Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Cadillac Deville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ABS traction control was not working and the dealer was unable to resolve the problem. The vehicle has been in and out of this dealer repair shop for this problem since aug. 2002 and the intermittent problem with brake failures and extended braking distance keep recurring. Anntena stuck up. Power antenna assembly replaced. Oil level low and oil light is on. There was no reading on the dipstick. Had to add two quarts of oil after driving 1500 miles. Oil life indicator was reset. Piston, rod and oil rings replaced. Drivers side headlight cover fell off with bulb burnt out. Headlamp housing assembly replaced. Consumer went to start vehicle and it wouldn't start. Battery replaced. Catalytic converter rattling. Drivers side heated seat/switch inoperative. While giving gas hesitates; struggles up a hill. Spark plug wire replaced. Notification by postcard. Ordered parts. …
The air conditioning was too cold on passsenger side - closed vents - when comfortable they were opened only to find that there was now hot air coming out. The next series of events took place in a very short amount of time. The control for the headlights was dimming to off then going on, the air conditioning stopped working, the instrument panel digital display went out leaving no indication as to speed. The passenger noticed a glow in the door panel, this glow was a fire. I pulled on to the shoulder and we got out. I called *11 indiana toll road for assistance and the fire was extingusted in a matter of minutes. The car is now at the dealer in oak lawn il. And general motors is investgating the incident.
In April 2001, at 37,000 miles, air condition/heat fan motor failed and was replaced (under warranty) by a dealer. Again in April, 2003, at 53,300 miles, local dealer says motor is defective and needs to replaced at cost of $420. Attitude of dealer and Cadillac customer service is that "stuff happens". My belief is this failure rate indicates problem with quality of fan motor or problem with motor electrical circuit.
Dt: while driving down the road there was an oil leak and vehicle lost about 7 quarts of oil. This got all over the motor, muffler, and the road. There was a strong burning smell, but did not catch on fire. Mechanic told consumer that was the oil pressure sensor. Has not yet been repaired, but the whole engine will need replacement. For new engine and clean up it would cost $8,400.00 .
According to a local Cadillac dealers service manager-the ignition has a theft deterent system that has a wire that often comes loose causing the vehicle to be unstartable and thus leaves the driver stranded. The service manager tells me that he has done several of these and doesnt know why there is no recall.
In 2001, the right headlight lens on my 1998 Cadillac Deville fell off. The dealer, heritage Cadillac, replaced the headlight assembly at no cost, since the car was still under warranty. On 11/6/04, the left headlight assembly fell off. I have not yet discussed the problem with the dealer.
After repairs the previous day, alternator again fried. The dealership now blames after market battery. Supposed dead cell. This instance almost caused a wreck on the interstate. Stranded for 3 hours. New battery and alternator. Car was dead when towed to the dealership. After finally arriving at end destination, I had the battery the was supposed to be bad checked and it checked out OK.
Consumer stated that the vehicle was not starting and towed to the dealer twice, dealer identified the problem as battery leaking acid, which corroded the positive cable, dealer replaced the battery, cleaned acid from tray and replaced positive cable.
I was informed that my spark plugs wires were burning with only 46,000 miles on this car. And the wires in the back of the engine are in a very bad way. I also was told that a spark could ignite from the engine at any time, and cause an immediate fire.
Electrical wires keep killing the battery. Would cause the battery to die out each & every time. Makes noises when battery is dying. Took to dealer & problem not found. Problem has happened at least 3 different times.
Electrical complaints in other Deville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Cadillac Deville?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Cadillac Deville, 9% of the model year's 237 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Cadillac Deville electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1998 Cadillac Deville, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Cadillac Deville electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.