Most common 1998 Cadillac Seville problems
Share of the 65 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Seville complaints by model year
Best Seville years: 2004, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 1996, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
1998 Cadillac Seville recalls (2)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An electrical short can develop in the generator, even when the engine is off.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the generator.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wiper motor 'low' speed function can become inoperative when the motor is switched from 'high' to 'low' speed.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover which contains the microprocessor.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1998 Cadillac Seville:
Cadillac coolant cooled alternator fires
Power 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). 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…
What 1998 Cadillac Seville owners say
Engine & cooling all 21 →
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.
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. The consumer noticed fire coming from the gear shift and was told the fire had come from the engine.
Steering
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.
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.
Lights
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).
Driving at night head lights would flicker back & forth (dark, light, dark, light). Passenger's side has 10 feet blackout. Took to dealer. Told hadlights are designed with a corrigated reflector behind them, and it throws a venetian blind effect onto highway, like shining a light trough a blind/ark and light shadows. There is no peripheral vision to the right. On curves cannot even see a gaurd rail.
1998 Cadillac Seville engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Cadillac Seville a good car?
Based on 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Seville rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Seville at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Cadillac Seville?
The engine & cooling — 21 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the steering (10) and lights (6).
How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac Seville have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 Cadillac Seville, the most recent from April 12, 1999 (alternator/generator/regulator). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Seville?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1997 and 1999. See the full Cadillac Seville years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Cadillac Seville problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 8% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.