1998 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 1998 Cadillac Seville problems
The 1998 Cadillac Seville, particularly the STS model, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:
- Transmission: The transmission in the 1998 Cadillac Seville is known to have issues with kickdowns and shifting, particularly in the 4-speed automatic transmission. This issue can be frustrating for drivers and may require replacement of the transmission components.
- Reliability: The 1998 Cadillac Seville has a reputation for poor reliability, with many owners reporting issues with various components of the car. Parts for the car are also expensive, which can make repairs costly.
In summary, the 1998 Cadillac Seville has several common problems that owners may encounter. These issues include suspension components, electronic ignition and keyless ignition switch, fuel system, transmission, and overall reliability. These issues can be costly to repair and may require replacement of various components of the car.
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.
What is the mpg on a 1998 Cadillac Seville STS?
MPG RATING: 17 city, 26 hwy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1998 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
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Cadillac Seville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Cadillac Seville
The NHTSA has received 66 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Cadillac Seville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Cadillac Seville vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-15
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y6WU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC SEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED, AND THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD BOLTS WERE NOT LONG ENOUGH. AS A RESULT, IT CAUSED THE PRESSURE TO LEAD THROUGH THE HEAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-15
- VIN: 1G6KY5495WU
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK ON LOW, INTERMITTENT OR "RAIN SENSE" SETTINGS. FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WOULD NOT STOP OR THEY CAME ON VOLUNTARILY. ADDITIONALLY, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHETHER THE CAR WAS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION AND WAS LOCAL INDEPENDENT. I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THEY DID NOT WORK ON CARS BUILT BEFORE 2000 MODEL YEAR. ALSO, THEY SAID PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THEY SENT ME TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. I FOUND A SHOP THAT COULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE "PULSE BOARD" WITH A KIT FROM CADILLAC [REMEMBER I WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE]. I HAD THE ISSUE REPAIRED AND I THEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND ASKED ABOUT THE PARTS AGAIN. THIS TIME, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A KIT AVAILABLE. I REALIZE THAT OLDER CARS ARE SOMETIMES CHALLENGING TO FIND PARTS, BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION AND HANDLING. NOTE: THE DATE GIVEN IS APPROXIMATE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6KY5492WU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-20
- VIN: 1G6KY5495WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y3WU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-06
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y9WU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-28
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y7WU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-20
- VIN: 1G6KY5497WU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-06
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y3WU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER RACK AND PINION FAILURE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-24
- VIN: 1G6KY5492WU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED AT AN ACCELERATED PACE WHEN SWITCHING THE SPEED FROM HIGH TO LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT INSPECTED. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERRED THE MANUFACTURER TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN # 98V144000 ( CONCERNING VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, AND WAS TOLD THAT NHTSA'S INFORMATION WAS INCORRECT. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED CASE # 71-510434063. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 63,000, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED MAYBE THE CAR WAS ON THE DEALERS LOT AT THE TIME THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. UPDATED 06/08/07 *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-09
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-26
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-15
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y7WU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-10
- VIN: 1G6KY5498WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE NEED TO BE TIME SERT AND COOLANT LEAKS.*AK
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-21
- VIN: 1G6KY5497WU
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC REAR SUSPENSION HAS RAISED BY ITSELF AND LOCKED IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE IS RAISED OFF THE GROUND. THE REAR LIFT COMPRESSOR IS DEFECTIVE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-08
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y6WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR FOR THE FOURTH TIME. AGAIN CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-01
- VIN: 1G6KY5498WU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: JUST AFTER LEAVING HOME AND DRIVING AT 30 MPH I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WHEN TO THE FLOOR. I DETERMINED THAT I HAD A MASSIVE BRAKE FLUID LEAK JUST TO THE REAR OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. PROBLEM: ONE OF TWO REAR BRAKE LINES THAT ARE LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE FRAME RAIL HAD BEEN WORN THROUGH BY CONSTANT RUBBING ON THE FRONT ANTI-SWAY BAR. THE LINES ARE ROUTED OVER THE TOP OF THE SWAY BAR AND ONE OF THE LINES WAS PUSHING DOWN ON THE TOP OF THE SWAY BAR. THE BAR HAD WORN A SEMI-CIRCULAR AREA OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE BRAKE LINE, TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. I REPAIRED THE LINE AND TOOK THE DEFECTIVE SECTION OF THE LINE TO MY DEALER. I ALSO HAD THE SYSTEM FULLY CHECKED AND THE REPAIR INSPECTED. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT THE REGIONAL OFFICES OF CADILLAC TO INFORM THEM OF THE FAILURE AND ITS CAUSE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER 166,000 MILES ON A 1998 SETS, BUT, BRAKE LINES SHOULD NEVER BE IN CONTACT WITH A MOVING ASSEMBLY, A SWAY BAR WHICH ROTATES). THIS MIGHT BE AN ASSEMBLE ERROR ON JUST MY CAR BUT THE LINES ARE FORMED TO CLEAR THE BAR AND WERE HELD IN PLACE BY FRAME MOUNTED "CLIP BLOCKS". EVERYTHING WAS MOUNTED IN THE CORRECT FACTORY POSITIONS BUT THIS LINE WAS PUSHING DOWN ON THE SWAY BAR. IF IT HAPPENED TO ME IT MIGHT HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT I FILED A PHONE REPORT ON NOVEMBER 1 . I RECEIVED A FORM FROM YOU TODAY 11/9/04 THE REFERENCE NUMBER ON THE FORM IS 10099163. AFTER READING THE NARRATIVE/DESCRIPTION ON THE FORM I AM STUNNED. AFTER 15 MINUTES ON THE PHONE WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, NOT ONE THING ON THE FORM IS CORRECT. WHOEVER I SPOKE TO IS, TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, AN IDIOT. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT I WOULD FILE A REPORT BECAUSE MY BRAKES WERE WORN OUT? I WOULD HOPE THAT OTHER REPORTS ARE NOT TOTALLY WRONG AS IS THE CASE FOR ME. I WOULD APPRECIATE A CALL FROM A SUPERVISION AT YOUR EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. FRANK CULMONE - PRESIDENT T.D.C. INC. CELL 818 216 5862. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-05
- VIN: 1G6KY549XWU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BOTH FRONTAL DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE AIR BAG HIT THE CONSUMER IN THE FACE. *SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-03
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE HAVE A 1998 CADILLAC STS AND ARE RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS WITH IT RUNNING HOT. AFTER REPLACING THE RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT AND COOLANT, THERE IS STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WILL ONLY BE AFTER THE ENGINE IS WARMED FROM DRIVING WILL THIS OCCUR, IT WILL START TO RUN HOT IF YOU GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS TO TRY AND GET INTO TRAFFIC FLOW. WE HAVE CONSULTED QUITE A FEW MACHANICS ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE ALL GIVEN US THE SAME EXPLANATION FOR THE PRESUMED PROBLEM. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT USE TO WORK DIRECTLY FOR CADILLAC AS A MECHANIC, THEY STATE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEEL BOLTS IN THE ALUMINUM ENGINE AND IF THERE IS ANY TYPE OF SUDDEN EXCELERATION THEN THE ENGINE WILL RUN HOT OR OVERHEAT. THIS IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM STATED BY ANY MECHANIC THAT KNOWS ABOUT THIS TYPE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE TELLING US THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TO CADILLACS. WE HAVE NOT REPLACED ANYTHING YET BUT HAVE BEEN ADVISED THIS WOULD BE A VERY EXPENSIVE JOB TO DO, AND WE WERE ADVISED THE PROBLEM WILL GET SO BAD IN THE NEAR FUTURE THE REPAIRS WILL HAVE TO BE PERFORMED TO EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-19
- VIN: 1G6KS54YXWU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR WAS SERVICED 2 WEEKS PRIOR FOR SLUGGISH PERFORMANCE AND HUGE OIL CONSUMPTION. CAR IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN! NOW FOR BLOWN HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. THIS CADILLAC HAS TOO MANY DEALER/MANUFACTURER PROBLEMS. DEALER SHOULD PAY FOR THESE PROBLEMS. NOT CUSTOMER. VIN [XXX] CHECK SERVICE HISTORY. UNBELIEVABLE! *LA UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6KS54Y5WU
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELT FAILED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-25
- VIN: 1G6KD54Y4WU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN A DARK ROAD, THE LEFT HEADLIGHT CAME APART AND FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. *JB
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-15
- VIN: 1G6KY5490WU
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THERE IS SOME BILLS I DID NOT KEEP.BOUGHT THE CAR SEPT 4TH 1998. I HAD TO HAVE THEM MAKE REPAIRS EVERYTIME I TOOK IT IN FOR A OIL CHANGE, I DRIVE AN HOUR TO THE BARBOURSVILLE AUTOMALL, INC. IN WEST VA WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THE COMPUTER CONTROL CHIP FOR THE STRUT SENSOR IS STILL NOT FIXED, IT FLASHES DO NOT DRIVE OVER 90 MILES AN HOUR CONSTANTLY WHEN I DRIVE, WHICH IS DISTRACTING,THAT HAS BEEN DOING IT SINCE 12/02. THEY JUST PUT A NEW ONE IN AND IT ALSO DOES NOT WORK. THE FRONT SEAT HEATER WENT OUT IN NOVEMBER AND DID NOT GET ONE TILL APRIL. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE BUMPING OF THE CAR SINCE I GOT IT AND THEY JUST PUT 1 STRUT ON THE CAR. THEY PUT GREASE ON THEM AND ALSO THEY TOLD ME THEY FOUND A PIECE OF PAPER,AND THEY CHANGED THE BRAKES PADS AND TURNED THE ROTORS TWICE TRYING TO FIX THE BUMPING. THE PAINT ON THE CAR DOESN'T FELL LIKE IT SHOULD. I HAVE BOUGHT OTHER CADILLACS IN THE PAST YEARS. I DIDN'T FIGHT THE LAST CADILLAC IT WAS A 98 CADILLAC ELDORADO SERIAL NUMBER #[XXX] CHANGED CARS BECAUSE IT HAD A LEAK IN THE TRUNK AND I TOOK IT BACK 5 TIMES AND THEY ENDED UP PACKING IT WITH SUPER GLUE WHERE EVERYONE COULD SEE IT. IT WAS ALSO IN A HAIL STORM AND THEY BONDED IT INSTEAD OF GETTING ME NEW PARTS,IT WAS MAKING ME TO NERVOUS SO MY HUSBAND BOUGHT THE STS. THERE IS OTHER BILLS WHICH I CAN'T FIND BUT I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS STS SINCE I GOT IT.I DID WRITE THE CADILLAC PEOPLE AND THEY SAID I HAD TO TAKE IT UP WITH THE DEALER WHICH I HAVE BEEN WITH NO SATISFACTION, I'M TALKING TO [XXX] AND MY CASE NUMBER IS 1-119401313. THE CADILLAC COMPANY SAID THEY WOULD KEEP MY LETTER I WROTE THEM FEW YEARS AGO. I'M STILL WANTING TO DRIVE A CADILLAC,WHICH I TOLD [XXX] AND KEPT TELLING THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVEN'T GOT THE BILLS WHEN I FIRST HAD THE TROUBLE BUT SOMEONE MUST, [XXX] AGREED THAT I HAVE HAD IT WORKED ON EVERY TIME I WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-15
- VIN: 1G6KY5494WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT BUBLE ON LEFTT REAR FENDER AT 124000 M BLOWN HEADGASKET DUE TO LOOSE HEADBOLTS I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE NORTHSTAR ENGINE.
1998 Cadillac Seville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Cadillac Seville.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
- Consequence: THE ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE THAT COULD SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE AND ANYTHING NEAR IT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERATOR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR 'LOW' SPEED FUNCTION CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE WHEN THE MOTOR IS SWITCHED FROM 'HIGH' TO 'LOW' SPEED.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY COULD BE AFFECTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER WHICH CONTAINS THE MICROPROCESSOR.
Negative 1998 Cadillac Seville car reviews
Positive 1998 Cadillac Seville car reviews
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My 1989 Seville STS is my first Cadillac and I don't think it will be my last. I absolutely love it! The seats are incredibly comfortable, the motor is extremely powerful, the ride is incredibly smooth and it looks absolutely fantastic.
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This is a fantastic car! It really stands out from the crowd of BMW 5's and MB E-classes around here, which are as common as taxis in NYC. The performance is great and it has some really cool features. The automated stuff like lights, radio volume, door locking, etc actually works when you want it to. It's an excellent cruiser. Although there were a few minor 'typical GM' problems, they were nothing significant.
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The first car I ever drove was a Cadillac Fleetwood and what I remember most about the vehicle was the ride. After owning other foreign and domestic cars, I purchased my first Cadillac, an SLS. While the SLS does not float like the Fleetwood, it is a great ride. I've not had any problems with the vehicle using more oil than my other vehicle. Even on a long trip, the occupants were comfortable. Buying this car was a good decision.
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This is a departure from the traditional Cadillac look and feel. It drives and accelerates smoothly and comfortably without being dull or sluggish. The 300hp Northstar engine is a gem.
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The car is a real pleasure. I understand your concern about the electronics, as they can be a bit hit or miss. Additionally, you mentioned that the front bumper appears loose, but I wanted to let you know that the dealership(s) have said that this is actually quite normal.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Cadillac Seville problems:
1998 STS - are there inherent problems? | Cadillac Owners Forum
Mar 23, 2005 ... Seville and Eldorado Forum ... 1998 STS - are there inherent problems? Tags: cadillac cts cts-v eldorado engine ... typical problem on many modern ...
1998 Cadillac Seville Problems and Complaints - 73 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Cadillac Seville? Our list of 73 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Cadillac Seville.
1998 Cadillac El Dorado..thinking of buying, any common issues ...
Jan 25, 2012 ... ... 1998 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. A beautiful car, but I suddenly needed to purchase a new alternator & had an auto repair shop install it ...
1998 Cadillac DeVille Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Cadillac DeVille? Our list of 28 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Cadillac DeVille.
1998 Cadillac DeVille d'Elegance: Common Problems & Solutions
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Are you having problems with your 1998 Cadillac Seville?
Jarrod Waters 2024-07-06
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with this car. I put a lot of money into it and when it worked, it worked well. Unfortunately, it didn't work well for very long or very often. Recently, I had to put another $500 into maintenance and told the dealer about some idle and handling problems. However, just 3 weeks later, the car's 'Check Suspension System' warning came on and driving it became like riding a bucking bull.
Dashawn Schoen 2024-03-29
I've had this 1998 for about a year now. I bought it in AZ with only 2100 miles on it, even though I live in MN. It's definitely an upgrade from my previous 1998 model. However, the drive and build are just standard. This wouldn't be a concern for a 4-year-old car, but considering this is the same car that can cost over 50K when new, it falls short compared to BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. I still think this is Cadillac's best attempt yet, but there's room for improvement in the ride and build. I've been a loyal buyer of both new and used Cadillacs and will continue to be, but I hope GM can take that extra step to catch up to the rest of the pack they compare themselves to.
Harley DuBuque 2024-03-17
I recently purchased this car from a lovely lady who had only driven it for 60k miles. Unfortunately, shortly after purchasing it, the air ride stopped working, which would have cost $4k to fix. Instead, I opted for the Strutmasters passive shock system, which only cost $800. I have found that the car requires constant maintenance and the interior fabrics and knobs do not hold up well. At 93k miles, I have experienced issues with the A/C, check engine light, rack and pinion, and motor mounts. In my experience, the motor mounts on Northstar Cadillacs tend to break due to the high torque of the cars. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this model unless significant improvements were made in 01-02. However, I have recently purchased a 04 Deville with only 42k miles and I am excited to see how it performs.
Adolf Zieme 2024-03-12
The Seville is a beautiful car, both inside and out! While it can be a bit temperamental under the hood, when it's running smoothly it flies and is very smooth. However, if it does need repairs, the dealership can be quite expensive. Unfortunately, independent shops are also hesitant to take it on due to high labor charges. It would have been great if GM had taken a page from Lexus and focused on rear wheel drive and fit and finish. Luckily, my 1998 Seville STS has very low miles so I haven't experienced any of the nightmares that I've read about...yet!
Kim Mueller 2024-03-01
The car has a great concept, but the implementation could be improved. There are a lot of rattles and problems due to build quality, such as issues with brakes, A/C, and suspension. Additionally, there is no place for sunglasses and the clock is difficult to see in daylight. However, the engine runs strong, and the handling is good.