RoadVitals

1996 Cadillac Eldorado Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
60
Latest Dec 4, 2015
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Sep 4, 1996

What this page shows

Our database holds 60 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 60 · page 1 of 3

Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2015

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 system
Filed Jun 17, 2014

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
Electrical
Filed Jan 31, 2014

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
Fuel system
Filed Dec 5, 2013

STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10554991
Incident
Dec 5, 2013
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 24, 2012

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
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 20, 2010

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
Fuel system
Filed Aug 22, 2008

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
Electrical
Filed Jul 28, 2008

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
Electrical
Filed Apr 10, 2008

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.

NHTSA ID
10224143
Incident
Oct 1, 2007
Mileage
145,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 28, 2008

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

NHTSA ID
10219544
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 17, 2007

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.

NHTSA ID
10212120
Incident
Jan 20, 1999
Mileage
31,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 13, 2006

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 THE SAME COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME TIRE. I WOULD LIKE FOR A TIRE EXPERT TO LOOK AT MY TIRE. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE TIRES AND THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10176086
Incident
Nov 26, 2006
Mileage
192,822 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 23, 2006

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

NHTSA ID
10171580
Incident
Oct 21, 2006
Mileage
150,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2006

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.

NHTSA ID
10155035
Incident
Apr 11, 2006
Mileage
160,000 mi
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Feb 16, 2006

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.

NHTSA ID
10150467
Incident
Feb 16, 2006
Mileage
94,500 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 27, 2005

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

NHTSA ID
10140960
Incident
Oct 26, 2005
Mileage
60,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 25, 2005

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.

NHTSA ID
10129920
Incident
Jun 17, 2005
Mileage
73,751 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed May 13, 2005

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

NHTSA ID
10117550
Incident
Mar 2, 1997
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 18, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10101303
Incident
Nov 18, 2004
Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10097860
Incident
Oct 20, 2004
Mileage
68,337 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10092612
Incident
Sep 16, 2004
Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10097288
Incident
Oct 8, 2003
Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10073903
Incident
Aug 1, 2004
Mileage
65,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 14, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10079527
Incident
Jun 1, 2004
Electrical
Filed Jun 14, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10073730
Incident
May 13, 2004

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.

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