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Vehicle safety record

1988 Cadillac Deville Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1988 Cadillac Deville with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (7) and the steering (7). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 2006 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1987 has 41 and the 1989 has 49.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical Deville year, for its age

#35 most complained-about 1988 vehicle

Complaints
29
Recalls
1
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Most common 1988 Cadillac Deville problems

Share of all 29 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1988 Cadillac Deville recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Fuel system

06E04300088,303 vehicles affected

The problem
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 manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (To see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
The risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
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).

What owners say

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29 complaints about the 1988 Cadillac Deville

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Body, doors & structure

HEADLINER WAS REPLACED. *SLC

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 565453
Acceleration & cruise control

Throttle sensor switch has been replaced because vehicle will idle/ rev up, and try to move without consumer stepping on gas pedal. Contacted dealer. *Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 8002951
Wheels & tires

Inside of lugs: nuts have a lip ring that tightens bolts, causing bolts to be stripped. Lugs: nuts came like that, and consumer will not consider paying for problem. Wheels could come off under heavy stress.*Ak

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 890501
Wheels & tires

While driving tire suddenly loss air pressure, tire was replaced with spare, tire was taken in for inspection but no breaks or holes were found, it would not hold air when mechanic tried to inflate it, on the right rear tire, there was a bulge about the size of a baseball on the outside of tire, near the wheel rim, and a small bulge about 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch high on the right front tire, all 4 ohtsu (205/70 r14) v4npl021700(3) and v4npj09100(1) have been replaced.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 560564
Wheels & tires

While driving at 65 mph firestone tires showed signs of cracks all around the edges. *Ak

Filed TiresNHTSA 870850
Wheels & tires

I was driving on a local side street doing approximately 35 mph. Without any warning I heard a loud noise and my car veered sharply to the right almost causing me to lose control of it. Due to a lack of traffic at the moment I was able to pull over to the curb. The noise was so loud it brought people out of their houses to see what was wrong. It was not obvious that I had tread separation by walking around looking at it. I discovered that my left rear tire had the tread separated all the way down. It has copper...

Read the full complaint

color wires twisted in long coils with the rubber sticking up out of it and was sharp to the touch. A large slab of tread was on the tire but you could just lay it back. It didn't appear to have lost tread on the road, just looked like someone had cut it neatly back, except for the twisted wire and rubber in small strands that were sticking up. Had there been another car oncoming or at the right of me it would have caused me to hit them. I had a difficult time retaining control of the car. I had 4 of these tires all purchased at the same time at the local firstone dealer and still have 3 of them on my car. I cannot afford to have these changed and am afraid to drive on them. I went to the same dealer I purchased them from and he said he could check them but could not replace them. Because I had a goodyear tire replaced for the bad one, they would not offer to pay or in any way compensate me for it. I am fearful for myself and others safety who are driving on these tires. If you have any questions or need clarification please do not hestitate to contact me by e-mail or telephone. I have never done this before, so I don't know whether I answered what you needed to know or not. Thank you.*Ak( dot number: tire size: p205/75r14 )

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 731215
BrakesCrash

Approximately 1,ooo miles after replacing brake pads and shoes for front brakes, consumer was involved in 2 rearend accidents. In both instances, vehicle was in stop an go traffic. Consumer applied full force on brakes, vehicle did not stop, resulting in accidents. Vehicle was a total loss after 2nd accident. *Ak

Filed Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 861516
Steering

The power steering is hard to turn in cold weather. *Yc

Filed SteeringNHTSA 547133
BrakesFuel systemAcceleration & cruise controlFire

While consumer's wife was driving vehicle refused to stop when brakes were applied due to idle speed control motor failure. Vehicle lost control. Also, brakes were smoking and on fire. Vehicle had no cut off switch to stop it.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 781112
Engine & cooling

Consumer had vehicle's oil changed, and the mechanic noticed that the oil pan was rusting at the bottom, and there was a pin hole in it. No dents or damages done to it,. The pin hole in it would get bigger and worse, and oil will constantly come out. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 824089
Wheels & tires

Gillette tire blew out causing loss of control. (P0215/70r14)

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 536522
Steering

When the vehicle is turned to the left the steering locks, assumes that it is the steering sector or the central front end, the speed is at any limit. Any time the steering grabs and pulls when driving at a lower speed, the vehicle won't turn at all, and it may turn if sitting for a while. Warranty has expired. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *Ak

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 822923
Acceleration & cruise control

Sudden acceleration resulting in vehicle collision.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 526027
Visibility & wipers

The windshield wipers will at intervals become inoperable, making driving hazardous in rainy weather conditions. Please give any further details. *Ak

Filed VisibilityNHTSA 819773
Acceleration & cruise control

SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 518984
Steering

Vehicle experienced constant steering failure. *Ak

Filed SteeringNHTSA 514151
Acceleration & cruise control

Throttle stuck, causing vehicle to accelerate out of control, however no injuries were sustained. *Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 809624
Equipment & accessories

AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED.

Filed Incident EquipmentNHTSA 602000
Electrical system

Electrical problems, causing failure of power windows/radio and antenna.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 510080
Steering

During vehicle operation the steering locks up periodically, as a result the rack and pinion needs to be replaced.*Ak

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 802717
Steering

VEHICLE HARD TO TURN RIGHT IN COLD WEATHER. *DSH

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 503840
Other & unknown

'Service soon' warning light comes on at 70 m.P.H., And occasionally when vehicle started. *Dh

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 502382
Acceleration & cruise control

Vehicle speed continuously increased. Driver pumped brake however,high idling persistent. Tt

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 978394
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash1 injury

Upon starting, placed into reverse gear, suddenly engine surged, then accelerated out of control, over powering brake. Tt

Filed Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 973816
Steering

COLD POWER STEERING. *SD

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 487616

Cadillac Deville: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
199213711614Fuel systemF
1991911811BrakesF
1990802102BrakesD
198949151Acceleration & cruise controlC
198829121Acceleration & cruise controlB
198741213Engine & coolingC
198622310Engine & coolingA
198521200Engine & coolingB
19846100Engine & coolingA
All Deville years

1988 Cadillac Deville vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1988 Cadillac Deville

Does the 1988 Cadillac Deville have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1988 Cadillac Deville: fuel system, gasoline (May 2006). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Cadillac Deville?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (7), steering (7), wheels & tires (5).

How many complaints has the 1988 Cadillac Deville had?

29 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 19, 1994 and the latest on April 26, 2002. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Is the 1988 Cadillac Deville a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 70 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Cadillac Deville year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Cadillac Deville years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1988 Cadillac Deville has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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