1998 Cadillac Deville Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 18%of 237 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Cadillac Deville, 18% of the 237 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I as driving on a farmed market road (f.m.) approx. 55 MPH. And the right headlight lens flew off the car. Luckily there wasn't any other cars behind me, and there wasn't any damage to my car and/or anyone elses vehicle. After I returned home, I checked the driver's side lens to discover it was loose as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10462802, filed 2012-06, 93,259 miles“Noticed that one passenger side headlight was out, but I still had the high beam. A few days later both were out. Went to auto parts store to have them put in new bulbs and they noticed the that plastic cover was missing and they said that caused the bulbs to short out. From reading other complaints I'm afraid I will have to pay hundreds for a new assembly when all I need is a plastic cover.”
NHTSA complaint #10373815, filed 2011-01, 100,520 miles“I was driving on the highway when the plastic headlamp cover and seal flew off of my car onto moving traffic. I called the Cadillac dearship in which they say I have to replace the whole entire headlamp which will cost $300. The headlamp had dry cracked glue around it where it seemed like the glue got old and started to crack.”
NHTSA complaint #10133817, filed 2005-08, 67,982 miles“In 2001, the right headlight lens on my 1998 Cadillac Deville fell off. The dealer, heritage Cadillac, replaced the headlight assembly at no cost, since the car was still under warranty. On 11/6/04, the left headlight assembly fell off. I have not yet discussed the problem with the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10098543, filed 2004-11, 70,000 miles“Both headlight lens came off. Was told by dealer the lens could not be replaced by itself so had to purchase and install 2 sealed headlight units. Cost of over $600. Dealer picked up half the cost. Car had only 40,000 miles. I called Cadillac customer service and all they said they could do was to contact the dealer which I had already worked with. Dealer feels there should be a recall on the headlights because 'we replace a lot of these on '97 & 98' devilles, grand am's, and other similar products. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010320, filed 2003-03, 42,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 43 | 18% |
| 1997 | 29 | 11% |
| 1996 | 12 | 6% |
| 1995 | 7 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Cadillac Deville
36 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Cadillac Deville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology