FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1996 Cadillac Eldorado
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 60 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 49 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 1996 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 1996 | 1 | 2 |
| Feb 1997 | 3 | 5 |
| Mar 1997 | 1 | 6 |
| Apr 1997 | 2 | 8 |
| Jun 1997 | 2 | 10 |
| Jul 1997 | 1 | 11 |
| Sep 1997 | 1 | 12 |
| Oct 1997 | 4 | 16 |
| Nov 1997 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 1998 | 1 | 18 |
| Jun 1998 | 2 | 20 |
| Jul 1998 | 1 | 21 |
| Jan 1999 | 1 | 22 |
| Sep 1999 | 1 | 23 |
| Dec 1999 | 1 | 24 |
| Feb 2000 | 1 | 25 |
| Jun 2000 | 1 | 26 |
| Sep 2001 | 1 | 27 |
| May 2002 | 1 | 28 |
| Oct 2002 | 1 | 29 |
| Mar 2003 | 2 | 31 |
| Jun 2003 | 1 | 32 |
| Nov 2003 | 3 | 35 |
| Jun 2004 | 2 | 37 |
| Aug 2004 | 1 | 38 |
| Oct 2004 | 3 | 41 |
| Nov 2004 | 1 | 42 |
| May 2005 | 1 | 43 |
| Jul 2005 | 1 | 44 |
| Oct 2005 | 1 | 45 |
| Feb 2006 | 1 | 46 |
| Apr 2006 | 1 | 47 |
| Oct 2006 | 1 | 48 |
| Dec 2006 | 1 | 49 |
| Dec 2007 | 1 | 50 |
| Feb 2008 | 1 | 51 |
| Apr 2008 | 1 | 52 |
| Jul 2008 | 1 | 53 |
| Aug 2008 | 1 | 54 |
| Feb 2010 | 1 | 55 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 56 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 57 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 58 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 59 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 60 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical2226.2%
- Engine1416.7%
- Fuel system1214.3%
- Visibility89.5%
- Steering44.8%
- Brakes44.8%
- Driver assistance33.6%
- Interior & seats22.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
FUEL RAIL LEAKS
ON MARCH 3, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MY 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES (RPO L47 - VIN8 C) TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE FROM CRACKED FUEL RAILS AND, IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, CRACKED FUEL RETURN LINES. ACCORDING TO GM, THE NYLON TUBING (PA12) USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION IN THESE VEHICLES MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK.GM'S SUPPLIER ATTRIBUTED THE CRACKING TO THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF HEAT, TIME, ALCOHOL FUEL, FUEL PRESSURE CYCLING, AND DESIGN STRESSES.IN ADDITION, GM STATED THAT THE MY 1995 AURORA USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY ALSO CRACK AT UNUSUALLY HIGH RATES.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTED OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL IN ALL OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES AND WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE IN THE MY 1995 AURORAS. ON APRIL 16, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS ADDING APPROXIMATELY 389,000 MY 1995-97 CADILLAC SEVILLE, DEVILLE AND ELDORADO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.6L V8 ENGINES (RPO'S LD8 AND L37 - VIN8 Y AND 9) TO RECALL 04V-110.THE RECALLED CADILLACS WILL RECEIVE THE NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAILS.THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED BY DANA.THE FUEL RAIL JUMPER TUBES WERE MADE OF MONOLAYER NYLON 12 (PA12).IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998, THE JUMPER TUBE MATERIAL WAS CHANGED FROM PA12 TO M-BOND (A MULTI-LAYER PTFE/PA12).IN ADDITION, ALL SERVICE PARTS PRODUCED SINCE THE END OF PRODUCTION 1997 USE THE M-BOND JUMPER TUBES. MATERIAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED BY DANA ON FAILED FUEL RAILS SHOWED THAT THE MONO-LAYER NYLON 12 JUMPER TUBES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING (ESC).GM BELIEVES THE ESC IS A RESULT OF HEAT, TIME, ALCOHOL BLENDED FUEL, FUEL PRESSURE CYCLING, AND DESIGNED IN STRESS. EIGHT OF THE GM COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF ODI COMPLAINTS.ODI HAS RECEIVED 77 OF IT'S 123 COMPLAINTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.FUEL RAIL PART SALES OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS RANGE FROM 3.0 PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR THE MY 1997 CADILLAC VEHICLES TO 13.1 PERCENT FOR THE MY 1995 AURORAS.AT LEAST ONE OF THE FIRE INCIDENTS OCCURED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHIN A GARAGE ATTACHED TO THE CONSUMERS HOME.THE FIRE RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE DWELLING AS WELL AS THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
There is no summary currently available
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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
- NHTSA ID
- 10808377
- Incident
- Mar 4, 2015
- Mileage
- 100,000 mi
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
- NHTSA ID
- 10598796
- Incident
- Feb 27, 2014
- Mileage
- 129,000 mi
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 GIVE THEM ANYTHING BECAUSE THE CAR WAS A PIECE OF JUNK. THE OTHER WAS THAT THEY HAD FIXED IT AND I NEVER CAME TO PAY FOR IT. WHEN I CALLED AND TOLD [XXX] THAT I WAS COMING TO PICK THE CAR UP HE TOLD ME TO HOLD ON TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS ON THE LOT. HE CAME BACK AND ASKED ME IF I HAD ALREADY PICKED THE CAR UP. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE RECALL. THEY TOOK MY CAR FROM ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10562367
- Incident
- Apr 6, 2011
- Mileage
- 1,000 mi
STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10554991
- Incident
- Dec 5, 2013
- Mileage
- 138,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 10467529
- Incident
- Jul 24, 2012
- Mileage
- 61,200 mi
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
- NHTSA ID
- 10312352
- Incident
- Feb 8, 2010
- Mileage
- 60,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 10239401
- Incident
- Aug 21, 2008
- Mileage
- 26,109 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 10236137
- Incident
- Jul 22, 2008
- Mileage
- 103,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
EQUIPMENT
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
EQUIPMENT
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
EQUIPMENT
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 38.5 |
| 2001 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 27.6 |
| 2000 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 45.7 |
| 1999 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 35.1 |
| 1998 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 37.6 |
| 1997 | 59 | 2 | 2 | 58.7 |
| 1996Viewing | 60 | 2 | 3 | 56.6 |
| 1995 | 54 | 2 | 4 | 63.5 |
| 1994 | 35 | 2 | 2 | 53.3 |
| 1993 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 49.6 |
| 1992 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 42.7 |
| 1991 | 9 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1990 | 25 | 4 | 0 | 55.2 |
| 1989 | 8 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1988 | 9 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1987 | 7 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 1986 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 60.3 |
| 1985 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 60.6 |
| 1984 | 7 | 3 | 4 | — |
| 1983 | 4 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1982 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1981 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.