience a stumble or stall condition when coming down to a stop. in most instances the engine05/21/2001
9908604/14/2000613599Customer satisfaction campaign regarding vehicles exhibiting a condition in which the cylinder head bolts may become loose. **mr07/25/2000
99060101006/01/1999606086Some customers may complain about a engine cold / knock / tick noise. *tt08/06/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
12/15/2005510/01/2004
 1999 cadillac deville. consumer states that the vehicle persistently overheats and the engine shuts off. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle was leaking coolant. the thermostat, upper radiator hose and reservoir were replaced. a diagnostic test revealed exhaust was entering the coolant system and the vehicle would emit smoke of any color. *jb
12/20/2008866291
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving at an unknown speed the vehicle stalled. the dealer performed a diagnostic evaluation of the vehicle and located a coolant and water pump leak, as well as engine failure. there was pressure build-up and head gasket failure, which contributed to the failure. the dealer estimated that the repairs would cost over $3,000. although there was a customer safety improvement campaign, the manufacturer denied the contact's claim due to the current mileage on the vehicle and because she was not the original owner. the current and failure mileages were less than 86,629. updated 04/29/30. *jb
03/14/2009400001
 1999 cadillac, repeatedly stalls when decelerating. dangerous on exit ramps!. found three similar complaints on this site. odi id's 10149696, 10119213 and 10094677. have taken car to dealer(s) and independent shops and no problems can be found. *tr
09/12/20081
 While driving vehicle reached high temperatures. had radiator replaced and thermostat. the car still overheats. took the car to technician who suggested to replace the engine which would cost $7,000. through online research, my daughter discovered the cadillac deville 1999 northstar model/vehicle has numerous issues due to overheating and head gaskets. *tr
09/07/2008280001
 While driving vehicle reached high temperatures. had radiator replaced and thermostat. the car still overheats. took the car to technician who suggested to replace the engine which would cost $7,000. through online research, my daughter discovered the cadillac deville 1999 northstar model/vehicle has numerous issues due to overheating and head gaskets. *tr
06/01/200874000109/01/1998
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. the contact stated that the vehicle would overheat. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the water pump. the failure recurred and the contact was informed that most of those model vehicles were designed to operate in that manner, and it was safe to drive. a few days after the water pump was replaced, while driving 70 mph, the vehicle began to excessively overheat. the contact shut off the engine and had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. he was informed that the cause of the failure was not the water pump, but rather a blown out head gasket. the vehicle cannot be repaired without a new engine. through online research, he discovered that his model vehicle has numerous issues due to overheating and head gaskets. the vehicle has not yet been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 74,000. updated 07/08/08. *bf updated 07/08/08
07/01/2005410/20/1998
 Dt*: the contact stated that when the brakes were applied the vehicle stalled. a manufacturer tsb #150201 was observed online, similar to the vehicle's symptoms. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanics to be serviced. the mechanics could not determine the problem. the vehicle was never repaired and sold to an independent dealers as is. updated 8/16/06 - *nm
02/01/2004811/12/2003
 Dt: car has been shutting down intermittently while driving. just shuts off. consumer loses all power brakes, and steering, etc,. *ak consumer said that there aren't any warning lights before vehicle shuts off. once the consumer stops the vehicle, it has to be restarted and is ok until the next occurrence. *sb
03/28/20051
 Vehicle unexpectedly shutdown while it was making a right hand turn. manufacturer will be contacted by consumer.*ak
380001
 While starting vehicle engine backfired. then fire started coming from under the hood. the under hood padding was covered with a flammable material. this caused the fire to burn through the paint on the outside of the hood.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
06/01/2011140000
 My car was overheatng. i had the water pump replaced and the radiator and it continued to over heat. i took it to the dealership where they told me that i my cross over pipes were leaking and i would need a new engine. i hfound this very hard to believe when i have taken such good care of the my care with scheduled oil changes and the works. i love my car and i don't want to get rid of it, please help me.
04/07/200684000803/23/2006
 Mysterious coolant leak, have had a pressure test on system, passed, head test, passed, and have put in over 9 gallons of antifreeze in car, still no idea where leak is. talked with cadillac service at bob more cadillac, and was told that it is a very common problem with the northstar engines. they use a almond pill to crush up and put in all cadillac cooling systems. this is required by gm to plug leaks that they know will happen and is a gm part fix, sold by them. *nm
08/09/20043
 While driving vehicle reached high temperatures. i n june, 2004 independent shop replaced the radiator. i n july, 2004 they replaced the water pump and thermostat. in august technician indicated to consumer the need to replaced the engine at consumer's expense of $7.000. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
05/15/2011169400
 Tl* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. the contact stated that the gauge temperature reading was extremely high when the vehicle was first started. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the mechanic replaced the water pump, heater fan switch, thermostat and serpentine belt. the failure continued after the repairs. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 169,400.
05/28/201194000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact heard a popping sound coming from the engine as steam accumulated on the windshield. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the head bolts had become loose from the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
05/15/2011169400
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while parked the contact started the vehicle and noticed the vehicles gauge temperature reading was high. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the mechanic replaced the water pump, heater fan switch, thermostat and serpentine belt. the failure continued after the repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 169,400. ds
05/28/201194000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving approximately 60 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact heard a popping sound coming from the engine. also, steam accumulated on the windshield. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the head bolts became loose from the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 94,000. ds
05/15/2011169400
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while parked the contact started the vehicle and noticed the vehicles gauge temperature reading was high. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the mechanic replaced the water pump, heater fan switch, thermostat and serpentine belt. the failure continued after the repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 169,400. ds
05/28/201194000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving approximately 60 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact heard a popping sound coming from the engine. also, steam accumulated on the windshield. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the head bolts became loose from the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 94,000. ds
05/15/2011169400
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while parked the contact started the vehicle and noticed the vehicles gauge temperature reading was high. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the mechanic replaced the water pump, heater fan switch, thermostat and serpentine belt. the failure continued after the repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 169,400. ds
05/28/201194000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving approximately 60 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact heard a popping sound coming from the engine. also, steam accumulated on the windshield. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the head bolts became loose from the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 94,000. ds
01/10/2010148987
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville with a v8, 4.6 liter north star aluminum engine. he stated that after driving the vehicle for 5 minutes, the vehicle would overheat. this was a frequent failure occurring in the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected by his independent mechanic and found that the fly-wheel failed and the right cylinder was missing the soft plug behind the water pump. the vehicle was also found to be leaking anti-freeze into the engine cylinders and through the tail pipe. the transmission was dropped in order to replace the fly-wheel and the freeze plug was also replaced by an independent transmission station. the failure persisted. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him to replace the engine at his own expense. no additional repairs were made to the vehicle. the failure mileage was 148,987 and the current was approximately 149,000. the vin was not accepted.
09/21/200870000111/01/2006
 Tl* the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. the contact stated that the engine misfired, which caused an engine compartment fire. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and repaired at an expense of $4500.00. one year after the repair the failure recurred. he contacted the dealer again, but was advised that because the warranty expired they would not provide any assistance. he then added that they were aware that north star engines are prone to back-firing. no repairs were made. the failure mileage was 52,000, the current mileage was 70,000. updated 10/20/09 *cn the consumer also stated the head gasket failed as well. updated 10/22/09
08/17/2008130000108/15/2008
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving between 60-70 mph, the vehicle would shimmy drastically. the independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle over 50 mph. the front tie rod was replaced and a semi-alignment was performed. the axle hub carrier rear suspension was faulty and the coil spring was also damaged. later, the windshield wipers would not operate and, upon further investigation, it was discovered that the wipers were wired incorrectly. while driving less than 50 mph, the check oil warning light illuminated because there was no oil in the vehicle. the failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 132,000. updated 10/14/08 *bf updated 10/24/08. *jb
10/04/200778800104/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac deville. while driving 65 mph, the engine warning light illuminated, which indicated that the engine overheated. the dealer stated that the water pump caused the failure. the dealer repaired the water pump; however, the failure continued to occur. the contact felt that the engine was defective. as of october 26, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. the failure mileage was 78,800 and current mileage was 79,000. updated 01/02/08 *bf the consumer stated the engine heats up due to the head bolts loosening and the engine coolant evaporates into the cylinder heads. updated *jb
02/05/2006990003
 My 1999 cadillac deville has stalled out 3 times in the last 6 months. all 3 of the engine stalls have occurred on the highway as i have reduced speed in preparation to enter a lower speed limit zone or in preparation to stop at an intersection. the loss of power during these stalls makes breaking and turning extremely difficult. in addition, i'm forced to come to a stop in the middle of the road in order to restart the engine. this is a very dangerous situation. *jb
08/29/20051434531
 Consumer's engine over heats and consumes oil excessively. *ts *** nar received 9-29-05*** the technician diagnosed the problem as possible head gasket or head bolt failure. *nm
08/04/2005320005
 Dt: the vehicle will shut down after the oil light comes on. the consumer was driving around 55 mph. this happened twice while he was slowing down. the consumer was able to get the vehicle to start back. this occurred three times today 8-4-05. the oil was not low at the five times this has occurred. the first two times it occurred consumer did not take it to the dealership. the consumer has currently made an appointment to take it to the dealership. the consumer was concerned because he had a cadillac before that had this same problem. there are no other known problems with the vehicle at this time. *ak
03/05/200450000611/05/2003
 Consumer complained about intermittent stalling problems when slowing down to a stop or applying the accelerator pedal from a stop position. vehicle has been to the dealer on three separate occasions, and dealer replaced several parts, and the problem recurred. *ak the vehcile stalled again last week (5-5-05) . *bf *nm
12/18/2003980001
 While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. dealer was unable to resolve the problem. *ak
10/23/200351000408/01/2002
 Intermittently while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. the dealer could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak the vehicle had stopped 4 times in the last 1600 miles. engine would shut down and not restart. *ph *jb
270001
 The vehicle consumed 3/4 quart of oil a week. the dealer was unable to locate the cause of the problem. *nlm *scc
03/28/200359686107/27/1999
 The vehicle stalled without warning. mr *ts *jb
 While traveling on the highway the vehicle stalls shut down without prior warning. the vehicle will restart the dealership is aware of the problem. mr
08/28/1999106/01/1999
 Engine overheated-loose head bolts (nhtsa item # sb6089931). antifreeze vapors came in passenger compartment through a/c vents for over 20 minutes and then a large steam explosion inside car when engine overheated. a fine mist of vapors entered the car without our knowledge as we thought something was wrong with the air conditioner as the inside air temperature kept slowing rising until steam explosion occured. ( hot antifreeze vapors were forced through the air conditioner vents by the deforming of the rear hood gasket by incoming 65mph air flow and a defective front hood gasket). if this car had a full time coolant temperature gauge this incident and injuries might not have happened. cadillac does not provide an active temperature gauge on this car as other manufacturers do. only way to determine coolant temperatures is to push the information button on dash which separately informs you of engine functions. no warnings in operation manual, no warning labels in engine compartment as to potential dangers of dex-cool exposure nor information on the day of engine failure from cadillac road assistance personnel at their 800 number). only warnings of engine overheating are emitted -after the car has overheated! injuries to myself were: severe, very painful eye inflamation in both eyes( eye doctor examination in october 1999) instant cataracts with large black spots in both eyes 30 days after accident. right and left sides of face presently have chemical burns on cheeks and throat. in april, 2000 i had very difficult breathing problems. i went to the hospital emergency on 2 different days with breathing problems. breathing problems were diagnosed as chemical induced asthma from dex-cool antifreeze with 2-ethylhexanoic acid inhalation. at present i live in hell each day with asthma from this cadillac vehicle. engine was rebuilt in september, 99 and a new engine installed on jan. 28, 2000. front brake rotors rusted up in february, 2000 after 16 days of sitting idle.*
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
11/15/2002305/01/2099
 First time engine failed while driving on interstate at approx 75 mph. engine completely shut down while passing semi. all lights on dash came on and total loss of power steering. after serious scrambling to get car off road and bring to safe stop attempt to restart was successful and trip of 600 miles continued w/o incident. five days later same thing occurred on suburban street in heavy traffic at approx 45 mph causing a lot of consternation by drivers behind me that did not understand why i came to sudden deceleration. took car to cadillac dealer and they found no problem. they charged me $112.50 for engine driveability and performance diagnosis and did replace a defective egr valve which i feel had absolutely no assoc w/ stalling problem. i think after looking at all the other filings of this problem in the nhtsa records, that cadillac has a real problem and had better get on it before someone gets killed. dt
11/27/200110
 Engine has stalled approximately ten times while driving at any speed. dealership has examined vehicle three times, and has been unable to effectively remedy the problem. please provide any additional / information / documentation.*ak
12/19/2001110/01/1999
 Automobile cuts off, but will start up again. consumer has not had any accidents yet, but is very worried because of the way automobile cuts off in traffic. mechanics cannot find out what is the matter with vehicle. *ak *jb
06/01/19991506/01/1999
 Passenger's side mirror will not stay adjusted. consumer has taken it into dealer about 15 times for electrical problems. after adjusting mirror, and turning away, and when looking at mirror again, consumer may be looking at the sky. consumer feels this is unsafe because when changing lanes, driver doesn't know if another car is coming or not. also, door locks, will lock consumer out of vehicle.*ak when vehicle is first started in the morning, it feels like it is turning on 6 cylinders. door locks do not work properly, sliding door has been opened while vehicle has been in motion, remote unlock button inoperable. power window needed adjusted. consumer states there is a loud noise in the front of the vehicle, dealer has made adjustments to front and rear caster, camber, and toe in. dash blinks in and out, dealer found grounds to battery were corroded. center vent on dash will not stay in place. front rotors out of round twice, rear rotors out of round once, front brake pads worn. battery shorted. *slc
 Excessive wear of brake rotors and pads. also, when driving at any speed and without prior warning vehicle cut off causing loss of all power. consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause. please provide any further details.*ak
06/01/1999
 High oil consumption. refer;odi # 730667,secound 3k mile oil consumption test compeleted and again over a qt. used. dealer would/could not take any action because manufactures bulletin (id># 502869 guide#76-60-04a )states 1 qt.consumption in 2k is normal,also; in a e-mail response to this cosumption question mr. jack anderson (g.m.spokesmen) stated oil consumption of two quuarts per 3000 miles is not adnormal. i am not questioning g.m. is why was this information on the window sticker right next to the fuel economy and annual fuel cost. also,if it can burn two qts.of oil when new how many qts. will it be burning at 50k miles. is this in keeping with the high standards of air quality the epa is trying to maintain? thanks for your time. ra.*ak
04/01/2000
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
06/25/1999106/01/1999
 Excessive oil consumption.starting from 26 jun. 1999 ,the day after purchase, till 20 mar. 2000 the dealer worked on finding and correcting engine oil leaks. with the next oil change, after correction of the oil leaks , on 12 jul.2000 the oil level was down one quart. at this time i requested an oil consumption test which was completed(3k miles later) on 5 sep.2000 and again was one quart low. at this time i was informed that they would now have to do a formal consumption test(3k miles more) to submit to g.m. should the oil level again be a quart low the dealer advised me that it would be with-in acceptable limits in accordance with the latest g.m. bulletin,which was not available for me to see.i subsequently called g.m. at 1 800 458 8006 and they informed me that they could not make any commet on this technical problem and that i would have to work it out with the dealer..would i be way off base thinking that the dealer more or less already stated he is not going to do anything about this????? thanks for your ear.
06/13/20001
 The vehicle stalled in rain water and would not restart because the engine was locked up. yh
10/01/199910
 Vehicle dies at stop signs, but consumer is able to start vehicle again . dealer said codes show no problems. *ak *ml
12/14/199903/31/1999
 Engine is consuming 3/4 quarts of oil within every 600-700 miles of wear. dealer notified and replaced engine, but problem is still occurring. *ak *ml
01/22/1999304/28/1999
 On-going / intermittent problem with engine stalling, but will restart. vehicle been to three defferent dealers. first dealer informed consumer of a loose negative cable, which did not correct the problem. but the other dealers were unable to locate cause of the problem. *ak
11/01/1998
 While driving at any speed the vehicle will shut down without prior warning. dealer installed a black box, and the consumer stated that in cold weather can't put gas into the gas tank due to the cover and cap freezing up. also, windshield wipers don't work. the button for the high and low works but nothing else. when vehicle stalls all electrical power is lost including brakes and steering. vehicle is back in shop, and the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
01/18/20091812001
 Im disable i drive with hand control. as i was driven i notice a burning smell . and then my front window frog up with steam. and then i heard this load bum. my foot just start jumping around and i look down there were a pile of water hot . i pull over and notice that the heater core had burst which left me with a second and third degree burn on my right foot. i have not repair the car yet . *tr
11/27/200110
 Engine has stalled approximately ten times while driving at any speed. dealership has examined vehicle three times, and has been unable to effectively remedy the problem. please provide any additional / information / documentation.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV)
09/27/2004317002
 Vehicle continued to stall. consumer was concerned that an accident could occur. the dealer replaced the pcv, but problem recurred. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
06/24/200457500408/01/2003
 While driving the vehicle stalled without warning. when this occurred the vehicle lost power brakes and steering and was difficult to steer. the vehicle was driven to the dealership. the stalling was related to a failure in the main computer chip. the dealership is awaiting parts to service the vehicle. they are also going to re-clean the engine because of excessive oil consumption. *nm the egr valve failed and caused the vehicle to stall. *sc *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
10/25/200467000311/21/2003
 Vehicle overheated due to exhaust fumes getting into the cooling system. this caused the head gasket to fail. this incident happened three times. took vehicle to a mechanic, who changed out the water pump thinking it was the problem at that time. consumer contacted the dealer, and they were aware of the problem. also, contacted the manufacturer. however, problem recurred. *ak head gasket failure, vehicle became a hazard during the first incident due to the fact car was traveling on a 2 lane highway through mountain terrain. the engine was the victim of a botched head repair. several of the head bolt holes have had custom helicoils installed by local cadillac dealership. their mechanic botched the repair and they did not hold. as a result this engine has a coolant leakage problem. *bf