1997 CADILLAC Eldorado Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

16 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HEARD A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DISENGAGED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AGAIN AND THE SCREECHING NOISE RECURRED. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MINUTES, SHE PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. SHE WAITED APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND THE ABS MESSAGE WAS NO LONGER DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK), HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE, PURCHASE DATE, SPEED, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,155.

Sep 25, 2007

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 97V064000, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; ANTILOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Dec 06, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MAKES NOISE AND VIBRATES EVERY TIME THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. A VARIETY OF MANEUVERS ARE USED TO GET THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE EFFECTIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Apr 20, 2006

WHILE DRIVING THE ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM

Dec 30, 2003

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 97V064000 CONCERNING ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Oct 21, 2003

+ 11 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

14 complaints

MY VEHICLE STARTED STALLING ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, IT WOULD SUDDENLY JUST CUT OFF AS IF THE GAS WAS NO LONGER FUELING THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD STOP AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN FOR ABOUT AND HOUR. AFTER STARTING IT WOULD RUN FOR ABOUT TWENTY MIN. IT WOULD THEN STOP AGAIN. I CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW ONE AND IT DID THE SAME THING. IT APPEARS THERE IS NO SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mar 13, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL # 04V110000, FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE, DELIVERY HOSES, LINES, PIPING, AND FITTINGS. AS A CONSEQUENCE IN 2008, THE FUEL LEAKAGE LEAD TO AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT SINCE THE COMPANY FILED BANKRUPTCY THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY. HE HAS PHOTOS OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,000.

Sep 24, 2009

Fire: 1

VEHICLE IS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME STARTING. CONSUMER FEELS THAT IT IS RELATED TO THE GAS LINE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK OWNER HAS BEEN SMELLING GASOLINE ODOR OFF AND ON FOR 6 WEEKS. HAS NOT STARTED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS. TAKEN TO ED MORRIS CADILLAC (KEN FAGAN)

Jun 16, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. ONCE HE ARRIVED HOME, HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE HE WAS THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, HE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CONTACT WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,200. UPDATED 09/24/08 *BF UPDATED 10/01/08. *JB

Aug 28, 2008

Fire: 1

I WAS NOTIFIED OF A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1997 CADILLAC EL DORADO THAT TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONST. MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT DONE I WAS TOLD THAT THEY POSSIBLY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I FEEL THIS IS COMPLETELY UNFAIR, I DIDN'T CREATE THIS PROBLEM AND FEEL GM SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE IT SAFE BY REPLACING IT AT NO CHARGE. ANYWAY! I THOUGHT I WOULD LET YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN DO ANYTHING. THANKS GREG *TR

Oct 25, 2007

+ 9 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 complaints

VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE COOLANT, BUT WASN'T SEEING ANY LEAKS. I THEN DECIDED TO OPEN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR AND SMELL FOR GASOLINE, AND THE ODOR OF GASOLINE IS PRESENT IN THE COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND FOUND TO HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *TR

Apr 09, 2008

CADILLAC 4.6 ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO HEAD BOLT PROBLEM THE THREADS PULL OUT OF BLOCK CAUSING COOLANT LEAKS AND COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE AND LOST. CADILLAC HAS A FIX FOR THE THREADS IN THE BLOCK ALONG WITH NEW GASKETS AND BOLTS. TSB IS 00-06-01-016 FOR A LIST OF PARTS AND A SPECIAL TOOL IS NECESSARY FOR THE REPAIR. *JB

May 09, 2003

WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. *NLM

May 07, 2003

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL LEAK PRIOR TO DELIVERY OF VEHICLE TO CONSUMER AND TWICE AFTER DELIVERY. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL LEAK PRIOR TO DELIVERY OF VEHICLE TO CONSUMER AND TWICE AFTER DELIVERY. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

+ 4 more complaints for this component

STEERING

7 complaints

ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS WHEN I STAR OUT AND IT HAPPENED TO OR IS RAINING I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP. AFTER I BELIEVE THE BELT TO DRY IT IS OKAY. AT ONE TIME IT LOCKED UP IN A TURN AND IT TAKES SUPERMAN TO STEER. THIS COULD BE THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THAT AT ONE TIME I READ THAT THE NHTSA BOARD WAS TALKING ABOUT THIS BUT CADILLAC DID NOT CORRESPOND TO THE BOARDS COMPLAINT. THIS IS A DEFINITELY A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT COULD PROBABLY SOLVED BY SOME TYPE OF COVER. *NLM

Apr 28, 2003

A TEMPORARY "FREEZING" OF THE STEERING WHEEL OCCURRED AT 21,700 MILES. THE "FREEZING DID NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE INCIDENT REPORTED IN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. *AK

Mar 20, 2001

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STEERING PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)NLM

Oct 29, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STEERING PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)NLM

Oct 29, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STEERING PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)NLM

Oct 29, 1999

+ 2 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

3 complaints

DT: 1997 CADILLAC EL DORADO. THE CONSUMER STATES HE HAD RECALL, 04V110000REPAIRS PERFORMED ON VEHICLE. THIS WAS DONE APPROXIMATELY ON AUGUST 30, 2005. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP IT BEGAN LEAKING FUEL. THE REPLACED COMPONENTS WERE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THIS CAUSED THE FUEL TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SINCE THIS WAS REPLACED. *AK

Sep 13, 2005

FUEL INDICATOR FAILED. NLM

Feb 01, 1999

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED.

Feb 01, 1999

SUSPENSION

3 complaints

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STABILITY PROBLEMS.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STABILITY PROBLEMS.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE SWAYS TO THE RIGHT. DEALER SAYS CAR IS FINE. *AK

Apr 23, 1998

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER TO SUSTAIN MAJOR INJURIES, AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. *AK THE VEHICLE HIT A GUARD RAIL AND ROLLED OVER. *SC *JB

Jul 15, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

DURING A 70 MPH ROLL OVER, THE VEHICLE HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. *JB

Jul 15, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

HAVE HAD TWO CADILLAC EL DORADO'S. BOTH OF WHICH HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUNK LEAKING. HAVE HAD TO DRILL HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF OUR FIRST CADILLAC TO ALLOW THE WATER TO DRAIN. HAVE ALSO HAD TO USE A SHOP AND VAC TO SUCK OUT THE WATER. THOUGHT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE OLDER CADILLAC'S. HOWEVER, A YEAR AGO, PURCHASED A 1997 CADILLAC EL DORADO AND HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NOT TO THE SAME EXTENT. THE WETNESS IN THE TRUNK IS CAUSING CONDENSATION AND MILDEW. THE ODOR COMES INTO THE CAR.*AK

Aug 31, 2004

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STABILITY PROBLEMS.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) NLM

Oct 29, 1999

INTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

DASH LIGHTS FAILED. *YC

Feb 01, 1999

DASH LIGHTS CONTROLLED BY A SENSOR, DRIVER CANNOT OVERIDE SENSOR, CAUSING PROBLEMS SEEING THE CLUSTER AT DUSK, DAWN.

Feb 09, 1998

EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

AIR CONDITONER FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

RADIO ANTENNA FAILED.

Feb 09, 1998

STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM/GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. ...UPDATED 08/29/16 UPDATED 6/11/18*JB

Jun 13, 2016

Fire: 1

ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Oct 14, 2015

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTI BRAKING SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR WHEN SHE TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH INTO THE RUN POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH INTO THE RUN POSITION INTERMITTENTLY AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Jul 20, 2015

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO TOURING COUPE (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED SHORTLY AFTER AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO 15 MPH AND THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER IT WAS STARTED UP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN BECAUSE OF A CORRODED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM OR ABS SYSTEM SENSOR. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,200.

Jan 04, 2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN IN TRAFFIC *TGW THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL SENDER, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE IDLE WAS BELOW FACTORY SPECS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT OVERRIDE THE COMPUTER, TO PLACE THE VEHICLE AT THE FACTORY SETTING. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, IT IDLED AT 900 RPM AND NOT IT IDLES AT 400 IN WARM WEATHER. *JB UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY SHUT DOWN WHEN IT WAS WARM. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS, BUT TO NO AVAIL. UPDATED 06/15/10.*JB UPDATED 06/29/10. *JB UPDATED 08/03/10.*JB

Apr 23, 2010

TIRES

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE PULLED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCATION OTHER THAN THE RESIDENCE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

Mar 31, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE LOW COOLANT INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO REFILL THE COOLANT RECEPTACLE. THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ONCE. WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLOUD OF SMOKE APPEARING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS BLOWN HEAD BOLTS FROM WITHIN THE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 53000.*AK

Mar 22, 2007

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

CONSUMER LETTER REGARDING THE RECALL FOR THE 1997 CADILLAC ELDORADO.*MR *NM

Aug 24, 2005

WHEELS

1 complaint

CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE NEW TIRE KEPT LOSING AIR, AND FOUND THE AIR WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE ALLOY RIM. *SCC

Sep 17, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING BRAKE PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)NLM

Oct 29, 1999

SEATS

1 complaint

HEATED SEATS MELTED. THE DEALER HAS DISCONNECTED THE WIRES TO THE SEATS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Aug 26, 1999

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. *YC

Feb 01, 1999

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

FRONT WINDOW STRIP IS LOOSE. *YC

Feb 01, 1999

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

PARKING BRAKE FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT CHOKES OWNER WHILE DRIVING.OWNER NOTES THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WITH SHORT DRIVERS. DEALERS HAVE NO ANWSER FOR PROBLEM. *AK

Nov 26, 1997

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO READ THE SPEED ON THE SPEEDOMETER DUE TO POOR LIGHTING ON THE DASH. *AK

Jul 14, 1997

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1997 CADILLAC Eldorado have?

The 1997 CADILLAC Eldorado currently has 79 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1997 CADILLAC Eldorado?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 CADILLAC Eldorado are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1997 CADILLAC Eldorado problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 CADILLAC Eldorado comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.