Electrical system: alternator
Free remedy
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN DEVELOP IN THE GENERATOR, EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
Research · Midsize Cars
1998 Cadillac SevilleRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 1998 Cadillac Seville. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (20) and steering (10). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Apr 1999
Owner complaints
65
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Visibility: windshield wiper
Free remedy
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR 'LOW' SPEED FUNCTION CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE WHEN THE MOTOR IS SWITCHED FROM 'HIGH' TO 'LOW' SPEED.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
65 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 1998 – May 2017
- Engine and engine cooling20
- Steering10
- Suspension6
- Exterior lighting6
- Visibility5
- Air bags5
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
- Seat belts4
- Electrical system3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
20 reports2 fires
“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.”
Steering
10 reports1 crash
“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.”
Suspension
6 reports1 crash
“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. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seville Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Cadillac Seville as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Seville questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac Seville have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1998 Cadillac Seville problems?
Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (20), steering (10), suspension (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Cadillac Seville get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Cadillac Seville at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026