1998 Cadillac Deville: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Cadillac Deville: 3 recalls, 237 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V183000 · 1997 · 8,611 vehicles
What's wrong: The canister purge evaporative emissions harness on these vehicles was misrouted.
Why it matters: The harness could interfere with the cruise control and throttle linkage preventing return to a closed throttle.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper routing of the harness, correct as necessary, and install a plastic tie strap to the harness.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #97V232000 · 1997 · 14,423 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the hood could be pushed back through the windshield glass possibly injuring the vehicle occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hood hinge pivot bolts.
Airbags Vehicle recall #00V217000 · 2000 · 215,293 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: However, an occupant can receive some injury from a deployment.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (43): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), electrical failure (3).
- Airbags (34): the most common themes are fails to deploy (5), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (4).
- Engine & cooling (33): the most common themes are leaks (13), stalls / loses power (11), noise or vibration (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (32): the most common themes are noise or vibration (11), brake failure / soft pedal (4), leaks (4).
The 1998 Cadillac Deville has 237 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 Deville model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 159). Complaints peaked in 1999 (51 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 74,211 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (269 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (187 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Cadillac Deville.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Cadillac Deville have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Cadillac Deville. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Cadillac Deville problems?
Owners have filed 237 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (43), airbags (34), engine & cooling (33).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Cadillac Deville get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Cadillac Deville repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.