- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of the side impact sensor modules have quality problems that can cause an inadvertent deployment of the driver or passenger side impact air bags. These side air bags deploy with less force than a frontal air bag and are designed to minimize the risk of serious injury.
- The risk
- However, an occupant can receive some injury from a deployment.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and passenger side impact sensing modules. If the vehicle has had the side air bags temporarily disconected, the temporary disconnect will be removed before replacing the side impact sensing modules.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Cadillac Deville Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 242 complaints about the 1998 Cadillac Deville with NHTSA, most often about the lights (44) and the brakes (36). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 1 fire, 17 injuries and 2 deaths. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in August 2000 for the side / window. For comparison, the 1997 has 280 and the 1999 has 192.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Deville year, for its age
#35 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 242
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 14
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 2
Most common 1998 Cadillac Deville problems
Share of all 242 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Cadillac Deville recalls 3
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
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with hood hinge pivot bolts which can break due to an improper heat treat condition. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 219, "Windshield zone intrusion." A broken bolt can cause either the corner of the hood near the windshield to raise, or one side of the hood to be unstable when opened.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the hood could be pushed back through the windshield glass possibly injuring the vehicle occupants.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, hearses and limousines. The canister purge evaporative emissions harness on these vehicles was misrouted.
- The risk
- The harness could interfere with the cruise control and throttle linkage preventing return to a closed throttle.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper routing of the harness, correct as necessary, and install a plastic tie strap to the harness.
What owners say
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242 complaints about the 1998 Cadillac Deville
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 10.
My 1998 cadillac deville needs a vital part to it's abs/traction control function. However, gm has discontinued making the part, (#19244918)with no available substitute. Therefore, leaving my car with no abs or traction control. Also, the transmission no longer engages 1st gear. (A supposed saftey measure)which in most cases, only puts my family's safety at risk. I do not understand how or if, gm can legally put profits before safety.
Fuel rail line is made of plastic/nylon and has cracked near one of the fuel injectors on top of the engine and leaking fuel on my march 1998 cadillac deville
Takata recall. Air bag light is on a few days ago. Also, vehicle overheated and needed new water pump several years ago. Keep having to replace the battery. Smoke was coming up from front and turn signals did not work. Had to replace fall 2016 horn did not work, had to replace part inside steering wheel. Jan 2017
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The contact stated that fuel fumes emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician inspected the vehicle and found two pin size hole on the plastic fuel line. As a result, the fuel lines would need to be replaced with metal lines. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,211.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The contact observed fuel leaking onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Th vin was unavailable. ....Updated 07/22/15 *bf updated 10/11/2017*cn
There was a recall on the airbag sensor of my vehicle in 2000. I was not aware of @ that time because I had not purchased it from the local dealership yet. On feb.16,2015 I called the 1800.458.8006 & Was told that I would have to pay to have the part diagnosed & fixed if needed. The rep. & I went back & forth as to who should pay for this etc.,.I called again on 2-19-2015 spoke with another rep. Still got the same answer.Basically I was told that the recall was closed out in 2001. When I asked both...
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reps.That I spoke with if that meant there was a expiration date, I was told no. There were other questions that I asked in reference to the matter that does not add up between each rep. & The local cadillac technician that the first rep. Connected me with. I need help in solving this problem.The case # [[redacted]]. There are other factors I documented if needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel rail into the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v110000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 120,000.
Unable to pass illinois vehicle inspection because the speed control has not work ed in years I'm unable to pass the pollution test. *Tr
I as driving on a farmed market road (f.M.) Approx. 55 Mph. And the right headlight lens flew off the car. Luckily there wasn't any other cars behind me, and there wasn't any damage to my car and/or anyone elses vehicle. After I returned home, I checked the driver's side lens to discover it was loose as well.
Customer was driving vehicle down road, all of a sudden coming up to a stoplight car suddenly died, at the same time white smoke came billowing out the back of the car, it caused a traffic hazard in which nobody could see her car, she was rearended, as well as the guy that rearended her. The occupant of the vehicle that rearended her ended up getting his nose broken when he hit his steering wheel. Vehicle taken to dealership and was determined that the rear head bolts had pulled from the block causing the head to...
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separate from the block of the vehicle, quoted $4500 to repair and was told they could not warranty repair because it is a northstar engine. Vehicle then brought to me to get it repaired. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the cruise control would not disengage. The brake pedal was then engaged, but the vehicle hesitated and would not stop. After approximately two miles, the cruise control eventually disengaged and the vehicle came to a stop. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 97v183000 (vehicle speed control) that may be related to the failure, but the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would stall due to the engine overheating. The failure would occur whenever the vehicle was in operation for a few minutes. During the failures, the engine overheat light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the freeze plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed that the head gaskets were warped. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 111,000.
Noticed that one passenger side headlight was out, but I still had the high beam. A few days later both were out. Went to auto parts store to have them put in new bulbs and they noticed the that plastic cover was missing and they said that caused the bulbs to short out. From reading other complaints I'm afraid I will have to pay hundreds for a new assembly when all I need is a plastic cover. *Tr
Headlamp lenses cloud reducing nighttime visibility for driver and for other vehicles. Polycarbonate lenses discolor and turn yellow. Problem is pervasive across most makes and models. Replacement lenses are very costly. The problem did not exist when glass headlamps were used, and replacement was inexpensive. *Tr
One night my family and I were driving my 1998 cadillac deville, and all of a sudden the heater coil burst without warning, the heater was not on and the car was not running hot. The car filled with steam making it impossible to see anything, and hot scalding water and anti-freeze poured out from under the dash board right over the gas peddle and scalded my right foot causing serious burns and leaving horrible scars. Luckily we were traveling on a country road with little to no traffic. I am relieved that me nor my...
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family was seriously injured other than my foot being burned. Car dealer was notified, and nothing was done. I feel like this is a very dangerous matter that should be looked into and have something done about it. *Tr
I had a tire blowout at 11:00 pm while driving on a freeway. I was unable to remove the wheel lug nuts using the lug wrench furnished with the car (i even tried standing on the hinged arm of the lug wrench) and was saved by a driver of a suv who stopped to help. The lug wrench had an effective arm length of 9 inches and a arm diameter of about 3/4 inch. I later found out that the lug nuts are to be torqued to 100 ft-lbs. I then bought a torque wrench with an arm length of two feet and an arm diameter of 3...
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inches. Checking the torque required to break the lug nuts lose I got values between less than 100 ft-lbs up to 200 ft-lbs. The manufacturers should be required to furnish lug wrenches that ordinary people can use to replace the tires. Furthermore, they would also be required to specify a maximum value for torquing lug nuts in addition to a minimum value because a large variation in torque between the nuts on each wheel warps the brake drums or disks and results in severe surging when braking (what fun I had with this condition when dropping down off of donner summit into sacramento - the whole car was shaking violently when I applied the brakes). I complained to the dealer who was already aware of the lug wrench problem (which they could do nothing about) but not about the unequal torquing problem (they posted a list of my torque readings in the shop). I also complained to cadillac customer service but got nowhere with them. *Tr
1.Both front headlight lens/covers fell off. One recovered. Adhesive attaching cover to headlight was still on cover, hardened; no adhesive is on headlight assembly. No signs of stress to headlight or surrounding bodywork. 2. Driving in rain causes all four bulbs in headlight assembly to fail with resulting instantaneous loss on headlight (high and low beams) and turn and position lights. 3. Bulbs replaced, recovered cover epoxied to headlight assembly, headlight assembly with missing cover needs to be replaced. Parts, except failed bulbs,currently installed in out of service car. *Tr
I have a 1998 cadillac deville that I am putting the 3rd engine into the car due to a head gasket problem. My parents have the same car with the same problem. I have read classifieds that citizens who own the same car are forced to give the car away because of this head gasket problem. Anyone who can service this car (including a cadillac dealership) has admitted that it is a very common problem with this car, and that there is no financially reasonable repair, and replacing the engine is usually the only...
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recommendation. My understanding is that cadillac recognized this problem, and made a correction to these north star engines in the year 2000. This is obviously a cadillac blunder that is proven costly, but the cost is only being absorbed by the customer. I am all for being accountable, but having the choices of putting a 3rd engine in the car or junking would be deemed as extreme. Why is cadillac not recalling this particular year cars engine? I am sure that any research that you conduct will show an abundance of this problem. What protection does the consumer have in this regards? *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The plastic lens of the exterior headlamps developed a yellowish tint over time, which reduces visibility while driving. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that they would attempt to clean the lens. If that remedy fails, the contact will have to replace the exterior headlamps at the cost of $300 each. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 66,000.
Component: engine and engine cooling:engine details: the failure occurs in normal use. The consequence is possible engine damage. The dealer has refused to repair this obvious and common manufacturing flaw in the northstar engine. The situation, because this is the same engineer is the same that is described in nhtsa recall number 99086: date: 12/01/1999 component name: 061000 engine and engine cooling:engine nhtsa #: 99086 summary: some vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the cylinder head bolts may become loose and cause coolant leaks and possible engine damage. *Tr
The failure occurs in normal use. The consequence is possible engine damage. The dealer has refused to repair this obvious and common manufacturing flaw in the northstar engine. The situation, because this is the same engineer is the same that is described in nhtsa recall number 99086: date: 12/01/1999 component name: 061000 engine and engine cooling:engine nhtsa #: 99086 summary: some vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the cylinder head bolts may become loose and cause coolant leaks and possible engine damage. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. The pin that holds the gearshift lever to the vehicle is coming loose and will not stay in place. If the pin completely detaches, it would cause the gearshift lever to fall off the floorboard. The dealer and manufacturer has been notified. The current and failure mileages were 76,000.Update 09/10/08 *cw updated 09/11/08 *jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac deville. In september of 2003, the air bags deployed without an impact while driving 35 mph. There were occupants in the vehicle at the time of the failure. Gm repaired the vehicle; however, the air bags continued to deploy for no apparent reason. There was one injury. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 177,040 and failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
1998 Cadillac deville concours. Northstar 4.6L v8 I have made numerous complaints about the oil consumption of this vehicles engine. Only to receive the brush off from the dealership about gm's allowable northstar consumption. This engine is consuming 4 qts per month on average and is not acceptable in my book. What do I do now ? No manufacturers warranty or extended left to help and only 80,000 miles on this vehicle. I definitely believe that this vehicle was a lemon from the get go and that gm knows these...
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engines have problems. I'm trying to buy american made products but with problems like this it's getting difficult to do this. Hoping I can get some resolution to this problem. *Tr
Having major problems with vehicle from the dexcool coolant . After water pump was replaced then the radiator had to be replaced, days after problem with head gaskets were the coolant leaked onto the manifold, and engine ran hot. *Ak
Cadillac Deville: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 182 | 5 | F |
| 2001 | 177 | 4 | F |
| 2000 | 237 | 5 | F |
| 1999 | 192 | 1 | F |
| 1998 | 242 | 3 | F |
| 1997 | 280 | 2 | F |
| 1996 | 225 | 2 | F |
| 1995 | 129 | 2 | F |
| 1994 | 142 | 0 | F |
1998 Cadillac Deville vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Cadillac Deville | 242 | 3 | F | |
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 123 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Cadillac Seville | 65 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Cadillac Eldorado | 38 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Cadillac Fleetwood | 4 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Cadillac STS | 3 | 0 | A | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 1998 Cadillac Deville
Does the 1998 Cadillac Deville have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1998 Cadillac Deville: side / window (August 2000); hinge and attachments (December 1997); vehicle speed control (October 1997). 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 1998 Cadillac Deville?
How many complaints has the 1998 Cadillac Deville had?
242 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 13, 1998 and the latest on February 15, 2018. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 17 injuries and 2 deaths.
Is the 1998 Cadillac Deville a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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?
1997 (280), 1998 (242), 2000 (237). See every Cadillac Deville year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 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