MYRModel Year Report

1998 Cadillac Seville

● Typical for this model
1998 Cadillac Seville
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:48:15.188Z

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
65
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 1 complaint 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 1997: 95 complaints 1998: 65 complaints 1998 65 1999: 73 complaints 2000: 38 complaints 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 45 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2004: 9 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 11 complaints 1989: 5 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 57 complaints 1995: 74 complaints 1995 1996: 122 complaints 1997: 95 complaints 1998: 65 complaints 1998 65 1999: 73 complaints 2000: 38 complaints 2001: 53 complaints 2001 2002: 45 complaints 2003: 16 complaints 2003 2004: 9 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 11 complaints 1988 1989: 5 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 57 complaints 1994 1995: 74 complaints 1995 1996: 122 complaints 1996 1997: 95 complaints 1997 1998: 65 complaints 1998 65 1999: 73 complaints 1999 2000: 38 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2001 2002: 45 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2003 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% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIREINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-01

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, 2003-05-27

Steering

15% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

CRASHINJURY
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, 2012-03-30

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).…

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-06-08

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Exterior lighting

9% · 6 reports

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, 1999-02-17

Suspension

9% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

9% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-07-14Visibility98V144000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1999-04-24Electrical system99V070000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An electrical short can develop in the generator, even when the engine is off.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the generator.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1999-06-10Recall queryClosed 2002-02-22 Cadillac coolant cooled alternator fires
  4. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Cadillac Seville — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V144000 · Visibility
  • Recall 99V070000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.