NHTSA Complaint #10314379 — 1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE

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.