1988 Cadillac Deville problems
The Cadillac DeVille is a model name used by Cadillac over eight generations, originally used to designate a trim level of the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and later to designate a standalone model in the brand range. The last model marketed specifically as a DeVille was the 2005 full-size sedan, at the time, Cadillac's largest model.
For 2006, the Deville nameplate was retired, when the model line was carried forward (with minor revisions) as the Cadillac DTS, using a nomenclature adopted by the Cadillac STS and CTS.
Early history
The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town". In French coach building parlance, a coupé de ville, from the French couper (to cut) i.e. shorten or reduce, was a short four-wheeled closed carriage with an inside seat for two and an outside seat for the driver and this smaller vehicle was intended for use in the town or city (de ville). An (unshortened) limousine or (in the United States) town car has a division between the passenger and driver compartments and if the driver's seat is outside it may be called a sedanca de ville or town car.
The first Cadillac "Coupe de Ville" was shown during the 1949 Motorama. It was built on a Cadillac Sixty Special chassis and featured a dummy air-scoop, chrome trim around front wheel openings, and a one-piece windshield and rear glass. The interior was black and trimmed in gray leather, including the headliner, to match the roof color. It was equipped with a telephone in the glove compartment, a vanity case and a secretarial pad in the rear armrest, power windows and highly decorative chrome interior trim. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was used by GM President Charles E. Wilson until 1957 when he presented it to his secretary. At some time during this period it acquired a dark Vicodec roof. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was found and restored in the 2010s; it was in a private collection in London, Ontario, Canada as of 2017.
The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was introduced late in the 1949 model year. Along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, it was among the first pillarless hardtop coupes ever produced. At US$3,496 ($44,768 in 2023 dollars ) it was only a dollar less than the Series 62 convertible, and like the convertible, it came with power windows standard. It was luxuriously trimmed, with leather upholstery and chrome 'bows' in the headliner to simulate the ribs of a convertible top. In its first year the Series 62 Coupe de Ville only sold 2,150 units. But 1950 sales more than doubled to 4507, and in 1951 sales more than doubled again to 10,241 exceeding the sales for the Series 62 Club Coupe that year. Also, in 1951, Coupe de Ville chrome script appeared on the rear roof pillar for the first time, to further distinguish it from the Series 62 Club Coupe.
In 1956 the Series 62 Coupe de Ville was joined by the Series 62 Sedan de Ville, Cadillac's first standard production 4-door hardtop. Similarly to the Coupe de Ville, it was also more expensive and more luxuriously trimmed than the standard 4-door Series 62. With 41,732 sold, it also easily outsold the Series 62 sedan in its very first year. Given their sales success, it was only natural that the Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville were moved to their own separate series in 1959, the Series 6300, being joined by a DeVille convertible in 1964.
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Common 1988 Cadillac Deville problems
The 1988 Cadillac DeVille has been reported to have various engine and transmission problems, according to the experiences of several owners.
In addition to engine problems, transmission issues have also been reported. One owner of a 1988 Cadillac DeVille experienced poor performance and acceleration, likening it to a 6-cylinder 1984 Camaro, and ultimately had to replace the engine due to lack of oil at 70,000 miles.
Despite these reported problems, some owners have had positive experiences with the 1988 Cadillac DeVille. One owner, who purchased the car in 1992 with 57,000 miles, reported that it had reached 230,000 miles with only head gasket replacement at 172,000 miles, regular oil changes, and normal wear maintenance.
It is important to note that the 1988 Cadillac DeVille is an older model, and like any vehicle of its age, it may be prone to certain issues. Regular maintenance and care can help mitigate these problems and extend the life of the car.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What engine is in a 1988 Cadillac DeVille?
Specifications for Cadillac Sedan de Ville 4.5 V8 Automatic, 157hp, 1988 4-speed.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What engine is in a 1988 Cadillac DeVille?
Specifications for Cadillac Sedan de Ville 4.5 V8 Automatic, 157hp, 1988 4-speed.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
1988 Cadillac Deville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Deville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Cadillac Deville
The NHTSA has received 37 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Cadillac Deville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Cadillac Deville vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 1G6CD515XJ4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR MOUNT WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 1G6CD515XJ4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HEADLINER WAS REPLACED. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 1G6CD515XJ4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 1G6CD515XJ4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED AND FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 1G6CD515XJ4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS CUT. *SLC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-13
- VIN: 1G6CD5156J4
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-31
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH FIRESTONE TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF CRACKS ALL AROUND THE EDGES. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-21
- VIN: 1G6CD5154J4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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 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 )
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD5151J4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE POWER STEERING IS HARD TO TURN IN COLD WEATHER. *YC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6CD5157J4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: 1G6C01150J4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
- VIN: 1G6CD5152J4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: GILLETTE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. (P0215/70R14)
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-15
- VIN: 11142510225
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: 1G6CD1151J4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL AT INTERVALS BECOME INOPERABLE, MAKING DRIVING HAZARDOUS IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-15
- VIN: 1G6CD5157J4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6CD1153J4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CONSTANT STEERING FAILURE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-21
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE STUCK, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL, HOWEVER NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-06-01
- VIN: 1G6CD5152J4
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-17
- VIN: 1G6CD5155J4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, CAUSING FAILURE OF POWER WINDOWS/RADIO AND ANTENNA.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-15
- VIN: 1G6CD1159J4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE STEERING LOCKS UP PERIODICALLY, AS A RESULT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-11-01
- VIN: 1G6CD5152J4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE HARD TO TURN RIGHT IN COLD WEATHER. *DSH
1988 Cadillac Deville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Cadillac Deville.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Cadillac Deville problems:
1988 Cadillac DeVille Comments (r106822)
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Jul 19, 2013 ... ... reliability of these cars- ex: the Northstar engine- and not to just pick on Cadillac, the market place has it's legends of makes that are ...
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Jan 31, 2020 ... If any are white and really clean looking, then that combustion chamber has a coolant leak, either from the head gasket or a crack into the ...
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Jun 30, 2023 ... Couple friends of mine had these back n the day. And they always had problems. If I remember correctly these were known for awful tranny's.
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