1985 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. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
What could happen: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
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 1985 ELDORADO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V102000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Notes: SYSTEM: CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL ANDCERTAIN GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINES.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. WATER OR SNOW DRIPPING ONTO DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SWITCH ASSEMBLIES MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND SWITCHES TO OVERHEAT.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE DOOR PANEL AREA.
The fix: INSTALL NEWLY DESIGNED WINDOW SWITCHES. (1984 MODELS WILL RECEIVE NEW CONNECTORS ALSO).
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 1985 ELDORADO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V167000.
- 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:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Summary: WATER OR SNOW DRIPPING ONTO DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SWITCH ASSEMBLIES MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND SWITCHES TO OVERHEAT.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE DOOR PANEL AREA.
Remedy: INSTALL NEWLY DESIGNED WINDOW SWITCHES. (1984 MODELS WILL RECEIVE NEW CONNECTORS ALSO).
Notes: SYSTEM: WINDOW SWITCH ASSEMBLIES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Cadillac Eldorado owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (2), Engine (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Brakes (2), Hydraulic (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/27/2010 · Body / structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 CADILLAC ELDORADO. HE STATED THE PAINT ON BOTH THE HOOD AND TRUNK AREAS WERE BEGINNING TO PEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A REPAIR SHOP. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
04/15/2003 · Fuel system
THE VEHICLE CONSUMED TOO MUCH FUEL WHICH CRYSTALLIZE IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
04/15/2003 · Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
05/28/2002 · Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE WILL START TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK.*JB
02/04/2002 · Engine · crash
ENGINE ALLUMINUM BLOCK OVERHEATS& KNOCKS VALVE&CRANK SHAFT TRAN.LEAKS. *AK
08/21/2000 · Brakes
CADILLAC DEALER ADVISED THAT ALL CADILLACS EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISKS BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSEMPLY ARE DEFECTIVE AND THEY HAVE REPAIR KITS AVAILABLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF 1979 THROUGH 1985 CADILLACS ON THE ROAD CONTAINING THESE DEFECTIVE BRAKES.
03/27/2000 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED. ALSO, DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION RADIATOR CAP BLEW COMPLETELY OFF, CAUSING BOILING HOT ANTI-FREEZE TO SPLASH ONTO THE PASSENGER. THE RADIATOR CAP WAS THE ORIGINAL ONE WHICH WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE OR PUT ON. RADIATOR CAP REPLACED. *AK *ML
06/27/1996 · Body / structure
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE THE ROOF CAME OFF . *AK REPAIRSHOP STATED THAT THE ROOF WAS ONLY HELD BY RIVETS, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SILICONED FIRST AND THEN TACKED ON. *SLC