1998 Cadillac Seville

Routine

Owners filed 65 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

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

Most common 1998 Cadillac Seville problems

19 of the 65 complaints (29%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine5
022
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine5
000
Steering › Rack and Pinion4
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights4
000
Suspension › Rear3
101
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags3
101
Suspension2
000
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)2
000
Steering2
101

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator99V070000
Filed Apr 12, 199929,766 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer98V144000
Filed Jun 26, 19981,059 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR 'LOW' SPEED FUNCTION CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE WHEN THE MOTOR IS SWITCHED FROM 'HIGH' TO 'LOW' SPEED.

Risk. 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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed May 4, 2017102,000 milesKY

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
Filed May 11, 201682,000 milesAR

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.

SteeringCrash
Filed Mar 30, 201285,000 milesTX

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
Filed Jul 19, 2011138,000 milesMO

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 › RearCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 3, 200970,000 milesOH

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
Filed Jan 6, 200980,000 milesFL

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 › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Mar 6, 2008110,000 milesMO

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 › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 31, 200765,000 milesGA

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 › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 11, 2007134,890 milesCA

POWER RACK AND PINION FAILURE. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 24, 2007ME

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 › Cooling System
Filed Jul 22, 2006NE

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 › Brake Lights
Filed Jan 15, 2006KS

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 › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 6, 2006125,000 milesMD

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
Filed Jun 8, 200578,000 milesWI

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 › Engine
Filed Feb 23, 200580,000 milesVA

ENGINE NEED TO BE TIME SERT AND COOLANT LEAKS.*AK

Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (asc)
Filed Jan 7, 200581,779 milesCO

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
Filed Nov 26, 2004MI

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 › Power Assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 9, 2004166,000 milesCA

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 STUN

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Sep 14, 2004600,000 milesTX

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 › Engine
Filed Sep 10, 200478,600 milesFL

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 › Engine
Filed Jul 21, 200479,000 milesMD

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 › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 14, 2004LA

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 › Headlights
Filed Mar 25, 2004IL

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A DARK ROAD, THE LEFT HEADLIGHT CAME APART AND FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 2004124,000 milesIL

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.

Suspension
Filed Jan 15, 200448,775 milesOH

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 [X

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 29, 2003MA

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT LENS FELL OFF. CONSUMER GLUED THE LENS BACK ON. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Oct 27, 2003IL

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE WAS RACK AND PINION FAILURE. REPAIRS MADE, BUT PROBLEM IS STILL RECURRING. THE REPLACEMENT PART THAT WAS MAILED TO MECHANIC ARRIVED BROKEN. SIX MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED, AWAITING RESPONSE FROM GM/CADILLAC ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire1 injured
Filed Jul 28, 200350,000 milesCA

THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEARS WHEN A PASSER BY INFORMED HIM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *NLM. *AK *CB *NLM THE CONSUMER NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFT AND WAS TOLD THE FIRE HAD COME FROM THE ENGINE. *SCC *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire1 injured
Filed Jul 28, 2003CA

THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEARS WHEN A PASSER BY INFORMED HIM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *MR *CB *NLM

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Jul 7, 2003AL

WHILE DRIVING DRIVER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A NOISE. VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT STEERING GEAR HOUSING WAS BUSTED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jun 20, 200350,000 milesCA

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH HER IN IT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 28, 200340,000 milesMI

VEHICLE STALLS PERIODICALLY WHILE DECELERATING. PH

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Mar 10, 200356,212 milesIL

THE POWER STEERING WAS VERY STIFF, AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT BROKE AND HAT TO BE REPLACED. FRONT BRAKES WERE WORN TO THE SENSOR AND HAD TO BE RELINED.*TT *JB

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Feb 27, 200369,000 milesAL

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BUCKLE BROKE.*JB

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid
Filed Dec 27, 200255,000 milesIL

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE MOUNT BROKE. TS THE STEERING IS VERY STIFF WHEN TURNING AT LOWER SPEEDS. *JG

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 7, 2002MO

CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE IS STALLING WITHOUT WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *MR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 19, 2002MN

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME HEADLIGHTS ASSEMBLY FELL OFF COMPLETELY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Sep 16, 2002TN

BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL CONTACT DONE TOWARDS VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 27, 2002WA

VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER WHO ADVISED CONSUMER HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 6, 2002AZ

THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER 2001 AS A REAQUIRED VEHICLE FROM GENERAL MOTORS WITH A 12 MONTH, 12,000 MILE NEW CAR WARRANTY WITH THE OPTION FOR US TO PURCHASE AN EXTENDED NEW CAR WARRANTY WHICH WE DID. THIS VEHICLE HAD AN INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM WHEN IT WAS REAQUIRED THE FIRST TIME. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT WAS SOLD AS HAVING BEEN CORRECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. ON MARCH 27, 2002, BEGAN THE SERIES OF HEADACHES. THE CAR STALLED AND WE TOOK IT TO KACHINE CADILLAC. TO DATE THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THERE 7 TIMES FOR THE INTERMITTENT STALLING. TO DATE 8/6/02, THE CAR IS AGAIN IN THE DEALER SHOP AND HAS BEEN SINCE JULY 26, 2002. AT FIRST THEY REFUSED TO KEEP THE CAR BECAUSE THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THE STALLING AND DID NOT WANT TO PAY FOR RENTAL CARS FOR US ANYMORE OF WHICH WE HAVE NOW HAD 7 RENTAL VEHICLE AND TO DATE STILL ARE DRIVING A RENTAL. WHEN WE REPORTED IT TO BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, THEY THEN CHANGED THEIR TUNE AND AGAIN GAVE US ANOTHER RENTAL AND SINCE, THE CAR IS STILL IN THEIR POSSESSION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN THE CAR IS GOING TO STALL AND WE ARE AFRAID OF THIS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND/OR SERIOUS INJURIES. WE EXPLAINED OUR CONCERN TO THEM, BUT AT THE TIME THEY SAID JUST BRING IT BACK IF IT STALLS AGAIN. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR OURSELVES MUCH LESS ANYONE ELSE. THE REFERENCE NUMBER TO THIS IS 8014734. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 25, 2002AZ

CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND/OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 22, 2002NY

WHILE IN MOTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED WHILE IN GEAR AND WITH THE STARTING SWITCH STILL ON. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE IN GEAR. *JG

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Mar 15, 2002NY

WHILE IN MOTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED WHILE IN GEAR AND WITH THE STARTING SWITCH STILL ON. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE IN GEAR. *JG

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Jan 9, 2002MD

ASKED SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT TIME VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS ON THIS CAR. THE ANSWER WAS NO. ACCORDING TO THIS SITE, THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS CAR FOR ALTERNATOR/ GENERATOR POSSIBLY CAUSING GLOVE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH ON FIRE EVEN IF THE CAR HAS BEEN TURNED OFF.*AK

Tires
Filed Jan 3, 2002TX

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (TIRESIZE: 255/35/20)

Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights
Filed Mar 22, 2001OH

WHEN HIGH MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT FAILS THE DRIVER IS NOT NOTIFIED. "WWW.EDMUNDS.COM" LONG TERM CAR REVIEW HAD THE SAME FAILURE. I HAVE SEEN AT LEAST FIVE OTHER SAME MODLE SAME YEAR CARS WITH THIS DEFECT.*AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jun 8, 2000TN

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE WAS RACK AND PINON FAILURE. REPAIRS MADE, BUT PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK *ML

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Mar 17, 2000CA

PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RELEASE WHEN IN USE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS. HOWEVER WAS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. *AK

Suspension › Rear
Filed Mar 12, 2000OH

CLUNKS, SQUEEKS AND RUBBING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. NOISE APPARENT WHEN TURNING UP A SLOPE, STARTING FORWARD FROM A STANDING STOP, OR GOING OVER ROAD DIPS. REPORTED THREE TIMES TO DEALER BEFORE THEY INVESTIGATED. LAST REPORT RESULTED IN DEALER FIXING WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS A "MISSING WELD" IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. HOWEVER, NOISE RETURNED SHORTLY AFTER, AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER SAYS THEY AREN'T AWARE OF ANY OTHER REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER, ANOTHER DEALER TOLD ME CADILLAC WAS AWARE OF REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS WHEN THE CAR WAS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY, 1998 (A MONTH BEFORE I GOT MINE), AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO BE FIXED BEFORE CARS GOT DELIVERED. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Mar 8, 2000OR

VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY UNTIL IT WAS STARTED. HAD NOT SHIFTED INTO GEAR. FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG WAS PROGRAMMED TO DEPLOY. ALSO. MECHANIC COULD NOT INDICATE CAUSE OF DEPLOYMENT. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 65, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20049000Routine
200316100Routine
200245210Routine
200153100Routine
200038200Routine
199973120Routine
1998 — this page65230Routine
199795262Fatalities reported
1996122271Fatalities reported
1995742100Routine
199450250Routine
199342230Routine
199227100Routine
199121011Fatalities reported
199019300Routine

Compare every Seville year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Apr 12, 1999. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.