1998 Cadillac Eldorado: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (16% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac eldorado. When the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the technician stated that the plastic fuel rail was leaking. The failure occurred without warning. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened case number: 8-450-4863293. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 cadillac eldorado. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he smelled a strong fuel odor. While examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from one of the fuel lines. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 149,500.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac eldorado. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact noticed a puddle of fuel on the ground. She also smelled a strong odor of gasoline outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician stated that the failure was due to the fuel rail. The vehicle has not been repaired and is not being driven due to the safety hazard. The failure and current mileages were 92,000. Updated 08/14/09. *lj updated 08/17/09. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Two tires continue to lose air. I finally went to replace the tires and the service center said that the rim was leaking and had to be replaced. That there was a hole in the rim from oxidation. The chrome was peeling off of 2 of the rims. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2008
“Tl* - the contact stated that while driving his 1998 cadillac eldorado he could smell gas, so he took it to pep boys. At pep boys they stated that the plastic part of the fuel rail had several pinholes in it and was spraying a mist of fuel onto the number eight spark plug. The plastic tubing had to be replaced. The failure mileage was 94000. The contact can provide a copy of the invoice repair if needed. *nm updated 2/16/2007 - the technician informed the consumer of a recall related to this problem. The technician then contacted the manufacturer and was told that the consumer vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2006
“While applying the brakes suddenly in heavy traffic on I-95 the brakes failed. The brake pedal went completly to the floor and provided no braking capability. Brake fluid was released into the engine compartment and smoke was released. The emergency brake was used to get the car to the nearest dealership. Both brake lines had reptured (front and rear). Parts were $130 and labor was $497. Cadillac customer service refused to reimburse me for any of the costs for the repairs because of the out or warranty period. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2003
“The brake rotors wore out prematurely, consumer stated the parts had either been replaced or grounded down five times. *ak *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2003
“The headlamps quit working. It has been in service department 3 times within a year. They keep replacing relays but it continues to happen. I am afraid to drive very far at night because of no headlamps. *nlm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2003
“When the vehicle came to a stop, the engine stalled, which resulted in loss of power steering, the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2003
“While driving the brakes activated although the driver did not press the brake pedal. The vehicle was repaired and the problem has not returned. The consumer requested reimbursement but was denied because the vehicle was out of warranty. The traction control sensor was rewired. There was a rattle in the rear of the vehicle while driving over bumps. The dealer replaced the front stabilizer links. The dealer also replaced the ebtcm. *nlm *scc *nlm”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES. THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES WAS MISROUTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE HARNESS, CORRECT AS NECESSARY, AND INSTALL A PLASTIC TIE STRAP TO THE HARNESS.
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 1998 Cadillac Eldorado reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Cadillac Eldorado. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Cadillac Eldorado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,490 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Cadillac Eldorado have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. 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.