1998 Cadillac Seville: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 65 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac seville. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle stopped or driving various speeds, the engine would overheat and a message informing him to add coolant would display on the instrument panel. The engine coolant was routinely added to the vehicle, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was advised to replace the motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2011
“I have a 1998 cadillac seville sls and was going through left curve on road 40-45 mph right rear axle broke, causing car to spin left then right. Parallel to road on the right and crashing into a big rock between two ponds that saved my life. Car had 70,000 miles on it. Is there any one else that had a rear axle break behind the rotor? Please contact me. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · May 2009
“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. The contact stated that as the steering failed, another vehicle crashed into the rear of her vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact was not aware of what repairs would be needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.”Owner report · Steering · May 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac seville. The contact heard a loud popping sound coming from the speakers. The battery warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the battery was causing the failure and was replaced. Shortly afterwards, the dealer stated that the alternator was causing the failure. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 99v070000 (electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator) and would not provide a free remedy. The manufacturer provided no assistance because the recall expired. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac seville. In inclement weather conditions, the windshield wiper motor's 'low' speed function becomes inoperative. The failure occurs when the motor is switched from 'high' to 'low' speed. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 98v144000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer); therefore, they would not assume any financial responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2007
“Sudden erratic readings such as engine hot, ac off, and service engine soon light on. Engine reduced cylinder operation to 4 cylinders, power reduced significantly. Family in car and heavy traffic could have been dangerous situation in both cases. Found blown head gaskets and coolant entering into 2 cylinders. Mileage only 70,343. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2006
“Two (2) gm oem rack and pinion replacements required within an 18 month time frame due to part failures. Steering wheel became unresponsive on interstate resulting in a near crash. *jb”Owner report · Steering · May 2006
“The upper mount tail light is not lighting. I have since found after searching the internet that there is a 100% failure rate of the led display in these upper tail light of the cadillac. I own a 1998 cadillac seville sls which has the left half of the upper mount brake light out. There are reference that the brake strip failure is due to moisture that gets in the strip. Please investigate because if this happens to many people there should be a recall for these brake lights. Please let me know what you find out. The led display was manufactured by stanley electronics (I found that out on the internet). *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2005
“Dt*: the contact stated there is NHTSA recall, campaign 04v110000 regarding the fuel system. The contact started the engine and detected the strong odor of gasoline. With the engine turned off, the contact inspected under the hood and discovered the fuel rail and return line tubing was cracked and spraying large amounts of gasoline in the engine compartment. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was seen by a dealer who determined this was the same problem as indicated in the recall.aki”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2005
“Dt: head gasket is blown. Vehicle milage is only 78, 000. *ak *tt *sb consumer doesn't understand how a vehicle that doesn't receive a tune-up until 100,000 miles have a head gasket failure at 78,000. Consumer was told that this problem is a common ocurrance and consumer feels that is unacceptable. *sb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERATOR.
How other years compare
Check your exact Seville by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Cadillac Seville reliable?
NHTSA has 65 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Cadillac Seville. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Cadillac Seville problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 79,500 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Cadillac Seville have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.