1998 Cadillac Deville

◆ Worse than typical

1998 Cadillac Deville
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1998: 237 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	1
1982	3
1983	5
1984	6
1985	19
1986	22
1987	41
1988	28
1989	49
1990	77
1991	88
1992	135
1993	96
1994	140
1995	129
1996	218
1997	269
1998	237
1999	187
2000	225
2001	175
2002	176
2003	144
2004	167
2005	95

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 19%

19% of complaints: exterior lighting — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and concealment devices.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I AS DRIVING ON A FARMED MARKET ROAD (F.M.) APPROX. 55 MPH. AND THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT LENS FLEW OFF THE CAR. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T ANY OTHER CARS BEHIND ME, AND THERE WASN'T ANY DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND/OR ANYONE ELSES VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120622

SERVICE BRAKES 17%

17% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

MY 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE NEEDS A VITAL PART TO IT'S ABS/TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION. HOWEVER, GM HAS DISCONTINUED MAKING THE PART, (#19244918)WITH NO AVAILABLE SUBSTITUTE. THEREFORE, LEAVING MY CAR WITH NO ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180215

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

AIR BAGS 16%

16% of complaints: air bags — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER WAS ON THE DRIVEWAY OF PERSONAL RESIDENCE WITH ALL SEAT BELTS SECURED WHEN BOTH THE DRIVER/PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021030

I WAS THE DRIVER AND ONLY PERSON IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON FEBRUARY 16, 1999 BETWEEN MY 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE CONCOURS AND A 1977 DODGE CAMPER TOP VAN.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990310

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.

CRASH INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19971101 — vehicle speed control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES. THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES WAS MISROUTED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE HARNESS, CORRECT AS NECESSARY, AND INSTALL A PLASTIC TIE STRAP TO THE HARNESS.

Campaign 97V183000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 1998 — complaint volume: 237

R 19980101 — structure

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS WHICH CAN BREAK DUE TO AN IMPROPER HEAT TREAT CONDITION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS.

Campaign 97V232000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19990927 — PE (closed 20000215)

INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAG

I 20000215 — EA (closed 20000928)

INADVERTENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG

R 20010601 — air bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR MODULES HAVE QUALITY PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. THESE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT SENSING MODULES. IF THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THE SIDE AIR BAGS TEMPORARILY DISCONECTED, THE TEMPORARY DISCONNECT WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE REPLACING T

Campaign 00V217000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE