Model year guide

1998 Cadillac DeVille

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Cadillac DeVille is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 25 on record.

1998 Cadillac DeVille at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints266
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$1,462

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Cadillac DeVille recalls 3

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #00V217000 · 11/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

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.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #97V183000 · 27/10/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES. THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES WAS MISROUTED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE HARNESS, CORRECT AS NECESSARY, AND INSTALL A PLASTIC TIE STRAP TO THE HARNESS.

Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments NHTSA Campaign #97V232000 · 18/12/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD HINGE PIVOT BOLTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Cadillac DeVille common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

1998 Cadillac DeVille MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,400

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1998 Cadillac DeVille worth?

Low
$550
Typical price
$1,462
High
$3,800

From 16 comparable 1998 Cadillac DeVille listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Cadillac DeVille costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$550
Total$17,550
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,462) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,136), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Cadillac DeVille trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · D'elegance · Concours
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl · 1.3L 4-cyl

1998 Cadillac DeVille vehicles on record

Other Cadillac DeVille model years

1998 Cadillac DeVille — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Cadillac DeVille have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1998 Cadillac DeVille. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

Based on 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, exterior lighting, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Cadillac DeVille get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Cadillac DeVille at about 18 mpg combined (15 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 1998 Cadillac DeVille worth?

Comparable 1998 Cadillac DeVille listings run roughly $550–$3,800, typically around $1,462 (from 16 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.