MYRModel Year Report

1998 Cadillac Seville

● Typical for this model
1998 Cadillac Seville
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:02:38.540Z

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

Complaints per year, Cadillac Seville Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 11 complaints 1989: 5 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 27 complaints 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 57 complaints 1995: 74 complaints 1996: 122 complaints 1996 1997: 95 complaints 1998: 65 complaints 1998 1999: 73 complaints 1999 2000: 38 complaints 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 45 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2004: 9 complaints 2004
1998: 65 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19820
19832
19841
19856
198611
198711
198811
19895
199019
199121
199227
199344
199457
199574
1996122
199795
199865
199973
200038
200153
200245
200316
20049

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 31%

31% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

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

STEERING 15%

15% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AS THE WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120330

STEERING ASSEMBLY MECHANISM FAILED IN 1998, RESULTING IN THE INABILITY TO STEER, ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED MAY 1999. ACCIDENT OCCURED RESULTING IN INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER). MJS

NHTSA ODI report, 19990608

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.

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

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY

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 (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V144000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V070000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac Seville have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.