1981 Cadillac Eldorado recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE FRONT LEFT UPPER CONTROL ARM NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY TIGHTENED. THE NUTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF AND WITH CONTINUED DRIVING THE CONTROL ARM FRONT BOLT MAY WORK ITS WAY OUT OF POSITION OR BECOME DISPLACED.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 ELDORADO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V073000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
Summary: THE FRONT LEFT UPPER CONTROL ARM NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY TIGHTENED. THE NUTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF AND WITH CONTINUED DRIVING THE CONTROL ARM FRONT BOLT MAY WORK ITS WAY OUT OF POSITION OR BECOME DISPLACED.
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STEERING; FRONT LEFT UPPER CONTROL ARM NUTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS MAY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STEERING CONTROLDURING ACCELERATION AND CORNERING. THOUGH STEERING WILL NOT BE TOTALLY LOST,DEGRADED VEHICLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.THE FRONT LEFT SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM NUTS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BERETIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1981 Cadillac Eldorado owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
08/18/1998 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FAILURE CAUSING FIRE. OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT.