1983 Cadillac Eldorado recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE FUEL FILTERS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT THREADED FITTING. THE INCORRECT FITTING IS SIMILIAR ENOUGH IN SIZE THAT THE FUEL FILTER MAY APPEAR TO BE CORRECTLY THREADED ONTO THE FUEL LINE.
What could happen: REPLACE THE FILTERS WITH THE CORRECT FILTERS.
The fix: THE IMPROPER THREADING COULD CAUSE A GASOLINE LEAK WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
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 1983 ELDORADO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93E019000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Summary: THE FUEL FILTERS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT THREADED FITTING. THE INCORRECT FITTING IS SIMILIAR ENOUGH IN SIZE THAT THE FUEL FILTER MAY APPEAR TO BE CORRECTLY THREADED ONTO THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: REPLACE THE FILTERS WITH THE CORRECT FILTERS.
Remedy: THE IMPROPER THREADING COULD CAUSE A GASOLINE LEAK WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; FILTER.EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FUEL FILTERS, PART NOS. F33141 AND GF3141.NOTE: IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS EXCHANGING YOUR DEFECTIVE FUEL FILTER, PLEASE CALLPUROLATER CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-526-3659. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAYTRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
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 1983 ELDORADO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V110000.
- 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: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Summary: DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DELCO/BOSE RADIO PULSEWIPE FEATURES.SYSTEM: VISUAL; WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: WIPER MOTOR OVERHEATING CAN CAUSE LOSS OF WINDSHIELDWIPER OPERATION AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS FIRE MAY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.NOTE: OWNER IS ADVISED NOT TO USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY FEATUREUNTIL THE VEHICLE CAN BE CORRECTED. WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO USE THE WINDSHIELDWIPER SYSTEM, IT SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN THE MEDIUM OR HIGH POSITIONS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
07/18/2003 · Brakes
VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL BRAKE PROBLEMS AND HAS MANAGED TO AVOID A COLLISION. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE VACUUM PUMP AND BOOSTER. *AK
12/24/1999 · Engine
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
09/23/1997 · Body / structure
STEEL RIVETS WHICH SECURE THE FIRBER GLASS ROOF BLEW OFF AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. APPEARS PARTS WERE OMITTED DURING PRODUCTION. *AZK
12/11/1996 · Engine
ENGINE BLOCK CORROSION.( 2ND VEHICLE ON 512531)