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2000 Cadillac Seville

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2000 Cadillac Seville, a luxury sedan, was offered in two trims: SLS (Seville Luxury Sedan) and STS (Seville Touring Sedan). Both came equipped with the 4.6L Northstar V8 engine, producing 275 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque in the SLS and 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the STS. This engine was paired with a 4T80-E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Seville’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine. However, they also noted potential issues with the car’s reliability, particularly regarding the engine and electrical systems, as well as the high cost of repairs.

Engine

4.6L Northstar V8

  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, coolant mixing with oil. This issue is prevalent in earlier Northstar engines, including the 2000 model year.
    • Solution: Head gasket replacement, often involving machining the cylinder head and block surfaces. Some opt for engine replacement due to the complexity and cost of the head gasket repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include the oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and valve cover gaskets.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+, depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cooling System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, failing water pump, clogged radiator.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty components, such as the water pump, thermostat, radiator, or hoses. Flushing the cooling system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Spark Plug Thread Repair
    • Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs blowing out of the cylinder head due to stripped threads. This is a common issue with the Northstar engine’s aluminum cylinder heads.
    • Solution: Installing thread inserts to repair the damaged threads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T80-E 4-Speed Automatic

  • Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration at highway speeds, trouble shifting into overdrive, TCC error codes.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, failure to shift into certain gears.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty shift solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (Rear - STS models)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the car sagging, compressor running constantly, error messages on the dash.
    • Solution: Replacing the air struts/shocks, compressor, or ride height sensors. Converting to conventional coil springs is also an option.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on components needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when going over bumps, poor handling.
    • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per pair
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • ABS Module Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: ABS light illuminated, loss of ABS function, error codes related to the ABS module.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the ABS module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic gauge readings, dim or non-functional display, flickering lights.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Passkey Theft System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Car fails to start, “Security” light illuminated, error messages related to the Passkey system.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the Passkey system, which may involve replacing the ignition switch, Passkey module, or reprogramming the system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Housing Clouding/Yellowing
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights appear dull or dim, reducing visibility at night.
    • Solution: Polishing the headlight lenses or replacing the headlight assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+ depending on if you polish or replace.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperature, failure of the AC or heater, blend door actuator failure.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty components, such as the blend door actuator, AC compressor, or heater core.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window failing to move up or down, slow or noisy window operation.
    • Solution: Replacing the power window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Cadillac Seville, while offering luxury and performance, is prone to a range of issues, particularly relating to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The Northstar engine is known for its potential head gasket failures and oil leaks, which can be costly to repair. The air suspension on STS models also adds complexity and potential for expensive repairs. While some issues are relatively minor, the potential for major engine and transmission problems should be a significant consideration for potential buyers. Expect repair costs to be moderate to high, especially when dealing with engine or suspension issues.

Cadillac, Seville
Cadillac Seville 2000
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