NHTSA vehicle safety data

1997 Cadillac Eldorado Recalls & Complaints

The 1997 Cadillac Eldorado has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 59 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Cadillac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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1997 Cadillac Eldorado owner complaints

Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado, describing incidents dated June 19, 1997 to June 9, 2016.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 18 complaints
Service Brakes 15 complaints
Engine 9 complaints
Steering 3 complaints
Air Bags 2 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints

Of the 59 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 59 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10873929 · Filed June 13, 2016
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…
ODI #10782173 · Filed October 14, 2015
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…
ODI #10735170 · Filed July 20, 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…

Read all 59 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA04-003: FUEL RAIL LEAKS
Closed April 23, 2004
- Recall 04V-110
Preliminary Evaluation PE03-050: FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
Closed February 3, 2004

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

GM/FUEL RAIL TUBING

NHTSA #04V110000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 483,477 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 04014 · Owners notified June 2, 2004 · Vehicles built March 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 04014.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/ABS

NHTSA #97V064000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · NHTSA notice

Reported April 28, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 156,910 vehicles

Owners notified May 28, 1997 · Vehicles built April 1, 1996 – April 15, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEING DURING MAY 1997. NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

59 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado.

Steering; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10873929

Fire

Incident: June 9, 2016 · Filed: June 13, 2016

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

Engine

ODI #10782173

Fire

Incident: October 11, 2015 · Filed: October 14, 2015

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.

Electrical System; Service Brakes

ODI #10735170

Incident: January 1, 2015 · Filed: July 20, 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10451355

Incident: March 12, 2012 · Filed: March 13, 2012

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Traction Control System

ODI #10374633

Incident: December 14, 2010 · Filed: January 4, 2011

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System

ODI #10327426

Filed: April 23, 2010

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

Tires

ODI #10323015

Incident: March 31, 2010 · Filed: March 31, 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10285152

Fire

Incident: July 16, 2008 · Filed: September 24, 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10240099

Fire

Incident: July 15, 2008 · Filed: August 28, 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

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10223829

Incident: December 20, 2007 · Filed: April 9, 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

Other Cadillac Eldorado model years

Check your 1997 Cadillac Eldorado VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Cadillac Eldorado at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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