1998 Cadillac Deville

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 237 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the headlights. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Cadillac Deville years to avoid. Which Cadillac Deville years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
74,211 milesMedian miles at failure

69 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Cadillac Deville problems

38 of the 237 complaints (16%) are about the headlights.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights24
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags12
203
Air Bags · airbags12
406
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags10
102
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine9
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration8
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes8
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes8
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices · headlights8
000
Unknown or Other6
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window00V217000
Filed Aug 11, 2000215,293 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR MODULES HAVE QUALITY PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. THESE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH LESS FORCE THAN A FRONTAL AIR BAG AND ARE DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.

Risk. HOWEVER, AN OCCUPANT CAN RECEIVE SOME INJURY FROM A DEPLOYMENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT SENSING MODULES. IF THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THE SIDE AIR BAGS TEMPORARILY DISCONECTED, THE TEMPORARY DISCONNECT WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE REPLACING THE SIDE IMPACT SENSING MODULES.

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments97V232000
Filed Dec 18, 199714,423 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS WHICH CAN BREAK DUE TO AN IMPROPER HEAT TREAT CONDITION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 219, "WINDSHIELD ZONE INTRUSION." A BROKEN BOLT CAN CAUSE EITHER THE CORNER OF THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD TO RAISE, OR ONE SIDE OF THE HOOD TO BE UNSTABLE WHEN OPENED.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HOOD COULD BE PUSHED BACK THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD GLASS POSSIBLY INJURING THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS.

Vehicle Speed Control97V183000
Filed Oct 27, 19978,611 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES. THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES WAS MISROUTED.

Risk. THE HARNESS COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE LINKAGE PREVENTING RETURN TO A CLOSED THROTTLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE HARNESS, CORRECT AS NECESSARY, AND INSTALL A PLASTIC TIE STRAP TO THE HARNESS.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 15, 201882,000 milesFL

MY 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE NEEDS A VITAL PART TO IT'S ABS/TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION. HOWEVER, GM HAS DISCONTINUED MAKING THE PART, (#19244918)WITH NO AVAILABLE SUBSTITUTE. THEREFORE, LEAVING MY CAR WITH NO ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION NO LONGER ENGAGES 1ST GEAR. (A SUPPOSED SAFTEY MEASURE)WHICH IN MOST CASES, ONLY PUTS MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AT RISK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW OR IF, GM CAN LEGALLY PUT PROFITS BEFORE SAFETY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 6, 2017TN

FUEL RAIL LINE IS MADE OF PLASTIC/NYLON AND HAS CRACKED NEAR ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE AND LEAKING FUEL ON MY MARCH 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 20174 milesMI

TAKATA RECALL. AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON A FEW DAYS AGO. ALSO, VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND NEEDED NEW WATER PUMP SEVERAL YEARS AGO. KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. SMOKE WAS COMING UP FROM FRONT AND TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK. HAD TO REPLACE FALL 2016 HORN DID NOT WORK, HAD TO REPLACE PART INSIDE STEERING WHEEL. JAN 2017

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 1, 201574,211 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND TWO PIN SIZE HOLE ON THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL LINES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH METAL LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,211.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 28, 2015IN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL RAIL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. TH VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. ....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/11/2017*CN

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 2015GA

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SENSOR OF MY VEHICLE IN 2000. I WAS NOT AWARE OF @ THAT TIME BECAUSE I HAD NOT PURCHASED IT FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP YET. ON FEB.16,2015 I CALLED THE 1800.458.8006 & WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE PART DIAGNOSED & FIXED IF NEEDED. THE REP. & I WENT BACK & FORTH AS TO WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THIS ETC.,.I CALLED AGAIN ON 2-19-2015 SPOKE WITH ANOTHER REP. STILL GOT THE SAME ANSWER.BASICALLY I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED OUT IN 2001. WHEN I ASKED BOTH REPS.THAT I SPOKE WITH IF THAT MEANT THERE WAS A EXPIRATION DATE, I WAS TOLD NO. THERE WERE OTHER QUESTIONS THAT I ASKED IN REFERENCE TO THE MATTER THAT DOES NOT ADD UP BETWEEN EACH REP. & THE LOCAL CADILLAC TECHNICIAN THAT THE FIRST REP. CONNECTED ME WITH. I NEED HELP IN SOLVING THIS PROBLEM.THE CASE # [XXX]. THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS I DOCUMENTED IF NEEDED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 6, 2014120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 20, 2014IL

UNABLE TO PASS ILLINOIS VEHICLE INSPECTION BECAUSE THE SPEED CONTROL HAS NOT WORK ED IN YEARS I'M UNABLE TO PASS THE POLLUTION TEST. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 22, 201293,259 milesTX

I AS DRIVING ON A FARMED MARKET ROAD (F.M.) APPROX. 55 MPH. AND THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT LENS FLEW OFF THE CAR. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T ANY OTHER CARS BEHIND ME, AND THERE WASN'T ANY DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND/OR ANYONE ELSES VEHICLE. AFTER I RETURNED HOME, I CHECKED THE DRIVER'S SIDE LENS TO DISCOVER IT WAS LOOSE AS WELL.

Engine and Engine CoolingCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 8, 2012131,423 milesIN

CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN ROAD, ALL OF A SUDDEN COMING UP TO A STOPLIGHT CAR SUDDENLY DIED, AT THE SAME TIME WHITE SMOKE CAME BILLOWING OUT THE BACK OF THE CAR, IT CAUSED A TRAFFIC HAZARD IN WHICH NOBODY COULD SEE HER CAR, SHE WAS REARENDED, AS WELL AS THE GUY THAT REARENDED HER. THE OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE THAT REARENDED HER ENDED UP GETTING HIS NOSE BROKEN WHEN HE HIT HIS STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR HEAD BOLTS HAD PULLED FROM THE BLOCK CAUSING THE HEAD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BLOCK OF THE VEHICLE, QUOTED $4500 TO REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT WARRANTY REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS A NORTHSTAR ENGINE. VEHICLE THEN BROUGHT TO ME TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 26, 2011170,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS THEN ENGAGED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WOULD NOT STOP. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES, THE CRUISE CONTROL EVENTUALLY DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V183000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 20, 2011110,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL DUE TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION FOR A FEW MINUTES. DURING THE FAILURES, THE ENGINE OVERHEAT LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FREEZE PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 2, 2011100,520 milesCA

NOTICED THAT ONE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS OUT, BUT I STILL HAD THE HIGH BEAM. A FEW DAYS LATER BOTH WERE OUT. WENT TO AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE THEM PUT IN NEW BULBS AND THEY NOTICED THE THAT PLASTIC COVER WAS MISSING AND THEY SAID THAT CAUSED THE BULBS TO SHORT OUT. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I'M AFRAID I WILL HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS FOR A NEW ASSEMBLY WHEN ALL I NEED IS A PLASTIC COVER. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 14, 201020,000 milesFL

HEADLAMP LENSES CLOUD REDUCING NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY FOR DRIVER AND FOR OTHER VEHICLES. POLYCARBONATE LENSES DISCOLOR AND TURN YELLOW. PROBLEM IS PERVASIVE ACROSS MOST MAKES AND MODELS. REPLACEMENT LENSES ARE VERY COSTLY. THE PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST WHEN GLASS HEADLAMPS WERE USED, AND REPLACEMENT WAS INEXPENSIVE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling1 injured
Filed Nov 2, 2010GA

ONE NIGHT MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING MY 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HEATER COIL BURST WITHOUT WARNING, THE HEATER WAS NOT ON AND THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING HOT. THE CAR FILLED WITH STEAM MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING, AND HOT SCALDING WATER AND ANTI-FREEZE POURED OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH BOARD RIGHT OVER THE GAS PEDDLE AND SCALDED MY RIGHT FOOT CAUSING SERIOUS BURNS AND LEAVING HORRIBLE SCARS. LUCKILY WE WERE TRAVELING ON A COUNTRY ROAD WITH LITTLE TO NO TRAFFIC. I AM RELIEVED THAT ME NOR MY FAMILY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED OTHER THAN MY FOOT BEING BURNED. CAR DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND NOTHING WAS DONE. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MATTER THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT. *TR

Wheels
Filed Jun 9, 201071,305 milesCO

I HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT AT 11:00 PM WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY. I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS USING THE LUG WRENCH FURNISHED WITH THE CAR (I EVEN TRIED STANDING ON THE HINGED ARM OF THE LUG WRENCH) AND WAS SAVED BY A DRIVER OF A SUV WHO STOPPED TO HELP. THE LUG WRENCH HAD AN EFFECTIVE ARM LENGTH OF 9 INCHES AND A ARM DIAMETER OF ABOUT 3/4 INCH. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE LUG NUTS ARE TO BE TORQUED TO 100 FT-LBS. I THEN BOUGHT A TORQUE WRENCH WITH AN ARM LENGTH OF TWO FEET AND AN ARM DIAMETER OF 3 INCHES. CHECKING THE TORQUE REQUIRED TO BREAK THE LUG NUTS LOSE I GOT VALUES BETWEEN LESS THAN 100 FT-LBS UP TO 200 FT-LBS. THE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FURNISH LUG WRENCHES THAT ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN USE TO REPLACE THE TIRES. FURTHERMORE, THEY WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO SPECIFY A MAXIMUM VALUE FOR TORQUING LUG NUTS IN ADDITION TO A MINIMUM VALUE BECAUSE A LARGE VARIATION IN TORQUE BETWEEN THE NUTS ON EACH WHEEL WARPS THE BRAKE DRUMS OR DISKS AND RESULTS IN SEVERE SURGING WHEN BRAKING (WHAT FUN I HAD WITH THIS CONDITION WHEN DROPPING DOWN OFF OF DONNER SUMMIT INTO SACRAMENTO - THE WHOLE CAR WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES). I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER WHO WAS ALREADY AWARE OF THE LUG WRENCH PROBLEM (WHICH THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT) BUT NOT ABOUT THE UNEQUAL TORQUING PROBLEM (THEY POSTED A LIST OF MY TORQUE READINGS IN THE SHOP). I ALSO COMPLAINED TO CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT GOT NOWHERE WITH THEM. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 12, 200985,000 milesCA

1.BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT LENS/COVERS FELL OFF. ONE RECOVERED. ADHESIVE ATTACHING COVER TO HEADLIGHT WAS STILL ON COVER, HARDENED; NO ADHESIVE IS ON HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. NO SIGNS OF STRESS TO HEADLIGHT OR SURROUNDING BODYWORK. 2. DRIVING IN RAIN CAUSES ALL FOUR BULBS IN HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO FAIL WITH RESULTING INSTANTANEOUS LOSS ON HEADLIGHT (HIGH AND LOW BEAMS) AND TURN AND POSITION LIGHTS. 3. BULBS REPLACED, RECOVERED COVER EPOXIED TO HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH MISSING COVER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PARTS, EXCEPT FAILED BULBS,CURRENTLY INSTALLED IN OUT OF SERVICE CAR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 23, 200892,000 milesNH

I HAVE A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE THAT I AM PUTTING THE 3RD ENGINE INTO THE CAR DUE TO A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. MY PARENTS HAVE THE SAME CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE READ CLASSIFIEDS THAT CITIZENS WHO OWN THE SAME CAR ARE FORCED TO GIVE THE CAR AWAY BECAUSE OF THIS HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. ANYONE WHO CAN SERVICE THIS CAR (INCLUDING A CADILLAC DEALERSHIP) HAS ADMITTED THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, AND THAT THERE IS NO FINANCIALLY REASONABLE REPAIR, AND REPLACING THE ENGINE IS USUALLY THE ONLY RECOMMENDATION. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT CADILLAC RECOGNIZED THIS PROBLEM, AND MADE A CORRECTION TO THESE NORTH STAR ENGINES IN THE YEAR 2000. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A CADILLAC BLUNDER THAT IS PROVEN COSTLY, BUT THE COST IS ONLY BEING ABSORBED BY THE CUSTOMER. I AM ALL FOR BEING ACCOUNTABLE, BUT HAVING THE CHOICES OF PUTTING A 3RD ENGINE IN THE CAR OR JUNKING WOULD BE DEEMED AS EXTREME. WHY IS CADILLAC NOT RECALLING THIS PARTICULAR YEAR CARS ENGINE? I AM SURE THAT ANY RESEARCH THAT YOU CONDUCT WILL SHOW AN ABUNDANCE OF THIS PROBLEM. WHAT PROTECTION DOES THE CONSUMER HAVE IN THIS REGARDS? *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 20, 200865,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE PLASTIC LENS OF THE EXTERIOR HEADLAMPS DEVELOPED A YELLOWISH TINT OVER TIME, WHICH REDUCES VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE LENS. IF THAT REMEDY FAILS, THE CONTACT WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE EXTERIOR HEADLAMPS AT THE COST OF $300 EACH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 18, 200872,000 milesAZ

COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE DETAILS: THE FAILURE OCCURS IN NORMAL USE. THE CONSEQUENCE IS POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. THE DEALER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THIS OBVIOUS AND COMMON MANUFACTURING FLAW IN THE NORTHSTAR ENGINE. THE SITUATION, BECAUSE THIS IS THE SAME ENGINEER IS THE SAME THAT IS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 99086: DATE: 12/01/1999 COMPONENT NAME: 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE NHTSA #: 99086 SUMMARY: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE AND CAUSE COOLANT LEAKS AND POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2008119,000 milesGA

THE FAILURE OCCURS IN NORMAL USE. THE CONSEQUENCE IS POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. THE DEALER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THIS OBVIOUS AND COMMON MANUFACTURING FLAW IN THE NORTHSTAR ENGINE. THE SITUATION, BECAUSE THIS IS THE SAME ENGINEER IS THE SAME THAT IS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 99086: DATE: 12/01/1999 COMPONENT NAME: 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE NHTSA #: 99086 SUMMARY: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE AND CAUSE COOLANT LEAKS AND POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed Aug 1, 200876,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE GEARSHIFT LEVER TO THE VEHICLE IS COMING LOOSE AND WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE. IF THE PIN COMPLETELY DETACHES, IT WOULD CAUSE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER TO FALL OFF THE FLOORBOARD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000.UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/11/08 *JB

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jan 18, 200873,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THERE WERE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. GM REPAIRED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS CONTINUED TO DEPLOY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THERE WAS ONE INJURY. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 177,040 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 27, 200780,000 milesAZ

1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE CONCOURS. NORTHSTAR 4.6L V8 I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION OF THIS VEHICLES ENGINE. ONLY TO RECEIVE THE BRUSH OFF FROM THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT GM'S ALLOWABLE NORTHSTAR CONSUMPTION. THIS ENGINE IS CONSUMING 4 QTS PER MONTH ON AVERAGE AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN MY BOOK. WHAT DO I DO NOW ? NO MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY OR EXTENDED LEFT TO HELP AND ONLY 80,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I DEFINITELY BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS A LEMON FROM THE GET GO AND THAT GM KNOWS THESE ENGINES HAVE PROBLEMS. I'M TRYING TO BUY AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS BUT WITH PROBLEMS LIKE THIS IT'S GETTING DIFFICULT TO DO THIS. HOPING I CAN GET SOME RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed May 8, 200794,000 milesMO

HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM THE DEXCOOL COOLANT . AFTER WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED THEN THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, DAYS AFTER PROBLEM WITH HEAD GASKETS WERE THE COOLANT LEAKED ONTO THE MANIFOLD, AND ENGINE RAN HOT. *AK

Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (asc)Crash
Filed Feb 28, 2007130,942 milesCO

DRIVING AND THE STABILITY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO BOUNCE SLIGHTLY. CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND BOUNCING HAD GOTTEN WORSE AND EVENTUALLY CASED ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD WHEN SWITCHING LANES THE BACK END OF MY CAR SPUN AROUND. THANK GOD THEIR WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND OR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 11, 2007133,000 milesOH

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 133000 MILES AND BOTH HEADLIGHT UNITS ARE CLOUDY. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE VISIBILITY IS VERY POOR AN THERE IS NO WAY TO CLEAN THEM TO IMPROVE VISIBILITY. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN IT BECOMES DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (CARAMGO CADILLAC) AND HE WAS TOLD THAT BOTH HEAD LIGHT UNITS NEED TO BE REPLACED.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 20, 200688,610 milesCA

HEADLIGHT LENS FALLS OFF. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Nov 11, 200657,000 milesIL

ATTENTION: MS. DENISE [email protected] AFTER REVIEWING THE INFORMATION SERVICE BULLETIN SENT TO ME I AM UNDER MORE CONVINCED THAT THIS ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE HAD ENGINE COOLING ALSO HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION EVERY SINCE 57.000 MILES,I MENTION IT TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND NO ONE EVER TOLD ABOUT THESE BULLETINS NO ONE MENTION THAT THEIR WAS A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE OR TELL ME ABOUT THE , FWD RTV SEALANT PROCEDURE WITH CURRENT OIL DISTRIBUTION PLATE OR THE RUSTED HEATER PIPES THAT GO THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK THAT CARRIES THE COOLANT. ALSO LEAKS IN THE CAR CAUSING FUMES WHICH ARE TOXIC. I MUST HAVE 20- 1 GALLON ANTI- FREEZE BOTTLES IN MY GARAGE. I CARRY AT LEAST 6 QUARTS MOTOR OIL WITH ME, THE OVER 75,000 MILE OIL. I USE MORE OIL AND ANTI- FREEZE THAN GAS.2006 CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK STATES AND I QUOTE" SOMETIMES A MANUFACTURER MAKES A DESIGN OR PRODUCTION MISTAKE ON A MOTOR VEHICLE. IF DEALERS REPORT A NUMBER OF COMPLAINT ABOUT A CERTAIN PART OR VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER MAY ALLOW DEALERS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO YOU EVEN IF THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. A SERVICE BULLETIN NOTIFIES THE DEALER OF THE PROBLEM AND HOW TO SOLVE IT. BECAUSE THESE FREE REPAIRS ARE NOT PUBLICIZED, THEY ARE CALLED "SECRET WARRANTIES" THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION MAINTAINS A DATABASE OF SERVICE BULLETINS FILED BY MANUFACTURERS. I ALSO HAVE ALL THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS FOR MY 1998 CADILLAC AND WAS NEVER IMFORMED OF THESE PROBLEMS OR I WOULD HAVE HAD THEM REPAIRED WHEN THE CAR WAS

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 3, 2006157,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S OIL AND ANTIFREEZE LEAKED CAUSING THE INTAKE AND OUTTAKE OF THE ENGINE TO RUST, IN TURN CAUSING THE PIPE TO BUST AND THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. UPDATED 12.8/2006 - 4.6 LITER NORTHSTAR ENGINE. THE L/F WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE BRAKES PULSATED. THE SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE HEADLIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 19, 200668,000 milesNC

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE HEADLIGHT COVER FELL OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Suspension
Filed Oct 19, 2006130 milesMI

CAR SWINGS SIDE WAYS IN CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS. FEELS AS THOUGH YOU WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. *NM

Air BagsCrash
Filed Aug 7, 2006TN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT DUE TO TEMPORARILY LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER WERE BOTH WEARING SEATBELTS. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS DURING THE ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER BOTH ENDURED MODERATE INJURIES; THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, AND NECK PROBLEMS WHILE THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, CRACKED BREAST BONE AND KNEE INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A SERVICE LOT. PICTURES WERE TAKEN AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO SENT OUT AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR. A REPORT WAS FILED CONCLUDING THAT THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAGS WERE WORKING PROPERLY BUT WERE IN LOCK MODE. THE CONTACT EXPRESS THAT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WERE ON RECALL #00V217000 .

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 27, 200670,000 milesGA

I HAVE A 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE THAT KNOCKS ON COLD START AND UNDER LOAD. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 13, 200630,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHT LENS BECAME FADED AND CLOUDY DUE TO SUN AND WEATHER CONDITIONS. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS LESS VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 3/28/2006 - *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 5, 200625,000 milesOH

DEALER HAS REPLACED AND TURNED BRAKE ROTORS NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE REPLACED ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND PADS WITH ALL NEW PARTS ALSO AND BRAKES ON FRONT DO NOT RELEASE COMPLETELY ALL THE TIME AND KEEP WARPING ROTORS AND WEARING OUT BRAKE PADS THIS HAS BEEN DONE MANY TIMES SINCE BEING BOUGHT IN 2000. TIRE RIMS ALSO LEAK AIR AND TIRES KEEP GOING LOW THIS WAS SERVICED BY DEALER AND MYSELF NOT CURE HAS BEEN FOUND YET. *NM

Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 200666,000 milesAL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS SHUT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF OVER 10000 DOLLARS. UPDATED 03/09/06.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Jan 17, 2006173,000 milesVA

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE HAVING THE FUEL INJECTOR REPAIRED, THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP PERSONNEL SAID THE FUEL RAIL WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE FUEL INJECTOR. DUE TO THE FUEL RAIL BEING MADE OF PLASTIC, THERE WAS A CHANCE THE FUEL RAIL WOULD BREAK AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE SERVICEMAN THE FUEL RAIL WAS NOW BEING MADE OF METAL BECAUSE THE PLASTIC WAS TOO WEAK. *JB

Air Bags › Side/WindowCrash
Filed Oct 27, 2005121,058 milesIL

DT: THE CONTACT STATED ON 10-17-05 WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A SOMETHING SCRAPED THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. IMMEDIATELY THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE TWO PEOPLE IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THE CAR. NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE PAST, BUT NOT THE FRONT. HE ALSO, SAID THE SENSORS WERE PROBABLY BAD. SHE DID NOT RECALL AN AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING IN THE CAR PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 25, 2005120,000 milesIL

DT: THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SAID SHE DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING IN THE ROAD OR IMPACTED ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OBJECT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN, BUT THEY CONFIRMED THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD SHE RAN OVER TO CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE DEALER WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE REASON WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 22, 200567,982 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PLASTIC HEADLAMP COVER AND SEAL FLEW OFF OF MY CAR ONTO MOVING TRAFFIC. I CALLED THE CADILLAC DEARSHIP IN WHICH THEY SAY I HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ENTIRE HEADLAMP WHICH WILL COST $300. THE HEADLAMP HAD DRY CRACKED GLUE AROUND IT WHERE IT SEEMED LIKE THE GLUE GOT OLD AND STARTED TO CRACK.

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 5, 200548,000 milesTX

DT: WHEN THE CONSUMER PULED INTO HER DRIVEWAY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE DISC BRAKE TRACTION STABILIZER LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. SHE IMMEDIATELY PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE TO OPEN HER GARAGE DOOR. WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE CAR IT WAS ROLLING AWAY. SHE JUMPED INTO IT TO STOP VEHICLE AND SHE TURNED THE WHEEL AND IT SEEMED TO SPIN OUT. SHE THREW IT INTO PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. CALLER SAID IT SEEMED TO ACCELERATE WHEN SHE HIT THE BRAKES, AND WHEN SHE THREW IT INTO PARK. CALLER WAS INJURED. CALLER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE STREET, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.*AK

Electrical System1 injured
Filed May 24, 200547,000 milesMD

DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK AND VEHICLE LOST ABOUT 7 QUARTS OF OIL. THIS GOT ALL OVER THE MOTOR, MUFFLER, AND THE ROAD. THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING SMELL, BUT DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT WAS THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR. HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED, BUT THE WHOLE ENGINE WILL NEED REPLACEMENT. FOR NEW ENGINE AND CLEAN UP IT WOULD COST $8,400.00 . *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 27, 2005114,000 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MOTOR OVERHEATED CAUSING A STALL..WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE HEAD BOLTS STRIP OUT OF ALL NORTHSTAR MOTORS..COST OF REPAIR IS APROX. $3000.00..CALLED GM ASSIST HOTLINE AND TOLD THEY WILL OFFER NO HELP

Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Filed Apr 18, 200548,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS VEHICLE GOT A FLAT. WHILE RAISING THE VEHICLE WITH ORIGINAL JACK IT SUDDENLY COLLAPSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK THE JACK COLLAPSED CRUSHING THE AREA OF THE LOWER FRONT FENDER BEHIND THE WHEEL. THE JACK COLLAPSED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PUTTING ON THE SPARE AND HAND TIGHTENING THE NUTS. CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. *BF *NM

Wheels
Filed Apr 6, 200573,000 milesOK

THE WHEEL CRACKED. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED IT WHILE PLACING AIR INTO THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. *AK THE CRACK WAS 6 INCHES LONG IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. *SC *JB

Steering › Column
Filed Apr 6, 200583,000 milesWI

1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING EQUIPMENT. *MR THE STEERING WHEEL SPUN AROUND LIKE A FAN AND BROKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER. *SC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › RotorCrash
Filed Mar 26, 2005OH

BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED 4 TIMES SINCE NEW KEEP GETTING OUT OF ROUND AND NOW NEED REPLACED DEALER STATES THIS IS NORMAL MAINTENCE NOW BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AT TIMES WITH NO BRAKES AT ALL CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. *AK TRANSMISSION HESITATES GOING INTO GEAR WHEN COLD WATER LEAK THAT CANNOT BE FOUND USES AT LEAST 1 GALLON PER WEEK OR MORE WHEELS KEEP LOSING AIR CAUSING TIRES TO GO FLAT NO LEAKS IN TIRES RETURNED TO DEALER MANY TIMES FOR REPAIR AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON -RETURNED TO DEALER AND NOT FIXED

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Mar 9, 2005101,000 milesIA

(1) NOTICED SMELL OF GASOLINE UNDER HOOD, SAW STANDING GAS ON ENGINE; (2) FUEL RAIL CRACKED, RESULTED IN LARGE GAS LEAK ONTO ENGINE BLOCK; (3) FUEL RAIL REPLACED, OLD PART NOT AVAILABLE.*AK

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Filed Mar 7, 200510,000 milesIL

THE ABS TRACTION CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THIS DEALER REPAIR SHOP FOR THIS PROBLEM SINCE AUG. 2002 AND THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FAILURES AND EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE KEEP RECURRING. *JB ANNTENA STUCK UP. POWER ANTENNA ASSEMBLY REPLACED. OIL LEVEL LOW AND OIL LIGHT IS ON. THERE WAS NO READING ON THE DIPSTICK. HAD TO ADD TWO QUARTS OF OIL AFTER DRIVING 1500 MILES. OIL LIFE INDICATOR WAS RESET. PISTON, ROD AND OIL RINGS REPLACED. DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT COVER FELL OFF WITH BULB BURNT OUT. HEADLAMP HOUSING ASSEMBLY REPLACED. CONSUMER WENT TO START VEHICLE AND IT WOULDN'T START. BATTERY REPLACED. CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING. DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT/SWITCH INOPERATIVE. WHILE GIVING GAS HESITATES; STRUGGLES UP A HILL. SPARK PLUG WIRE REPLACED. NOTIFICATION BY POSTCARD. ORDERED PARTS. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WON'T GO UP. REPLACED LEFT DOOR WINDOW SWITCH. SES LIGHT ON. EXHAUST RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR) REPLACED. TRANSMISSION MAKES A GRINDING NOISE ON FAST ACCELERATION. DEALER FOUND THE EXHAUST PIPE AT THE REAR OF THE CONVERTER SHIFTING A CROSS BRACE WHEN ACCELERATING. REARVIEW MIRROR BROKE OFF BASE. *TT

Complaints 1-50 of 237, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1997
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200595110Routine
2004167140Routine
2003145400Routine
2002176521Fatalities reported
2001175430Routine
2000225541Fatalities reported
1999187143Fatalities reported
1998 — this page237312Fatalities reported
1997269280Above average
1996218270Above average
1995129266Fatalities reported
1994127080Routine
1993921140Routine
19921351130Routine
199187190Routine
199076220Routine

Compare every Deville year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 11, 2000. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.