1998 Cadillac Deville

237 federal complaints (310 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 76 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 25 model years of the Cadillac Deville →
Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
15 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
237
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Lighting
46
Brakes
41
Air bags
39
Engine & cooling
34
Electrical system
25
Glass & wipers
18
Steering
16
Fuel system
16
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 30 complaints01 years old: 20 complaints2 years old: 25 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 16 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 20 complaints7 years old: 12 complaints8 years old: 10 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 192 of 237 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 7 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 11 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 16 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 11 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 10 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 8 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 67 of 237 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Lighting

46 complaint records1 fire report
"BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT LENSES CAME OFF ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 70-75 MPH IN THE RAIN. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →

Brakes

41 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL WAS NORMAL, BUT BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND/THERE WAS A HUMMING SOUND WHEN PEDAL WAS PRESSED. DEALR HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Air bags

39 complaint records9 crash reports
"WAS TOLD BY DEALER I COULD PARK CAR UNTIL APRIL 2001 WHEN A RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED OR SIGN A WAIVER AND HAVE AIR BAGS DISCONNECTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
RQ03001
opened Jan 2003
closed Sep 2003SteeringPOWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P).
EA00004
opened Feb 2000
closed Sep 2000Air BagsINADVERTENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG - led to recall 00V217000
There is no summary currently available
PE99061
opened Sep 1999
closed Feb 2000Air BagsINADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAG
THIS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG CAN INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY DUE TO A NUMBER OF ROOT CAUSED INCLUDING: ERRONEOUS ACCELERATION INPUTS OR FALSE ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ALGORITHM DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM);...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
00V217000Air BagsVEHICLE 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.Normally free
97V232000StructureVEHICLE 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.Normally free
97V183000Vehicle Speed ControlVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES. THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES WAS MISROUTED.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2001163
2001-06-20
Electrical123Certain vehicles have the potential for under hood fire due to defective secondary fuse holders. Correction: dealers will alter the wiring harness.
2000174
2000-08-28
Airbag5,168On certain vehicles, the side impact airbags may deploy unexpectedly, without a crash, as the vehicle is started or during normal driving.
1998011
1998-01-23
Structure289THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 219 - WINDSHIELD ZONE INTRUSION. THE HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS MAY BREAK CAUSING EITHER CORNER OF THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD TO RAISE, OR ONE SIDE OF THE HOOD TO BE UNSTABLE WHEN OPENED.
1997188
1997-10-29
Engine124THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BE MISROUTED. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE HARNESS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE LINKAGE.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
17NA073
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-073
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-016
Feb 2017
WheelsThis informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
17-NA-016
Jan 2017
WheelsThis informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
16NA260
Aug 2016
EquipmentTHIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
Recalls
Jun 2014
EquipmentVehicle Recalls
05-06-04-035D
May 2014
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
PIC5913
Sep 2013
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
08089-B
Nov 2008
Electrical SystemGENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE
08-089
Jun 2008
EquipmentBUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION.
3951
Oct 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingKNOCKIG NOISES OR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. VEHICLES WITH LD8 OR L37 4.6L V8 ENGINES. *KB
030844005B
Jan 2005
VisibilityPOOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT
01771
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8, L37, LH2 ENGINE COOLANT OR OIL LEAK.*MR
01792
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L L47, 4.6L LD8 L37 ENGINE WATER PUMP COVER P/N 12571913- THERMOSTAT LOOSE. ALSO INCLUDING MODEL 2003 CADILLAC ELDORADO. *MR
02038
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1000. *MR
3001
Jan 2004
EquipmentVOLUME IS ONLY CONTROLLED USING STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. *TT
3003
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442 SMALL LEAK DETECTED, INSPECT AT FUEL FILLER NECK. *MJ
3015
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemMULTIPLE STABILITRAK/PRECISION CONTROL CODES SUCH AS C1282, C1283, C1284, C1285, C1287, AND C1288 EXIST ON DELPHI BOSCH 5.0 OR 5.3 SYSTEMS. *TT
01396
Nov 2003
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR CONTINUOUSLY RUNS. *TT
030137002
Nov 2003
VisibilityREVISED HVAC BLOWER MOTOR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT
990601010C
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COLD/KNOCK/TICK NOISE. *TT
020601009C
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT
030601027
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO INFORM DEALERS OF ENHANCEMENTS TO CRANKCASE, OIL DISTRIBUTION PLATE AND OIL PAN SEALING BY USING RTV SEALANT. *TT
030236002
Aug 2003
SteeringREVISED STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR OR STEERING SHAFT LOWER BEARING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE AND STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CENTERING PROCEDURE. *EH
990601010B
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COLD/KNOCK/TICK NOISE. *TT
030850005
Feb 2003
SeatsFRONT HEATED SEAT INOPERATIVE / COLD. *TT
010849013B
Dec 2002
StructureINSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) UPPER TRIM PANEL AND DEFROSTER GRILLE LIFTING / LOOSE / WARPING. *TT
020601009A
Nov 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT
020232003A
Aug 2002
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A STEERING VIBRATION, SHUDDER OR MOAN NOISE DURING PARKING MANEUVERS. *TT
020601009
Mar 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON HIGHER THAN EXPECTED OIL CONSUMPTION. *SLC
070202
Feb 2002
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A STEERING VIBRATION, SHUTTER OR MOAN NOISE DURING LOW SPEED TURNING PARKING MANEUVERS. *TT
020232003
Feb 2002
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A STEERING VIBRATION, SHUDDER OR MOAN NOISE DURING LOW SPEED TURNING/PARKING MANEUVERS. *TT
010849013A
Dec 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UPPER TRIM PANEL AND THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER GRILLE APPEAR TO BE LIFTING/LOOSE/WARPING. *TT
010849013
Sep 2001
Unknown Or OtherTHIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES CONCERNS WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) UPPER TRIM PANEL AND DEFORSTER GRILLE WHICH APPEARS TO BE LIFTING / LOOSE / WARPING. *TT
00066
Jun 2001
Air BagsINFORMATION REGARDING PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN, NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. *SLC
100401
Apr 2001
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A LOW SPEED POWER STEERING SHUTTER PRIMARILY DURING RIGHT TURNS THAT CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND SEAT. *TT
010301
Mar 2001
SteeringINFORMATION MESSAGE CONCERNING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM APPLICABLE TO 1998 THROUGH 2000 MODEL YEAR CADILLACS. *TT
150201
Feb 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS PRODUCT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONCERNS AN INTERMITTENT STUMBLE OR STALL CONDITION. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT INTERMITTENTLY THEY EXPERIENCE A STUMBLE OR STALL CONDITION WHEN COMING DOWN TO A STOP.
131200
Dec 2000
Air BagsGENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED OWNERS OF CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT A CONDITION COULD EXIST THAT MAY CAUSE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG TO DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY, WITHOUT A CRASH, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE STARTED OR DURING NORMAL DRIVING - PART 1. *TT
00066
Nov 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING RECALL CAMPAIGN 00066 - INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG. *TT
081100
Nov 2000
Air BagsGENERAL MOTORS RECENTLY NOTIFIED OWNERS OF CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT A CONDITION COULD EXIST THAT MAY CAUSE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG TO DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY, WITHOUT A CRASH, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE STARTED OR DURING NORMAL DRIVING. *TT
231000
Oct 2000
Air BagsTHIS BULLETIN STATES THAT GM CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 00066 HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE GM VEHICLE INQUIRY SYSTEM (GMVIS) DATABASE FOR THE 1998-99 CADILLAC DEVILLE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG RECALL. *TT
000525003
Sep 2000
Service BrakesSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON AN UNDERHOOD NOISE; TRACTION ENGAGED MASSAGE; ABS WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE C1225 SET. *TT
300800
Aug 2000
SteeringSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A LOW SPEED POWER STEERING SHUTTER PRIMARILY DURING RIGHT TURNS. *TT
990730015A
Apr 2000
Power TrainCONCERNS WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLIMINATES, SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATES / INOPERATIVE, CRUISE CONTROL / TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH INOPERATIVE. *TT
990308005
Oct 1999
SuspensionEXPERIENCING CLUNK, RATTLE OR METAL TO METAL NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. *TT
990730015
Jul 1999
Unknown Or OtherMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATES, SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATES/INOPERATIVE, CRUISE CONTROL/TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH INOPERATIVE. *MJS
990601010
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A ENGINE COLD / KNOCK / TICK NOISE. *TT
831704
Oct 1998
StructureCONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC

Showing 60 of 76 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  2. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Cadillac Deville →