The Lemon Index
200020028th generation
Better than average · most complaints: engine
68 owner complaints, first 3 years 18 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2001 Lexus ES2001 BMW 5 Series 502001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 42
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2001 Cadillac DeVille
- Engine stalling30 complaintsmostly at 44,000–96,000 miles (72,000–154,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Cadillac DeVille (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 19,000 and 44,000 miles (31,000–72,000 km) (the middle half of the 20 complaints, of all 68 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 14V355000 (electrical), 02V227000 (seat belts) and 01V172000 (body structure) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Cadillac sent dealers 426 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This message addresses concerns of power steering hose leaks”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Cadillac's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 68 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 19K to 44K miles (31K to 72K km) on the car (20 of all 68 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
While driving at highway speed engine shut down, causing an accident. Please provide any additional information.
2001 Cadillac DeVille owner · NHTSA complaint 10004759
More owner reports
While traveling at 30 mph vehicle shut down. Engine check light came on and off. Dealer stated crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint 10053812
There is a moaning sound at very low speeds when the wheel is turned to the right and vibration on the passenger's side under the floor board.
NHTSA complaint 9002561
Problems Cadillac told dealers about
Cadillac sent dealers 426 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This message addresses concerns of power steering hose leaks
- Shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads
- Customer comments of steering moan, groan, click or other noise at slow parking lot maneuver…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may caus.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER LAP AND/OR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS THAT MAY NOT REMAIN LOCKED UP AS DESIGNED DURING A CRASH IN WHICH THE BELT PRETENSIONERS DEPLOY.
- Body structure · recall issued 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SEDANS, HEARSE, AND LIMOUSINE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THESE VEHICLES HAVE SUNVISOR CENTER SUPPORTS WITH CERTAIN R…
Show all 4 recalls
- Seat belts · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSE, AND LIMOUSINES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Cadillac DeVille recall, all years · All Cadillac recalls
Government investigations
- ClosedFailing seat belt buckles2004–2005
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★☆☆ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $4,200 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 4.6L 8-cyl.
Every Cadillac DeVille year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2001 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/cadillac-deville/?y=2001" title="Cadillac DeVille reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/cadillac-deville/2001/">Lemon Index</a> (2001 Cadillac DeVille reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2001 Cadillac DeVille reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 67; 100 is average, lower is better). The Cadillac DeVille year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2004.
What are the most common 2001 Cadillac DeVille problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (31%), steering (12%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Cadillac DeVille have?
4 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Cadillac DeVille get?
18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Cadillac DeVille problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 19,000 and 44,000 miles (31,000–72,000 km) (the middle half of the 20 complaints, of all 68 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2001 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2001 Cadillac DeVille have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Cadillac DeVille cost in fuel a year?
About $4,200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Cadillac DeVille have?
4.6L 8-cyl.
What Cadillac DeVille year is better than the 2001?
Nearby, the 2004 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works