With 2 recalls and 266 complaints, the 1998 Cadillac DeVille rates as high on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

266

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

00V2170002000-11-08

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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.

HOWEVER, AN OCCUPANT CAN RECEIVE SOME INJURY FROM A DEPLOYMENT.

View at NHTSA

97V2320001997-18-12

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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.

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HOOD COULD BE PUSHED BACK THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD GLASS POSSIBLY INJURING THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 1998 Cadillac DeVille's biggest weak point? EXTERIOR LIGHTING. It leads 266 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Exterior Lighting38

02Air Bags35

03Engine And Engine Cooling28

04Service Brakes, Hydraulic23

05Electrical System20

266 total across 1 model years (1998–1998)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Cadillac DeVille Fuel Economy

18mpg combined

15city

24hwy

$3,750/yr

The 1998 Cadillac DeVille delivers 18 MPG combined. Straightforward efficiency.

DeVille - Automatic 4-spd

18mpg

4.6L 8-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

15 city24 hwy~$3,750/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 1998 Cadillac DeVille

30States

27%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Illinois (10%), but the remaining listings are spread across 29 other states nationwide.

ILIllinois

710%

PAPennsylvania

710%

CACalifornia

68%

AZArizona

57%

WAWashington

57%

FLFlorida

57%

GAGeorgia

34%

OROregon

34%

MIMichigan

34%

DEDelaware

23%

VAVirginia

23%

NJNew Jersey

23%

WIWisconsin

23%

CTConnecticut

23%

MOMissouri

23%

NC2

NY2

TX1

ID1

MN1

AL1

AR1

NH1

VT1

OH1

OK1

CO1

KY1

TN1

DC1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 1998.

Buying a 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 1998 Cadillac DeVille a good car to buy?

The 1998 Cadillac DeVille has its strengths and its watch-outs. 2 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report exterior lighting as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

There are 2 documented recalls for the 1998 Cadillac DeVille. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

The 1998 Cadillac DeVille is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined, consistent regardless of trim. See the fuel economy breakdown for city and highway splits.

What are common problems with the 1998 Cadillac DeVille?

Out of 266 owner complaints, exterior lighting issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.