Owners filed 237 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the exterior lighting › headlights. It has been recalled 3 times.
When it fails
07421174,211 milesMedian miles at failure
69 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
24
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal
12
2
0
3
Air Bags
12
4
0
6
Air Bags › Side/Window
10
1
0
2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
9
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
8
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
8
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
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.
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
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.