Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1978 Cadillac Seville — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 2 | 67% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
DUE TO FUEL HOSE CONNECTION DETERIORATION, THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTION FROM THE UNDERBODY FUEL PIPE TO THE FUEL RAIL AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE MAY LEAK GASOLINE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING HOSE WITH A HYPALON HOSE AND NEW CLAMPS. DEALER WILL ALSO CHECK THE PRESSURE OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE EXISTING CONSOLE WITH ONE THAT CONTAINS A LID LATCHING MECHANISM, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1978 CADILLAC SEVILLE. THE CONTACT SMELLS GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, AND OCCASIONAL NOTICES GASOLINE ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. SHE CALLED THE DEALER, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 79V197000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL)…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Cadillac Seville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Seville years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2002, 1994, 2000, 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among Seville years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.