1988 Cadillac Seville problems
The Cadillac Seville is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Cadillac from the 1976 to 2004 model years as a smaller-sized, premium model. It was replaced by the STS in 2004 for the 2005 model year.
Origin of the name
The name of "Cadillac's first small car" was selected over a revival of LaSalle or the GM design staff's preference, LaScala, primarily because, as noted by GM Marketing Director Gordon Horsburgh, "It had no negatives." The initial suggestion was "Leland" in honor of one of the make's founders but it was rejected because most buyers wouldn't understand the reference and Henry Leland had also founded rival Lincoln.
Hundreds of suggestions were considered: after extensive research, LaSalle was the top pick with St. Moritz a distant second, trailed further by Seville. A troubled past (LaSalle) and difficult pronunciation (St. Moritz) led to the eventual selection of the Seville nameplate.
Seville is the name of a Spanish province and its capital, renowned for its history and treasures of art and architecture. Cadillac had first used the nameplate for a two-door hardtop version of the 1956 Eldorado. 1960 was the last model year for the Eldorado Seville, returning in 1967 under a different name.
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Common 1988 Cadillac Seville problems
The 1988 Cadillac Seville is known to have several common problems, primarily related to the fuel system, equipment, steering, visibility, electrical, brakes, transmission, seats, air conditioning, lighting, air bags, and suspension. Here are some of the detailed issues based on the search results:
- Fuel System: The 1988 Cadillac Seville has experienced 14 recalls related to the fuel system, making it the most common problem area for this model. The fuel system issues can lead to poor fuel efficiency, engine performance problems, and even potential safety hazards.
- Equipment: Equipment problems, such as malfunctioning locks and anti-theft systems, can affect the safety and functionality of the vehicle.
- Steering: Steering issues, including problems with the steering column wiring, can lead to the vehicle's anti-theft system activating and preventing the car from starting.
- Visibility: Visibility problems, such as leaking coolant from the water pump or radiator, can lead to engine overheating and potential blown head gaskets, resulting in costly repairs.
- Electrical: Electrical issues, including failures in the crankshaft position sensor, can cause the engine to stall intermittently, requiring crankshaft replacement and potentially leading to more significant engine problems.
- Brakes: Brake problems, such as worn-out brake pads or rotors, can affect the vehicle's stopping ability and safety. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out brake components are essential to ensure the vehicle's braking system remains in good working condition.
- Transmission: Transmission issues, including slipping or failing to shift smoothly, can affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out transmission components are crucial to maintain the vehicle's transmission system.
- Seats: Seat problems, such as failing power window regulators, can cause the window to fall into the door and not roll back up, requiring replacement of the window regulators.
- Air Conditioning: Air conditioning issues, such as malfunctioning A/C or heater systems due to failing door actuators, can affect the vehicle's comfort and climate control capabilities.
- Lighting: Lighting issues, including problems with the headlights, can affect the vehicle's visibility and safety during nighttime driving. Regular inspection and replacement of burnt-out bulbs are essential to maintain the vehicle's lighting system.
These common problems with the 1988 Cadillac Seville are based on complaints from owners and recall data. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to ensure the vehicle's longevity and safety.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Cadillac Seville have?
157hp
Cadillac Seville 4.5 V8 Automatic, 157hp, 1988.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Cadillac have?
155 hp
For 1988, the big news was an improved Cadillac V-8 of 4.5 liters, now rated at 155 hp, that was installed on the front-drive cars. The Olds-supplied 140-hp engine was retained on the rear-drive cars.
When did Cadillac stop making the Seville?
2004
The Cadillac Seville (discontinued in 2004) was a full-size performance sedan that combined responsive Northstar V8 engine power with advanced driving technology.
What replaced the Cadillac Seville?
The STS
The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville, which beginning in 1987 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville Touring Sedan) version.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Cadillac Seville have?
157hp
Cadillac Seville 4.5 V8 Automatic, 157hp, 1988.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Cadillac have?
155 hp
For 1988, the big news was an improved Cadillac V-8 of 4.5 liters, now rated at 155 hp, that was installed on the front-drive cars. The Olds-supplied 140-hp engine was retained on the rear-drive cars.
When did Cadillac stop making the Seville?
2004
The Cadillac Seville (discontinued in 2004) was a full-size performance sedan that combined responsive Northstar V8 engine power with advanced driving technology.
What replaced the Cadillac Seville?
The STS
The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville, which beginning in 1987 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville Touring Sedan) version.
1988 Cadillac Seville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Seville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Cadillac Seville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Cadillac Seville
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Cadillac Seville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Cadillac Seville vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-26
- VIN: 1G6KS5154JU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ROOF BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMERTHAT THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY. *AK THE CLOTH TOP FLEW OFF STRIKING THE VEHICLE BEHIND. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DO NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THIS DEFECT. *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-11
- VIN: 1G6KS515JU8
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO BRAKE COMPONENTS DUE TO EXCESSIVE USE (OVERHEATING). MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6KS5153JU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WANT TO START BUT WON'T. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, AND THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL. THE CAR HIT A WALL AND WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW AND LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE OIL PAN OF THE ENGINE. DEALER HAS VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE ABS MOTOR CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-07
- VIN: 1G6AS6989DE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SOLENOID THAT KEEPS THE CAR IN OVERDRIVE FAILED, AND KEPT THE CAR IN OVERDRIVE, CAUSING CONTINUOUS ACCELERATION WHEN THE DRIVER WAS TRYING TO STOP THE CAR, THE CAR HAD TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO BE STOPPED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING ARMATURE HAS COME LOOSE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 1G6KSS15XJU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON AND THE DRIVER HITS A BUMP THE LIGHTS GO OUT. CONSUMER STATES THE CONTROL SWITCH WILL NOT STAY IN THE ON OR OFF POSITION AT TIMES. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-23
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6K55155JU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AW
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-23
- VIN: 1G6K55155JU
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED DURING ABOVE ACCIDENT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-31
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS RESURFACED TO ALLEVIATE A VIBRATION CONDITION.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-31
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT FRONT WHEEL BROKE LOOSE FROM STUDS TO THE POINT OF ALMOST FALLING OFF VEHICLE. *TW
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: REPLACED LEAKING POWER STEERING HOSE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: REPLACED LEAKING POWER STEERING RACK.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MISALIGNMENT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-19
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED/STARTING PROBLEMS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING EXHAUST LEAKS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-19
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REPLACED FRONT BRAKES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPAIRED LEAKING RADIATOR.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: REPLACED LEAKING HEATER CORE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-23
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ENGINE WON'T START DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT IN ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-19
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED BATTERY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-19
- VIN: 1G6KS5158JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED ENGINE BELT.
1988 Cadillac Seville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Cadillac Seville.
- 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 Seville problems:
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Aug 1, 2007 ... Your problem sounds fuel related. I would get a sample of fuel from the tank just to check Get a sample after car has set up for a while then ...
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