1972 Cadillac Deville recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1972 DEVILLE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 72V224000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: CADILLAC CAMPAIGN NO 72-C-2. POSSIBILITY THAT LEFT REAR AXLE SHAFT MAY BE AFRACTION TOO LONG. IF SHAFT IS TOO LONG, COULD CREATE INTERFERENCE ATDIFFERENTIAL CROSS SHAFT. SUCH INTERFERENCE CREATES EXCESSIVE AXIAL LOADS ONREAR WHEEL BEARING, RESULTING IN PREMATURE BEARING WEAR. (CORRECT BYINSPECTING AND REPLACING AXLE WHERE NECESSARY. )
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1972 DEVILLE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 73V226000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: COMMERCIAL CHASSIS EXCEPT EL DORADOS. POSSIBILITY DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICANT INTHE STEERING LINKAGE IDLER ASSEMBLY COMBINED WITH EXPOSURE TO ROAD SPLASHCONTAINING DEICING SALTS AND CLOSE SHAFT TO BUSHING CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN ACORRODING AND BINDING CONDITION. IF THIS OCCURS, IT COULD ALLOW THE IDLERATTACHMENT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FRAME AND IMPAIR STEERING CONTROL. (CORRECTBY INSPECTING AND INSTALL GREASE FITTING ANDNEW IDLER ARM SUPPORT WHERENECESSARY).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
11/29/1994 · Transmission / drivetrain
VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK.
10/31/1994 · Transmission / drivetrain
VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK WHILE ON MECHANIC'S LIFT. (INVESTIGATOR FOR ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) (OTHER VEHICLE ON 476384) *SKD