1986 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 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. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE C…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
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 1986 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E043000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- 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
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
What could happen: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH PART 567.
The fix: ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.
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 1986 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V093000.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH PART 567.
Remedy: ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.
Notes: SYSTEM: COMPLIANCE LABEL; PART 567.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:LIMOUSINES MANUFACTURED BY COACH LIMOUSINES.
3. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
What could happen: LACK OF RESTRAINTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE INJURY AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209 AND 210.
The fix: INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.
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 1986 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V050000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
Consequence: LACK OF RESTRAINTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE INJURY AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209 AND 210.
Remedy: INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR SAFETY BELTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINE CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH REAR FACING SEATS.
4. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
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 1986 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V056000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEADLIGHT SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, TRUCKS AND VANS.
5. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. A WIRING HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY SECURED IN ITS RETAINER AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR LEVER. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
What could happen:
The fix: SECURE WIRING IN ITS RETAINER.
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 1986 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V036000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Summary: A WIRING HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY SECURED IN ITS RETAINER AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR LEVER. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: SECURE WIRING IN ITS RETAINER.
Notes: SYSTEM: WIRING HARNESS/ACCELERATOR LEVER. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L V-8 ENGINES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (3), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Seat belts (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
11/21/2007 · Fuel system · crash
MY VEHICLE ACCELERATES BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING, WHEN I CHANGE IT FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE AND WHEN I PRESS ON MY BRAKES AT A STOP LIGHT FEELS LIKE IS STILL ACCELERATING AND WANTS TO GO FASTER. I HAD TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS REASON. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT CHANGING GEAR ANYMORE AND THIS VEHICLE IS AT THE MECHANIC FOR THIS REASON. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS…
02/02/2001 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR WATER LEAK AT WINDSHIELD, AFTER THE WINDSHEILD WAS REMOVED, ADVANCED RUST WAS FOUND IN THE PINCHWELD AREA, PARTICULARLY ON PASSENGER'S SIDE, OWNER ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE. CJ
03/01/1999 · Engine
WHEN THE CAR IS OVER 60MHR IT TURNES OFF, ALSO MOST OF THE TIME IT TURNES OFF WHEN IT IS VEARY HOT OUT SIDE AND WHEN I WANT TO TERN IT ON AGAIN IT GO LIKE ABOUT 30SEC ON THEN IT TURNES OFF AGAIN. SOMETIMES WHEN I LET IT OFF FOR LIKE ABOUT AN HOUR IT TURNS ON AGAIN AND SOMETIMES IT WILL TURN OFF AGIAN.
08/18/1998 · Wheels / tires
LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO STOP BUT SLID OFF ROAD INTO DITCH. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
07/07/1998 · Electrical system · fire
STEERING COLUMN HAS CAUGHT FIRE TWICE, BLOWER HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. POSSIBLE CAUSE DEFECTIVE COMPUTER. *AK
02/06/1996 · Electrical system · fire
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDERHOOD NEAR THE FIRE WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
02/23/1995 · Fuel system
COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, NOTICED LEAKAGE. DEALERSHIPS DIAGNOSIS INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. TT