Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac Eldorado vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac Eldorado and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac Eldorado vs Toyota Camry: The Eldorado has 70 complaints over 3 years (23.3/yr) vs Camry's 2143 over 10 years (214.3/yr). Eldorado reports brake and engine failures; Camry has transmission and sudden acceleration issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac Eldorado or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado is a large, luxury coupe that, based on NHTSA data, shows a pattern of age-related mechanical and electrical issues. Owners report engine problems like valve solenoid and torque converter failures, brake system failures including lines and calipers, and electrical gremlins causing stalling and intermittent accessories. With 70 complaints over 3 years, it's a vehicle that demands attention to maintenance and potential repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume (2143 over 10 years), but that's partly due to its huge sales numbers. The complaints span many areas, including transmission issues, sudden acceleration reports, brake failures, and air conditioning problems. While some issues are serious, the Camry's overall reliability reputation is generally better, but buyers should still be aware of specific model-year quirks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac Eldorado | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 70 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac Eldorado
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING17
- 02SERVICE BRAKES10
- 03HYDRAULIC9
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 05STEERING6
Owners report check engine lights and clinking noises, with dealers diagnosing valve solenoid and torque converter failures. Some describe engine failure and metal-on-metal crunching sounds, indicating potential internal damage.
Brake failures are reported, including a brake line from the master cylinder to the front brakes failing. Others mention numerous brake complaints leading to replacement of calipers, rotors, and pads, suggesting a systemic issue.
Hydraulic issues often relate to the brake system, with reports of brake line failures and caliper problems. These are safety-critical and can lead to loss of braking power.
Electrical failures include the engine quitting while driving at highway speeds, as well as intermittent A/C and power windows. These can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if they cause stalling.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A CLINKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VALVE SOLENOID AND TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MA…”
“2000 CADILLAC ELDORADO ENGINE FAILURE AND CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER'S LACK OF RESPONSE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, THE A/C AND THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW HAD BECOME INTERMITTENT. THE CONSUMER HEARD A METAL ON METAL CRUNCHIN…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises upon acceleration and dealers recommending full transmission replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar problems on newer models, but their VINs may not be covered.
Reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration are alarming, leading to crashes. Other engine problems include coolant valve bypass codes that may be related to recalls but not applied to all VINs.
Brake failures are reported, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal on a hill, which is extremely dangerous. Other complaints involve brake performance in parking lots.
Electrical issues include A/C condenser damage from rocks and recurring HVAC odors, which are more of a comfort issue but still annoying. Some electrical problems may affect safety systems.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac Eldorado — 1 recall
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS ARE LOOSE AND CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD.
The risk: SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED STEERING INPUT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK AND ADJUST THE VEHICLE TOE-IN AND TIGHTEN THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac Eldorado or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Eldorado has far fewer complaints per year (23.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Eldorado's complaints are concentrated in critical areas like brakes and engine. The Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but it also has serious issues like sudden acceleration. In practice, the Camry may have more reported problems overall, but the Eldorado's issues are more likely to be severe and costly.
Key differences
- The Eldorado has a higher proportion of brake and hydraulic failures, while the Camry has more transmission and engine complaints.
- The Camry has a much higher number of complaints overall, but that's partly due to its larger sales volume.
- The Eldorado's electrical issues can cause stalling, while the Camry's sudden acceleration reports are particularly dangerous.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) than the Eldorado (1), indicating more proactive safety campaigns.
- Inspect the brake lines and calipers for corrosion or leaks, as brake failures are reported.
- Check for engine codes related to valve solenoids and torque converter, and listen for unusual engine noises.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding noises, as transmission failure is common.
- Check for any open recalls, especially those related to airbags, seats, and wheels, and ensure they've been addressed.
Before you buy
- For the Eldorado: have a mechanic inspect the entire brake system, including lines, calipers, and master cylinder.
- For the Eldorado: check the engine for any signs of overheating or unusual noises, and review maintenance records for cooling system service.
- For the Camry: verify the VIN against NHTSA recalls and ensure all safety recalls are completed.
- For the Camry: take a thorough test drive, including acceleration and braking, to detect any transmission or brake issues.
- For both: get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted independent mechanic.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac Eldorado or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac Eldorado vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac Eldorado total complaints
- 70
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Cadillac Eldorado total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac Eldorado avg complaints/year
- 23.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Eldorado
- Cadillac Eldorado top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN