1989 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 1989 Cadillac Seville problems
The Cadillac Seville, a classic model produced until 2004, is known for several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These problems include issues with the heating and air conditioning (A/C) system, the anti-theft system, the cooling system, and the crankshaft position sensor.
- Heating and A/C System Issues: The A/C or heater may malfunction due to failing door actuators. This problem can be diagnosed for around $53 to $67, and the repair may involve replacing the actuators.
- Anti-theft System Issues: Similar to the Cadillac Escalade, the Seville can experience issues with wires in the steering column that connect to the ignition lock cylinder breaking. This can cause the anti-theft system to activate, preventing the vehicle from starting. A diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause, and the repair may involve replacing the ignition lock cylinder, which can cost between $145 and $173.
- Cooling System Issues: A properly functioning cooling system is essential to prevent the engine from overheating. However, Seville owners may experience leaks in the water pump or radiator, which can lead to overheating and eventually a blown head gasket. Repair costs for this issue can be significant, potentially reaching several hundred dollars.
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: The crankshaft position sensor is vital for converting the energy generated by the engine's pistons into forward motion. If this sensor fails, the engine may stall intermittently. Replacing the crankshaft can cost between $218 and $304.
These problems are not uncommon in the Cadillac Seville, and they can be costly to repair. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these issues and ensure the vehicle remains in good working condition.
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.
Why won't my Cadillac Seville start?
The most common reasons a Cadillac Seville won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Did Cadillac make a 2 door Seville?
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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1980 Cadillac Seville diesel get?
The diesel is Cadillac's answer to corporate average fuel-economy requirements, saving the day to the tune of 21 mpg, according to motoring's law of the land, the EPA. The diesel displaces 5.7 liters.
What engine is in a 1989 Cadillac?
Specifications for Cadillac Brougham 5.0 V8 Automatic, 142hp, 1989 4-speed.
Is the Cadillac 4.5 a good engine?
It can be a very good engine but like its 4.1L brother, it is prone to head gasket and intake manifold gasket failure. The cooling system on these engines must be kept very clean, with coolant flushing and freshening every two years at least.
What happened to the Cadillac Seville?
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.
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.
1989 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Cadillac Seville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Cadillac Seville complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Cadillac Seville.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-15
- VIN: 1G6CD5150K4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CONTACT FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES BEFORE OR AFTER THE INSPECTION. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ALLOW THE MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. ON THREE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC AT THE DEALER, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE INSPECTION WAS RESCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2007; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE INSPECTION WAS EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 8, 2007. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,000. UPDATED 3/5/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIR AT THE TUNE OF $1700 AND THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED A MOTOR MOUNT AND MUFFLER. UPDATED 03/05/08 *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: 1G6KS5151KU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IS DANGEROUS, AND IT WAS A RECALL ON GMC/CHEV. SUBURBANS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 186K35150KU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
- VIN: UNAVAILABLE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. WHEN APPLIED BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THEY SQUEAK AND HISS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-05-15
- VIN: 1G6KS5154KU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED O STOP VEHICLE WITHIN NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE; PEDAL SPONGY; OWNER WAS TOLD BRAKES TOO SMALL/INADEQUATE FOR VEHICLE; NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-27
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO MAINTAIN PROPER TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *AK
1989 Cadillac Seville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
- Summary: ONE OR BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD LOOSEN.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE ABSHYDRAULIC UNIT FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONAND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Cadillac Seville problems:
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Other years of Cadillac Seville
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