1988 Cadillac Seville
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 27 |
| 1993 | 44 |
| 1994 | 57 |
| 1995 | 74 |
| 1996 | 122 |
| 1997 | 95 |
| 1998 | 65 |
| 1999 | 73 |
| 2000 | 38 |
| 2001 | 53 |
| 2002 | 45 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
4 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The front motor mounts broke, and the car went completely out of control. The car hit a wall and was completely totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-01
Exterior lighting
2 of 11 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Wheels
1 of 11 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Show complaint excerpts
Left front wheel broke loose from studs to the point of almost falling off vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-06
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Cadillac Seville — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1988 Cadillac Seville reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1988 Cadillac Seville?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Cadillac Seville have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.