AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1998 Cadillac Deville
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $8,500–$12,000
The 1998 Cadillac DeVille has notable issues with air bag deployment and frequent complaints related to exterior lighting and brakes. These concerns alongside recalls suggest high repair risks.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| air bags | 70,000–110,000 miles | $300–$800 | very common |
| exterior lighting | 60,000–100,000 miles | $100–$400 | very common |
| brake system | 50,000–90,000 miles | $200–$600 | common |
| engine cooling | 40,000–80,000 miles | $150–$500 | common |
| steering | 80,000–120,000 miles | $250–$700 | occasional |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change every 5,000 miles
- Transmission fluid replacement at 50,000 miles
- Brake fluid replacement every 20,000 miles
- Coolant system flush every 40,000 miles
- Inspect timing belt at 60,000 miles
- Check tires every 10,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Air bag warning lights
- Erratic exterior lighting behavior
- Brake responsiveness issues
- Engine overheating
- Unusual steering wheel vibrations
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/24/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.