1996 Cadillac Eldorado
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › Eldorado › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Cadillac Eldorado. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
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 analog instrument panel cluster on these vehicles could have an internal short circuit disrupting the pass key system, causing failure of the instrument panel gauges and tell-tales, and a possible no-start condition. This does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays;" no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if the short circuit occurs while driving, the instrument panel cluster will go blank, causing loss of gauge function and all teel-tale indicators except for ABS, sir, park brake and service engine soon. the loss of all tell-tales for seat belts, turn signals, high beam, hazard, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and others result in noncompliance with these safety standards.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the instrument panel cluster.
Owner complaints
31 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. While driving approximately 35 mph, the stop engine now warning indicator illuminated continuously. The contact pulled over and observed that the oil was low in the vehicle. The contact had to add oil to the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. While driving approximately 35 mph, the stop engine now warning indicator illuminated continuously. The contact pulled over and observed that the oil was low in the vehicle. The contact had to add oil to the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gasket was leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. updated 02/05/16*lj
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel delivery system was spraying fuel onto hot engine (incident occurred on 11/17/10, and repaired at local certified repair center.) nhtsa recall #04v110000/gm recall no. 41921. Owner was never notified of recall. The recall began on 06/02/04 for 1996-1997 oldsmobile and 1996-1997 aurora…
Fuel delivery system was spraying fuel onto hot engine (incident occurred on 11/17/10, and repaired at local certified repair center.) nhtsa recall #04v110000/gm recall no. 41921. Owner was never notified of recall. The recall began on 06/02/04 for 1996-1997 oldsmobile and 1996-1997 aurora vehicles. Owners of 1995 cadillacs and oldsmobile aurora's were sent letters on 08/06/04. no mention of 1996 cadillac el dorado ! cadillac dealership refuses to reimburse owner for repair, even though all required documentation has been provided to the dealership. *Tr
- Electrical system
On our way to a family funeral bells started going off and lights flashing. My husband had put in a new engine from one stop auto don't know why. When we came back from virginia I took the car to my mechanic he didn't want to do anything to it. He believed the brain and the engine wasn't…
On our way to a family funeral bells started going off and lights flashing. My husband had put in a new engine from one stop auto don't know why. When we came back from virginia I took the car to my mechanic he didn't want to do anything to it. He believed the brain and the engine wasn't communicating. My husband suggested we take the car to chesapeake cadillac in cockeysville where he usually buy his car from. When we went into the service department my husband and the service person [xxx] new each other because he would take his car there for service. We also told them we believed there was a recall on the car. My husband also told him to deal with me because the car was given to me. And we were separated and he was moving not to send anything to his old address but to talk to me. When I would call [xxx] to ask about the vehicle he made it sound like something suspicious was going on with the car. He told me to tell my husband to call him and I asked him to tell me what was going on was the car ready. It was only taken there for diagnostic so I could take the car back to where the engine was put in just needed confirmation. [Xxx] never told me the car was done and I could pick it up. They send information to my husband old address not to me since he didn't respond and I didn't know anything about it because [xxx] never told me it was ready. And it was ready nor did he tell me they send info to my husband. They told me to stories they gave it to a junk yard but they wouldn't give them anything because the car was a piece of junk. The other was that they had fixed it and I never came to pay for it. When I called and told [xxx] that I was coming to pick the car up he told me to hold on to see if the car was on the lot. He came back and asked me if I had already picked the car up. I told them about the recall. They took my car from me. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Strong gas smell inside car. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, he noticed that the instrument panel lights were flashing before completely failing. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and but provided no assistance. The failure and the current mileage was 61,200.
- Wheels
Tires leaking at rim. first noticed in 2008. repaired by walmart by "gluing tire to rim" (my words). lasted about 1.5 years. now two tires leaking at rim on 1996 eldorado. after research I understand that the problem IS corrosion in the alloy (chrome) wheel. gm's recommendation IS to replace the wheel. this IS big bucks for 4 wheels (about $1500). *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. the contact smelled gasoline coming from the vehicle and took it to a repair shop. the mechanic discovered that the fuel line covering cracked and caused fuel to leak. the fuel lines will be replaced. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. the contact smelled gasoline coming from the vehicle and took it to a repair shop. the mechanic discovered that the fuel line covering cracked and caused fuel to leak. the fuel lines will be replaced. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 04v110000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery hoses, lines piping, and fittings). the failure and current mileages were 26,109.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. the contact stated that the instrument cluster malfunctioned. the entire instrument panel IS inoperable, except for the speedometer and odometer. while driving 60 mph, the instrument panel cluster will go blank, which causes a loss of gauge…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. the contact stated that the instrument cluster malfunctioned. the entire instrument panel IS inoperable, except for the speedometer and odometer. while driving 60 mph, the instrument panel cluster will go blank, which causes a loss of gauge functionality except for the ABS, sir, park brake, and service engine soon indicators. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 95v224000 (equipment: electrical). the failure mileage was 103,000 and current mileage was 103,200.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. the contact experienced difficulty starting his vehicle for a couple of months. when he was finally able to start it, the instrument panel was not working. the local dealer stated that there was no recall on the vehicle; however, the contact believes…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. the contact experienced difficulty starting his vehicle for a couple of months. when he was finally able to start it, the instrument panel was not working. the local dealer stated that there was no recall on the vehicle; however, the contact believes that his vin should be included in nhtsa campaign ID number 95v224000 (equipment: electrical). the manufacturer stated that they were unfamiliar with this recall. the powertrain was unknown. the failure mileage was 145,000 and approximate current mileage was 155,000.
- Equipment › Electrical
1996 cadillac eldorado electrical failure while driving. Consumer stated that he will lose gauges, auto headlights, warning lamps, and turn signal indicators. He says this failure usually occurs on the freeway. *kb the consumer stated everything blinked and flashed as if a switch was being…
1996 cadillac eldorado electrical failure while driving. Consumer stated that he will lose gauges, auto headlights, warning lamps, and turn signal indicators. He says this failure usually occurs on the freeway. *kb the consumer stated everything blinked and flashed as if a switch was being rapidly turned on and off. After 2 minutes everything went black. The consumer located a recall regarding the problem he experienced, however cadillac informed him, that his vehicle identification number was outside of the production date. recall# 95v224000. *Jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. while driving between 30-65 mph, the headlights and instrument panel lights malfunctioned. the lights functioned normally two minutes after the failures. the failures only occurred in the winter. the dealer replaced the module (part number 16214848)…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 cadillac eldorado. while driving between 30-65 mph, the headlights and instrument panel lights malfunctioned. the lights functioned normally two minutes after the failures. the failures only occurred in the winter. the dealer replaced the module (part number 16214848) and the battery; however, the failure continued. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 95v224000 (equipment:electrical). the failure mileage was 31,000 and current mileage was 125,000.
- Tires › Tread/belt
On november 22 2006, I brought four tires (sumitomo 225 40z18 su htrii 8) from sears at fairlane town center in dearborn michigan. I believe that the installer of the tire at sears was aware of the bubble. I would not have notice the bubble upon inspection of the vehicle at sears because it IS dark…
On november 22 2006, I brought four tires (sumitomo 225 40z18 su htrii 8) from sears at fairlane town center in dearborn michigan. I believe that the installer of the tire at sears was aware of the bubble. I would not have notice the bubble upon inspection of the vehicle at sears because it IS dark in their service area. The bubble IS hard to see even in sunlight. A few days (november 26 2006) later I noticed a bubble in the sidewall of my right front tire. It looked like a separation of the belt within the tire. I showed my friend. He agreed and told me to take it back to sears. I took the car back to sears on december 6 2006. The auto center service manager said that the bubble was caused by a pot hole. I told him that I had not hit anything. He was adamant about his position. He gave me a number for customer service. Customer service called that same manager and when customer service called me they had agreed with the manager and said they cannot help me. I called the manufacturer of the tire and left a message, a representative from the manufacturer contacted me, I explained the situation to the representative. He called the auto service manager and he (representative from the tire manufacturer) also agreed with the manager. The representative said, " the tire IS not under a warranty and my problem IS between you and sears". I researched the internet for complaints or problems with this type of tires. I read over 484 reviews on this tires and I found several similar or the same complaints about the same tire. I would like for a tire expert to look at my tire. There IS something wrong with these tires and the manufacturer IS refusing to admit that there IS a problem with these tires. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would leak intermittently while parked or driving various speeds. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the fuel rail of the gas tank as a recall but the part was defective and did not correct the problem. the consumer's vehicle developed another leak, however the dealer stated the recall problem and the secons problem were not related. updated 12/01/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle overheats. this occurs because the head bolts rust causing the head gasket to blow. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealership. the engine was manufactured by northstar.
- Electrical system · Equipment
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle failed to start and the dashboard lights failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop which repaired the analog instrument panel cluster to fix the starting failure. the dash light failure occurred while driving 35mph and at night.…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle failed to start and the dashboard lights failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop which repaired the analog instrument panel cluster to fix the starting failure. the dash light failure occurred while driving 35mph and at night. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 95v224000. the vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it IS not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Electrical system
Dt:the contact complained about an electrical problem. there was nhtsa recall 95v224000. Contacted the manufacturer, and they stated that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. the electrical system failed twice. on both occasions the car was being driven. the indicator…
Dt:the contact complained about an electrical problem. there was nhtsa recall 95v224000. Contacted the manufacturer, and they stated that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. the electrical system failed twice. on both occasions the car was being driven. the indicator lights came on stating security system default. the vehicle ran fine until the engine was turned off. it would not restart. The indicator lights came back on "stating system disabled. the vehicle was repaired at cost on the first occasion in 2003. now it has to be repaired again. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Ip goes dark. engine stops running. will not start. car towed to dealer. problem was a shorted fuel sender wire with a ground wire inside the fuel tank. Bulkhead connector was melted. This failure could have caused an explosion.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
While applying the brake pedal vehicle failed to stop. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the front and rear brake rotors. however, the problem recurred, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem . also, check engine light appeared on the dashboard, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem . *ak *bf *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
The instrument panel light failed to come on. the lights would come on and off intermittently. consumer was able to contact the dealer. Recall 95v224000 concerning interior systems instrument panel electronic message was issued. however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. consumer had to pay for parts and labor. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings
Consumer claimed that vehicle lost the brakes, and the brake lines rusted. Consumer contacted the dealer and manufacturer, and neither was willing to do anything. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Cracking of fuel rail or return line tubing can result in fuel leak. *bf the consumer experienced a fire in the engine compartment. recall for fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings # 04v110000. *tc
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail · Vehicle speed control
Nhtsa recall 04v110000 regarding fuel rail tubing. vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for the recall. service manager informed consumer that in order for them to perform repairs they would have to perform work on the throttle body, and it would cost consumer $690.00. consumer…
Nhtsa recall 04v110000 regarding fuel rail tubing. vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for the recall. service manager informed consumer that in order for them to perform repairs they would have to perform work on the throttle body, and it would cost consumer $690.00. consumer informed manager that he wanted vehicle back, and that he would take it to another dealership. however, manager advised consumer that he would have to pay $96.00 for them to put back the vehicle together. *ak
- Equipment › Electrical
Complaint regarding recall 95v224000: analog instrument cluster defect. *mr there were problems with the climate control, odometer, gauges, trunk release, gas door release, steering wheel/radio controls, dome lights and the "twilight sent." *sc the consumer was told his vehicle was not included in the recall. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed that oil was leaking from underneath the vehicle. the consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak *sc the oil pan gasket was replaced.*jb
- Electrical system
Electrical system failed. recall 95v224000 was issued. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel rail leaks
On march 3, 2004, general motors notified odi that it was recalling approximately 94,000 my 1995-97 oldsmobile aurora vehicles equipped with 4.0L V8 engines (rpo L47 - VIN8 c) to address concerns with underhood fuel leakage from cracked fuel rails and, in some of the vehicles, cracked fuel return lines. According to…
On march 3, 2004, general motors notified odi that it was recalling approximately 94,000 my 1995-97 oldsmobile aurora vehicles equipped with 4.0L V8 engines (rpo L47 - VIN8 c) to address concerns with underhood fuel leakage from cracked fuel rails and, in some of the vehicles, cracked fuel return lines. According to gm, the nylon tubing (PA12) used in the fuel rail construction in these vehicles may degrade and crack.gm's supplier attributed the cracking to the combined effects of heat, time, alcohol fuel, fuel pressure cycling, and design stresses.in addition, gm stated that the my 1995 aurora uses a unique underhood fuel return line that may also crack at unusually high rates.gm dealers will install a new fuel rail constructed out of stainless steel in all of the recalled vehicles and will also install a revised chassis fuel return line in the my 1995 auroras. On april 16, 2004, general motors notified odi that it was adding approximately 389,000 my 1995-97 cadillac seville, deville and eldorado vehicles equipped with 4.6L V8 engines (rpo's LD8 and L37 - VIN8 y and 9) to recall 04v-110.the recalled cadillacs will receive the new stainless steel fuel rails.this engineering analysis IS closed.
- Fuel rail leakage
The fuel rail assemblies used in the subject vehicles were manufactured by dana.the fuel rail jumper tubes were made of monolayer nylon 12 (pa12).in model year (my) 1998, the jumper tube material was changed from PA12 to m-bond (a multi-layer ptfe/pa12).in addition, all service parts produced since the end of…
The fuel rail assemblies used in the subject vehicles were manufactured by dana.the fuel rail jumper tubes were made of monolayer nylon 12 (pa12).in model year (my) 1998, the jumper tube material was changed from PA12 to m-bond (a multi-layer ptfe/pa12).in addition, all service parts produced since the end of production 1997 use the m-bond jumper tubes. Material analysis performed by dana on failed fuel rails showed that the mono-layer nylon 12 jumper tubes are susceptible to environmental stress cracking (esc).gm believes the esc IS a result of heat, time, alcohol blended fuel, fuel pressure cycling, and designed in stress. Eight of the gm complaints are duplicative of odi complaints.odi has received 77 of it's 123 complaints in the past 12 months.fuel rail part sales over the last three years range from 3.0 percent of production for the my 1997 cadillac vehicles to 13.1 percent for the my 1995 auroras.at least one of the fire incidents occured while the vehicle was parked within a garage attached to the consumers home.the fire resulted in damage to the dwelling as well as the total loss of the vehicle.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis.
- Inadvertent air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10020584Knockig noises or excessive oil consumption. Vehicles with LD8 or L37 4.6L V8 engines.
- 10019202Missing camshaft intermediate drive shaft plug - service vme.
- 10017254ABS light on diagnostic trouble code c1226 or unwanted ABS or tcs activation.
- 10010847Service engine soon light on and chuggle or surge. Diagnostic trouble code p0741 or diagnostic trouble code 39 (tcc stuck off).
- 10009223Gm announcing additional population of vehicles exposed to time, heat and certain fuels IS causing nylon tubing in the fuel rails to develop an unusual number of leaks. Failure of the fuel rail tubing can result in a fuel leak into the engine compartment. The operator may experience fuel odor and possibly stalling due to loss of fuel pressure to the engine. Gm voicemail express.
- 10008881Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442 small leak detected, inspect at fuel filler neck.
- 10008847Volume IS only controlled using steering wheel controls.
- 10007051Questions and answers to assist in responding to customer inquires to the upcoming product safety recall 04014 - engine fuel rail replacement. Gm administrative message.
- 100063324.0L L47, 4.6L LD8 L37 engine water pump cover p/n 12571913- thermostat loose. Also including model 2003 cadillac eldorado.
- 100063074.0L L47, 4.6L LD8, L37, LH2 engine coolant or oil leak.*mr
- 10005597Engine cold/knock/tick noise.
- 10005549Revised hvac blower motor installation procedure.
- 10004769This bulletin IS being issued to inform dealers of enhancements to crankcase, oil distribution plate and oil pan sealing by using rtv sealant.
- 10004748Higher than expected oil consumption.
- 10003733This purpose of this vme message IS to clarify installation instructions for a blower motor used on previous body style cadillacs with the northstar engine.
- 10002890Engine cold/knock/tick noise.
- 10001117Front heated seat inoperative / cold.
- 10000455Higher than expected oil consumption.
- 6088914Engine oil leaks along the upper to lower crankcase joint.
- 632324Subject regarding revised fastener tightening specificatin for cylinder head replacement.
- 631313Some customers may comment on higher than expected oil consumption. *Slc
- 628813Subject regarding repair kit for sagging/separation/warping of the rear quarter trim panel.
- 619241This product technical information concerns an intermittent stumble or stall condition. Some customers may comment that intermittently they experience a stumble or stall condition when coming down to a stop. In most instances the engine will restart, sometimes with an extended crank, and a powertrain control module diagnostic trouble code p1599 may or may not be present.
- 617678Information on eliminating secondary ignition activity induced into the right side harness.
- 609639Trunk mounted 12 cd changer ejects intermittently. Yd
- 606086Some customers may complain about a engine cold / knock / tick noise.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
Every Cadillac Eldorado model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.