1998 Cadillac Seville

● Typical for this model

1998 Cadillac Seville
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:29:02.198Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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: 65 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	42
1994	50
1995	74
1996	122
1997	95
1998	65
1999	73
2000	38
2001	53
2002	45
2003	16
2004	9

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEARS WHEN A PASSER BY INFORMED HIM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *MR *CB *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030801

THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEARS WHEN A PASSER BY INFORMED HIM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *NLM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030527

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING AT NIGHT HEAD LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER BACK & FORTH (DARK, LIGHT, DARK, LIGHT). PASSENGER'S SIDE HAS 10 FEET BLACKOUT. TOOK TO DEALER.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990217

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19980714 — visibility

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR 'LOW' SPEED FUNCTION CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE WHEN THE MOTOR IS SWITCHED FROM 'HIGH' TO 'LOW' SPEED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER WHICH CONTAINS THE MICROPROCESSOR.

Campaign 98V144000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19990424 — electrical system

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERATOR.

Campaign 99V070000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19990610 — RQ (closed 20020222)

CADILLAC COOLANT COOLED ALTERNATOR FIRES

I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Cadillac Seville — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 98V144000 (visibility) has been completed.
Verify recall 99V070000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2000 ▲ 1993 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ◆ 1997 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Cadillac Seville reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Cadillac Seville is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Cadillac Seville?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac Seville have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.