1996 Cadillac Eldorado

Routine

Owners filed 60 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Cadillac Eldorado years to avoid. Which Cadillac Eldorado years to avoid →

Most common 1996 Cadillac Eldorado problems

16 of the 60 complaints (27%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System9
021
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine4
020
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · fuel system3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine3
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Module3
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor2
010
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer2
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages · throttle and acceleration2
000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · fuel system2
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings04V110000
Filed Mar 4, 2004483,477 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA WERE SENT LETTERS ON AUGUST 6, 2004. ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO OWNERS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Equipment › Electrical95V224000
Filed Nov 30, 19951,408 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT DISRUPTING THE PASS KEY SYSTEM, CAUSING FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND TELL-TALES, AND A POSSIBLE NO-START CONDITION. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS;" NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT;" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK, CAUSING LOSS OF GAUGE FUNCTION AND ALL TEEL-TALE INDICATORS EXCEPT FOR ABS, SIR, PARK BRAKE AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON. THE LOSS OF ALL TELL-TALES FOR SEAT BELTS, TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAM, HAZARD, OIL PRESSURE, COOLANT TEMPERATURE, AND OTHERS RESULT IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THESE SAFETY STANDARDS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2015100,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STOP ENGINE NOW WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND OBSERVED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD OIL TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jun 17, 2014129,000 milesFL

FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM WAS SPRAYING FUEL ONTO HOT ENGINE (INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 11/17/10, AND REPAIRED AT LOCAL CERTIFIED REPAIR CENTER.) NHTSA RECALL #04V110000/GM RECALL NO. 41921. OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON 06/02/04 FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AND 1996-1997 AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND OLDSMOBILE AURORA'S WERE SENT LETTERS ON 08/06/04. NO MENTION OF 1996 CADILLAC EL DORADO ! CADILLAC DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REIMBURSE OWNER FOR REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 31, 20141,000 milesMD

ON OUR WAY TO A FAMILY FUNERAL BELLS STARTED GOING OFF AND LIGHTS FLASHING. MY HUSBAND HAD PUT IN A NEW ENGINE FROM ONE STOP AUTO DON'T KNOW WHY. WHEN WE CAME BACK FROM VIRGINIA I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC HE DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO IT. HE BELIEVED THE BRAIN AND THE ENGINE WASN'T COMMUNICATING. MY HUSBAND SUGGESTED WE TAKE THE CAR TO CHESAPEAKE CADILLAC IN COCKEYSVILLE WHERE HE USUALLY BUY HIS CAR FROM. WHEN WE WENT INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MY HUSBAND AND THE SERVICE PERSON [XXX] NEW EACH OTHER BECAUSE HE WOULD TAKE HIS CAR THERE FOR SERVICE. WE ALSO TOLD THEM WE BELIEVED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR. MY HUSBAND ALSO TOLD HIM TO DEAL WITH ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME. AND WE WERE SEPARATED AND HE WAS MOVING NOT TO SEND ANYTHING TO HIS OLD ADDRESS BUT TO TALK TO ME. WHEN I WOULD CALL [XXX] TO ASK ABOUT THE VEHICLE HE MADE IT SOUND LIKE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS WAS GOING ON WITH THE CAR. HE TOLD ME TO TELL MY HUSBAND TO CALL HIM AND I ASKED HIM TO TELL ME WHAT WAS GOING ON WAS THE CAR READY. IT WAS ONLY TAKEN THERE FOR DIAGNOSTIC SO I COULD TAKE THE CAR BACK TO WHERE THE ENGINE WAS PUT IN JUST NEEDED CONFIRMATION. [XXX] NEVER TOLD ME THE CAR WAS DONE AND I COULD PICK IT UP. THEY SEND INFORMATION TO MY HUSBAND OLD ADDRESS NOT TO ME SINCE HE DIDN'T RESPOND AND I DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE [XXX] NEVER TOLD ME IT WAS READY. AND IT WAS READY NOR DID HE TELL ME THEY SEND INFO TO MY HUSBAND. THEY TOLD ME TO STORIES THEY GAVE IT TO A JUNK YARD BUT THEY WOULDN'T

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 5, 2013138,000 milesNY

STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 201261,200 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING BEFORE COMPLETELY FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,200.

Wheels
Filed Feb 20, 201060,000 milesVA

TIRES LEAKING AT RIM. FIRST NOTICED IN 2008. REPAIRED BY WALMART BY "GLUING TIRE TO RIM" (MY WORDS). LASTED ABOUT 1.5 YEARS. NOW TWO TIRES LEAKING AT RIM ON 1996 ELDORADO. AFTER RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CORROSION IN THE ALLOY (CHROME) WHEEL. GM'S RECOMMENDATION IS TO REPLACE THE WHEEL. THIS IS BIG BUCKS FOR 4 WHEELS (ABOUT $1500). *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 22, 200826,109 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL LINE COVERING CRACKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE FUEL LINES WILL BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY HOSES, LINES PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 26,109.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 2008103,000 milesAK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED. THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS INOPERABLE, EXCEPT FOR THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK, WHICH CAUSES A LOSS OF GAUGE FUNCTIONALITY EXCEPT FOR THE ABS, SIR, PARK BRAKE, AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATORS. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V224000 (EQUIPMENT: ELECTRICAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,200.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 10, 2008145,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING HIS VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. WHEN HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO START IT, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS NOT WORKING. THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT HIS VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V224000 (EQUIPMENT: ELECTRICAL). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNFAMILIAR WITH THIS RECALL. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Equipment › Electrical
Filed Feb 28, 2008WA

1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE WILL LOSE GAUGES, AUTO HEADLIGHTS, WARNING LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS. HE SAYS THIS FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS ON THE FREEWAY. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED EVERYTHING BLINKED AND FLASHED AS IF A SWITCH WAS BEING RAPIDLY TURNED ON AND OFF. AFTER 2 MINUTES EVERYTHING WENT BLACK. THE CONSUMER LOCATED A RECALL REGARDING THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED, HOWEVER CADILLAC INFORMED HIM, THAT HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE OF THE PRODUCTION DATE. RECALL# 95V224000. *JB

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Dec 17, 200731,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-65 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE LIGHTS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY TWO MINUTES AFTER THE FAILURES. THE FAILURES ONLY OCCURRED IN THE WINTER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE (PART NUMBER 16214848) AND THE BATTERY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V224000 (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Dec 13, 2006192,822 milesMI

ON NOVEMBER 22 2006, I BROUGHT FOUR TIRES (SUMITOMO 225 40Z18 SU HTRII 8) FROM SEARS AT FAIRLANE TOWN CENTER IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN. I BELIEVE THAT THE INSTALLER OF THE TIRE AT SEARS WAS AWARE OF THE BUBBLE. I WOULD NOT HAVE NOTICE THE BUBBLE UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AT SEARS BECAUSE IT IS DARK IN THEIR SERVICE AREA. THE BUBBLE IS HARD TO SEE EVEN IN SUNLIGHT. A FEW DAYS (NOVEMBER 26 2006) LATER I NOTICED A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL OF MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE A SEPARATION OF THE BELT WITHIN THE TIRE. I SHOWED MY FRIEND. HE AGREED AND TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO SEARS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO SEARS ON DECEMBER 6 2006. THE AUTO CENTER SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THE BUBBLE WAS CAUSED BY A POT HOLE. I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING. HE WAS ADAMANT ABOUT HIS POSITION. HE GAVE ME A NUMBER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. CUSTOMER SERVICE CALLED THAT SAME MANAGER AND WHEN CUSTOMER SERVICE CALLED ME THEY HAD AGREED WITH THE MANAGER AND SAID THEY CANNOT HELP ME. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE AND LEFT A MESSAGE, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED ME, I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. HE CALLED THE AUTO SERVICE MANAGER AND HE (REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TIRE MANUFACTURER) ALSO AGREED WITH THE MANAGER. THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID, " THE TIRE IS NOT UNDER A WARRANTY AND MY PROBLEM IS BETWEEN YOU AND SEARS". I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR COMPLAINTS OR PROBLEMS WITH THIS TYPE OF TIRES. I READ OVER 484 REVIEWS ON THIS TIRES AND I FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR OR TH

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Oct 23, 2006150,000 milesTN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD LEAK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE PARKED OR DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL RAIL OF THE GAS TANK AS A RECALL BUT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE DEVELOPED ANOTHER LEAK, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THE RECALL PROBLEM AND THE SECONS PROBLEM WERE NOT RELATED. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2006160,000 milesGA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. THIS OCCURS BECAUSE THE HEAD BOLTS RUST CAUSING THE HEAD GASKET TO BLOW. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE ENGINE WAS MANUFACTURED BY NORTHSTAR.

Equipment
Filed Feb 16, 200694,500 milesAZ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHICH REPAIRED THE ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER TO FIX THE STARTING FAILURE. THE DASH LIGHT FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH AND AT NIGHT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 95V224000. THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 200560,000 milesAL

DT:THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 95V224000. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED TWICE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON STATING SECURITY SYSTEM DEFAULT. THE VEHICLE RAN FINE UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME BACK ON "STATING SYSTEM DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT COST ON THE FIRST OCCASION IN 2003. NOW IT HAS TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 25, 200573,751 milesVA

IP GOES DARK. ENGINE STOPS RUNNING. WILL NOT START. CAR TOWED TO DEALER. PROBLEM WAS A SHORTED FUEL SENDER WIRE WITH A GROUND WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. BULKHEAD CONNECTOR WAS MELTED. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN EXPLOSION.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed May 13, 2005NJ

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE ROTORS. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . *AK *BF *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Nov 18, 2004MO

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT FAILED TO COME ON. THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTACT THE DEALER. RECALL 95V224000 CONCERNING INTERIOR SYSTEMS INSTRUMENT PANEL ELECTRONIC MESSAGE WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum › Shoes/Linings
Filed Oct 27, 200468,337 milesDC

CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT VEHICLE LOST THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND NEITHER WAS WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Oct 15, 2004CA

NHTSA RECALL 04V110000 REGARDING FUEL RAIL TUBING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL. SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO PERFORM REPAIRS THEY WOULD HAVE TO PERFORM WORK ON THE THROTTLE BODY, AND IT WOULD COST CONSUMER $690.00. CONSUMER INFORMED MANAGER THAT HE WANTED VEHICLE BACK, AND THAT HE WOULD TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, MANAGER ADVISED CONSUMER THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $96.00 FOR THEM TO PUT BACK THE VEHICLE TOGETHER. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 13, 2004CA

CRACKING OF FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN FUEL LEAK. *BF THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RECALL FOR FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS # 04V110000. *TC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 20, 200465,000 milesTN

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC THE OIL PAN GASKET WAS REPLACED.*JB

Electrical System
Filed Jun 14, 2004NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. RECALL 95V224000 WAS ISSUED. *AK

Equipment › Electrical
Filed Jun 14, 2004NJ

COMPLAINT REGARDING RECALL 95V224000: ANALOG INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEFECT. *MR THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL, ODOMETER, GAUGES, TRUNK RELEASE, GAS DOOR RELEASE, STEERING WHEEL/RADIO CONTROLS, DOME LIGHTS AND THE "TWILIGHT SENT." *SC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 20, 200383,351 milesKY

THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK HAS MELTED FROM THE INSIDE. AS A RESULT FUEL LEAKS FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 4, 200398,598 milesCA

FUEL LEAK, PIN HOLE IN FUEL LINE, ABOVE ENGINE, SPRAYING GASOLINE ON ENGINE, 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed Nov 4, 2003MI

OVER POWERING GAS SMELL. LIFTED HOOD AND FOUND THERE WAS GAS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. TOOK INTO BETTEN CADILLAC AND THEY DISCOVERED FUEL RAIL LEAKING. THEY REPLACED IT FOR $554.14. I JUST READ IN THE PAPER 11\04\03 THAT THEY NHTSA WAS THINKING OF A RECALL. I WOULD SAY "YES" AS WE WERE AFRAID TO DRIVE OUR CAR IN FEAR OF FIRE. WE HAVE A 1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO VIN # [XXX].*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 12, 200377,848 milesCA

AFTER SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WHILE I WENT INTO THE BANK FOR 15-20 MIN. I GOT INTO MY CAR AND STARTED THE ENGINE. I HEARD A "POP", PULLED FORWARD ABOUT 10 TO 15 FEET WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE GAUGES AND EVERYTHING LOOKED OFF. WHEN I LOOKED BACK UP I SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I THEN TURNED TO MY DAUGHTER AND TOLD HER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND GET AWAY FROM IT. BY THAT TIME FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE BOTH GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE FIRE HAD GOTTEN IN SIDE THE CAR AND CRACKED ALL THE WINDOWS. THE FIREMAN SMASHED THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW TO GET TO THE HOOD RELEASE BUT THE CABLE HAD ALREADY BEEN BURNED AND THE RELEASE DID NOT WORK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PRY THE HOOD OF THE CAR OFF. BY THIS TIME THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES FROM THE DOORS FORWARD. THE CAR IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. MY HUSBAND SUSPECT A FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAD DISCONNECTED. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 20034,000 milesNV

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK WHILE DRIVING. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 5, 200350,000 milesIN

ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED ON AND OFF.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Oct 30, 2002CA

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 25, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, ON SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER, ONCE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, CONSUMERS DAUGHTER SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE GASOLINE THAT HAD SPILLED FROM THE CAR. (COMPLAINT WAS SUBMITTED BY SHARON HARRIS DAUGHTER OF SANDRA HARRIS). *YD

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Sep 13, 2001IL

CONSUMER SAW FUEL ON GARAGE FLOOR. FOUND PLASTIC FUEL LINES CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL IN LARGE AMOUNTS. DEALER REPLACED LINES WITH SAME PART. DEALER STOCKED THESE PARTS, REPLACING THEM ON A REGULAR BASIS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Jun 2, 2000OH

ENGINE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WATER PUMP AND CAMSHAFT PULLEY. YH

Interior Lighting
Filed Feb 25, 2000CO

INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WOULD GO COMPLETELY OUT. ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, ALARM SYSTEM ACTIVATE.D DEALER NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALSO SMOKE WAS COMING FROM VEHICLE, AND FUSE FOR ENGINE FAN WAS MISSING. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed Dec 28, 1999CT

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 TO 50 MPH CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAME LOOSE FROM ITS BRACKET AND CAUSED THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. ALSO, BRKES WHERE NOT RESPONDING, TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF TO STOP. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Sep 14, 1999MD

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE. JUST AFTERWARDS THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AFFECTING DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WHICH CAUSED DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DRIVER RAN OFF ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH A SIGN. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 10, 1999MO

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Jul 14, 1998DC

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE DRIVER, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › MotorFire
Filed Jun 8, 1998MO

WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT INTERMITTENLY REDUCING VISABILITY TO ZERO.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Mar 11, 1998OH

VEHICLE FIRE

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Nov 4, 1997CA

COMPUTER UNIT FAILED.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 28, 1997CA

ENGINE STALLS WHEN MAKING 'U' TURNS.

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Oct 27, 1997CA

IGNITION MODULE FAILED.

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Oct 27, 1997CA

COMPUTER SWITCH FAILED.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 27, 1997CA

LEFT SIDE HEAD GASKET FAILED.

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed Sep 10, 1997CA

SHOCKS ARE WEAK AND VEHICLE WILL BOTTOM OUT ON NORMAL ROAD DIPS WITH SPEEDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH.

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed Jul 30, 1997AZ

ACCELERATOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE RESPONSE IS SPONTANEOUS WITH LITTLE CONTROL OF ACCELERATION.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 26, 1997MO

WHILE DRIVING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. DEALER REPLACED MOTOR 3 TIMES WHICH DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM, THE WIPERS HAVE FAILED AGAIN BUT THE CONSUMER HAS DECLINED REPAIR. *AK *NLM

Complaints 1-50 of 60, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200210000Routine
200124000Routine
200030104Fatalities reported
199923010Routine
199838100Routine
199759240Routine
1996 — this page60250Routine
199554290Routine
199435220Routine
199335210Routine
199225100Routine
19919120Routine
199025411Fatalities reported

Compare every Eldorado year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 4, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.