2004 Cadillac Seville

2004 Cadillac Seville

Overview

The 2004 Cadillac Seville, a luxury sedan, offered a blend of comfort and performance, particularly with its Northstar V8 engine. While generally well-regarded for its smooth ride and upscale interior, like any vehicle of its age, it has specific areas that have shown more frequent issues. Owners often praise its distinctive styling and quiet cabin. However, potential buyers should be aware of common concerns related to the engine’s cooling system, certain electrical components, and the adaptive suspension system, which can require attention over time. Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity, but specific recurring problems have been documented.

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Engine

4.6L V8 (Northstar)

Head Gasket Failure

• Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
• Solution: Replacement of head gaskets and potentially resurfacing of cylinder heads.
• Cost: $1500 - $3000

Cooling System Leaks

• Symptoms: Loss of coolant, overheating, visible leaks from hoses or radiator.
• Solution: Replacement of leaking hoses, radiator, water pump, or thermostat.
• Cost: $300 - $1000

Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks

• Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, potential coolant leaks.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gaskets.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4T80-E)

No widespread issues reported.

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Suspension

Adaptive Dampening System (MagneRide)

Sensor Failures

• Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard, harsh ride, uneven handling.
• Solution: Replacement of faulty suspension sensors or control modules.
• Cost: $500 - $1500

Strut/Shock Leaks

• Symptoms: Fluid leaks from suspension components, reduced ride comfort, clunking noises.
• Solution: Replacement of leaking struts or shocks.
• Cost: $600 - $1200

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

Intermittent Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Issues with power windows, locks, lights, or dashboard indicators.
• Solution: Reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Ignition System

Ignition Coil Failure

• Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coils and spark plugs.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Exterior

Paint and Body Panels

Clear Coat Peeling

• Symptoms: Peeling or fading of the clear coat, especially on horizontal surfaces.
• Solution: Repainting affected areas.
• Cost: $500 - $2000+

Interior

Climate Control System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or direct airflow to specific vents.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator(s).
• Cost: $200 - $500

Infotainment System

Screen Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Flickering screen, unresponsive touch controls, or display errors.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the infotainment display unit.
• Cost: $400 - $1000

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Summary Verdict

The 2004 Cadillac Seville is a comfortable luxury sedan, but its Northstar V8 engine is prone to cooling system issues and head gasket failures, which can be costly to repair. The adaptive suspension, while providing a superior ride, can also develop sensor or component failures. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the Body Control Module and ignition coils, are also noted. Exterior paint issues like clear coat peeling are common for vehicles of this age. Interior climate control and infotainment system components can also require attention. Prospective buyers should factor in potential repair costs for these known issues.