1997 Cadillac Eldorado: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 59 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2016
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2015
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2012
“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.”Owner report · Traction Control System · Dec 2010
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2010
“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)”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2009
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2008
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2008
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Eldorado by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado reliable?
NHTSA has 59 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Eldorado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,191 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.