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 the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 102,000.
The worst 1998 Cadillac Seville problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine21
- Steering10
- Lights6
- Suspension6
- Visibility6
- Airbags5
- Brakes4
- Seat belts4
- Electrical3
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Driver assistance1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Cadillac Seville
Recalls 2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 99V070000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 98V144000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1998 Cadillac Seville
Defect investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
RQ03001
Cadillac coolant cooled alternator fires
RQ99013
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Cadillac Seville 94
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Fuel system, gasoline
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
- Electrical system
1998 Cadillac Seville fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | FWD | 15 | 24 | 18 |
What 1998 Cadillac Seville owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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.
Power rack and pinion failure.
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 the federal safety agency recall campaign # 98v144000 ( concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer, and was told that the federal safety agency'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
Compare the 1998 Cadillac Seville
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Questions about the 1998 Cadillac Seville
Is the 1998 Cadillac Seville reliable?
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 1998 Cadillac Seville, 1.4 times a typical Seville model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Cadillac Seville?
Engine and cooling, with 21 complaints, typically around 78,600 miles. Next is steering (10).
How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac Seville have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and visibility.
What year does the Cadillac Seville have bad engine?
The Cadillac Seville model years with the most engine complaints are 1996 (27 complaints), 1999 (26 complaints) and 1994 (21 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Cadillac Seville get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Cadillac Seville range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, FWD) gets 15 city and 24 highway.
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