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W-body · Sedan

1998 Cadillac DeVille

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1998 Cadillac DeVille.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1998 Cadillac DeVille

Recall·00V217000

Air bags: side/window

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.

Recall·97V183000

Vehicle speed control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES.

Recall·97V232000

Structure: hinge and attachments

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 266 owners reported

Exterior lighting38
Air bags37
Engine and engine cooling30
Service brakes30

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1998 Cadillac DeVille at a glance

Engine
4.6L 8-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

Owners have filed 266 complaints about the 1998 Cadillac DeVille with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting. There are 3 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1998 Cadillac DeVille reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 3 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1998 Cadillac DeVille listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.