Cadillac Eldorado Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Cadillac Eldorado options? We analyzed 3 model years (2000–2002) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac Eldorado has 70 owner complaints and 1 safety recall across model years 2000–2002. The most reported issue area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2000 drew the most complaints; 2002 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Eldorado
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2002 (3 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 70
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2000 (30 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2002 (16 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Cadillac Eldorado: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe CADILLAC ELDORADO has 70 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 70 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 1 federal recall campaign
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
1 recall foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2002. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 70 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
70 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 04/22/2016*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STABILIZATION ENGAGE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED HER BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE PARKED THE TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE SERVICE AND STEERING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED WHO BOTH TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON WAITING LIST FOR THE PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 02/18/11 *BF
CAR ACCELERATES WHEN PARKING INTO ANGLE PARKING SPACE. IT DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I PURCHASED IT USED WITH APROX 26,000 MILES. AT FIRST ,I THOUGHT IT WAS ME HITTING THE BRAKE AN ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME. I BEGAN TO BE CAREFUL WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO COVER THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY. IT DID IT AGAIN AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AT 30982 MILES, WHICH LOOKED AT ME STRANGELY, SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS. HE CALLED GM, AN YES THEY HAD, WAS TOLD TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER, WHICH THEY ACCOMPLISHED. ALL OF THE CASES HAVE BEEN INTERMITTENT AND STILL OCCUR EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. ESPECIALLY WHEN I PARK IN A ANGLE AND OFF CAMBER SPOT. (I THANK IT MIGHT BE TRACTION CONTROL RELATED.) JUST RECALLING SEEING A LOT OF ACCIDENTS BY FOLKS RUNNING THROUGH A BUSINESS FROM PARKING CLOSE BY. THEN THEY ARE BLAMED FOR HITTING THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. MY ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE FASTER AN FASTER AS I PUSH HARDER AN HARDER ON THE BRAKE TO A POINT I AM READY TO TURN THE KEY OFF, THEN IT WILL THEN DROP BACK TO IDLE ON IT'S OWN. VERY SCARY THOUGH IF YOU DO NOT REACT QUICKLY. NO DEALER IN MY TOWN ANY MORE. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW ITS NOT ALL TOYOTA. *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 20-30 MPH THE "CHECK ENGINE COOLANT" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AT AN EXPENSE OF $3,000.00. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER WIRES THAT DISABLE STARTER BREAK AND CAR WILL NOT START . THE DEALER SAID THIS HAPPENS ON ALMOST EVERY 2001 CADILAC EQUIPPED WITH THE RESISTANCE CHIP ON THE KEY. THE MESSAGE SAYS WAIT 3 MINUTE AND RESTART THE CAR. THE 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO ESC ONLY HAS 44,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
WHEN I TRY TO START MY CAR THE TRUNK AND SOMETIMES THE GAS CAP COMES OPEN. I MUST THEN GET OUT OF MY CAR AND GO TO THE REAR AND PUT THE TRUNK AND CLOSE THE CAP..........I AM LOOKING FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITH THEIR CAR. *TR
I PURCHASED 4 NEW GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORT TREAD TIRES ON 10/01/2008. ON 12/02/2008 I HAD A BLOW-OUT TO THE SIDE WALL (OUTER) OF THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE. I WAS TRAVELING 30MPH. I HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE TIRES.(CLAUDE NOLAN CADILLAC). I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER TO MAINTAIN THE OLD TIRE FOR POSSIBLE INSPECTION. *TR
2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL MADE CONTACT WITH THE FLOORBOARD. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES AT 9,000, 23,000 AND 33,000 MILES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO RUST AND WHAT THEY WERE MADE OFF THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK UPDATED 04/12/07. *JB
2001 CADILLAC WITHOUT WARNING LOST BOTH STEERING AND BRAKING ON TWO OCCASIONS. *TS THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF A MALFUNCTIONING CRANK SENSOR AND RESULTED IN THE ENGINE LOSING POWER. THE CONSUMER HAS FILED THREE FORMAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, TWO WITH THE DEALER AND ONE WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER ADMITTED THAT CADILLAC HAD A KNOWN SENSOR PROBLEM FROM 2000 TO 2004. *NM
DT: THE BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED AND WERE DEFECTIVE. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AT 7,000 MILES. THIS WAS ON FEBRUARY 28, 2003. THE REAR ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AT 8,000 MILES. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 9,000 MILES. THE REAR ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AT 11,000 MILES. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AT 23,000 MILES. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS HAD THE SAME FAILURES. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE LAST REPAIR OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS AS OF YET. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE ROTORS. *AK
2001 ELDORADO ETC SEAT BACK RECLINED WHILE DRIVING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR *JB
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. THE TECHNICIAN HAD TO REPLACE THE SENSOR A AND B AS THE SENSOR WAS LOOSING IT'S SIGNAL. *SC
ON TWO OCCASIONS, MY MOTHER DROVE TO GROCERY STORES, PARKED HER 2001 EL DORADO CADILLAC, SHOPPED, GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND PUT IT REVERSE, TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, PUT IT IN DRIVE, BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FIRST TIME SHE ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THE SECOND TIME SHE ENDED UP BLOWING A STOP SIGN AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGED. THERE WERE TWO SERVICE CALLS REGARDING THE PROBLEM WITH GUY HILL CADILLAC IN SAN DIEGO AND ANOTHER SERVICE CALL WITH DE LA FUENTE CADILLAC IN EL CAJON CALIFORNIA. ALL THREE SERVICE CALLS RESULTED IN THE SAME RESPONSE. THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED.*AK
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES BUT IT FAILED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY DEALER.*AK
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AS IF THE BELT BLEW OUT. THE DEALER CAN NOT TELL WHICH PART FAILED BUT REPLACED BOTH POWER STEERING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION UNIT. *YH
Showing 20 of 70 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac Eldorado
These pages show model-year patterns across 3 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Cadillac Eldorado, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac Eldorado has 70 complaints on record across 3 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Cadillac Eldorado has 1 recall campaign in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the Cadillac Eldorado's 70 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Cadillac Eldorado vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Cadillac Eldorado vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Cadillac Eldorado has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Cadillac Eldorado stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Cadillac Eldorado by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Cadillac Eldorado.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Cadillac Eldorado reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac Eldorado reliable?
Average. The Cadillac Eldorado has 70 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall campaign across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Cadillac Eldorado years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (30 complaints), 2001 (24 complaints), 2002 (16 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Cadillac Eldorado problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (17 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints); HYDRAULIC (9 complaints).
Does the Cadillac Eldorado have recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign have been issued for the Cadillac Eldorado. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.