The Cadillac Fleetwood has 19 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1982–1996. On average a defect was admitted 5.55 years after the car was built, the slowest took 20 years. The most recalled system is Power Train (3 campaigns). Owners also filed 132 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Cadillac Fleetwood
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Power Train 3 Read
What's wrong. These vehicles were produced with an improperly adjusted transmission shift control linkage. This does not meet with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection."
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: it may be possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed increasing the risk of a vehicle accident resulting from the unintended movement of a parked vehicle
Fix. Dealers will adjust the shift control linkage system
What's wrong. The upper transaxle oil cooler hose can pull out of the crimped coupling at the transaxle end of the line assembly
Risk. In the event of separation of the coupling, an oil leak can occur which, when exposed to an ignition source, could result in an engine compartment fire
Fix. Dealers will install a new upper transaxle oil cooler line to the transaxle
What's wrong. The upper transaxle oil cooler hose can pull out of the crimped coupling at the transaxle end of the line assembly
Risk. In the event of separation of the coupling, an oil leak can occur which, when exposed to an ignition source, could result in an engine compartment fire
Fix. Dealers will install a new upper transaxle oil cooler line to the transaxle
Fuel System, Gasoline 3 Read
What's wrong. The fuel tank attachment strap fasteners were not properly tightened. The fasteners can completely detach, eventually allowing the fuel tank to sag and the bottom of the tank to strike the roadway
Risk. This can result in a fuel tank leak and fire if the leaking fuel is exposed to a source of ignition
Fix. Dealers will retighten the fuel tank strap fasteners
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1)
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1)
Wheels 2 Read
What's wrong. The wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification during assembly
Risk. This condition could result in a fracture of the wheel studs causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle
Fix. Dealers will tighten the vehicle's wheel lug nuts to the proper specification
What's wrong. The wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification during assembly
Risk. This condition could result in a fracture of the wheel studs causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle
Fix. Dealers will tighten the vehicle's wheel lug nuts to the proper specification
What's wrong. Paint on the wheel mounting surfaces can act as a shim between the wheel and the rotor/drum. As the vehicle is driven, the wheel imbeds into the paint, loosening the lug nut and causing a loss of clamp load
Risk. Once clamp load is lost, all tire loads are taken by the wheel studs resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs. This could cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle and could result in a vehicles crash without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will clean the wheel mounting surfaces for all four wheels. Also, the wheel studs will be inspected for damage and will be replaced as necessary
Suspension 2 Read
What's wrong. Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen
Risk. The lower control arm ball joint can loosen, fatigue, and separate from the front suspension knuckle resulting in a loss of vehicle control
Fix. Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced
What's wrong. Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen
Risk. The lower control arm ball joint can loosen, fatigue, and separate from the front suspension knuckle resulting in a loss of vehicle control
Fix. Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced
What's wrong. Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen
Risk. If the lower control arm ball joint loosens, fatigues and separates from the front suspension knuckle, it could cause loss of vehicle control
Fix. Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened from the knuckle, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced
Equipment 2 Read
What's wrong. Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures
Risk. This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire
Fix. Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075
What's wrong. Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures
Risk. This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire
Fix. Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075
What's wrong. Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures
Risk. This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire
Fix. Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
What's wrong. These vehicles fail to conform to fmvss no. 124, "accelerator control systems." at low temperatures, excessive friction can occur in the accelerator pedal assembly
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: in the event of a failure of the trottle return spring, if there is excessive friction in the pedal assembly, the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly
What's wrong. These vehicles fail to conform to fmvss no. 124, "accelerator control systems." at low temperatures, excessive friction can occur in the accelerator pedal assembly
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: in the event of a failure of the trottle return spring, if there is excessive friction in the pedal assembly, the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
What's wrong. The engine oil cooler inlet hose may have been installed too close to the steering gear causing chafing. The chafing can eventually wear through the hose's protective sleeve resulting in engine oil leaking onto the engine
Risk. If this occurs, the oil leak onto the engine can result in an engine compartment fire
Air Bags 1 Read
What's wrong. The passenger side air bag can experience an inflator ignition delay in the event of an accident. This does not comply with fmvss 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk. If the inflator ignition is delayed in an accident, theair bag may be late in deploying, resulting in increased risk of injury tothe passenger seat occupant
Fix. Replace the passenger side air bags
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1 Read
What's wrong. Rear wheel brake cylinders too small to allow for proper braking
Risk. Stopping distance requirements of fmvss 105 are not metwith the power assist unit inoperative
Fix. Replace original 1" rear wheel brake cylinder with a 1 1/16" cylinder
Seat Belts 1 Read
What's wrong. Safety belts (type 1 lap belts) for rear facing seats were not installed
Risk. Lack of restraints could contribute to otherwise preventable injury and would not comply with fmvss 209 and 210
Fix. Install safety belts for rear facing seats
What's wrong. Safety belts (type 1 lap belts) for rear facing seats were not installed
Risk. Lack of restraints could contribute to otherwise preventable injury and would not comply with fmvss 209 and 210
Fix. Install safety belts for rear facing seats
What's wrong. Safety belts (type 1 lap belts) for rear facing seats were not installed
Risk. Lack of restraints could contribute to otherwise preventable injury and would not comply with fmvss 209 and 210
Fix. Install safety belts for rear facing seats
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 5.55 years |
| Slowest campaign | 20 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 38.6% |
| Campaigns on record | 19 |
Which Fleetwood years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Suspension | |
| 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| 1993 | Equipment | |
| 1992 | Equipment | |
| 1991 | Equipment | |
| 1990 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1989 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1988 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1987 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1986 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1985 | Seat Belts | |
| 1984 | Equipment | |
| 1983 | Equipment | |
| 1982 | Fuel System, Gasoline |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Cadillac Fleetwood have?
19 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1982–1996. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Fleetwood still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 5.55 years, and the slowest campaign came 20 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.