1979 Cadillac Eldorado problems

General information about Cadillac-Eldorado
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 until 2002 over twelve generations.

The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 had distinct bodyshells and were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered those years. The Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 limousine until 1966. Starting in 1967 the Eldorado retained its premium position in the Cadillac price structure, but was manufactured in high volumes on a unique, two-door personal luxury car platform.

The Eldorado carried the Fleetwood designation from 1965 through 1972, and was a modern revival of the pre-war Cadillac V-12 and Cadillac V-16 roadsters and convertibles.

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Common 1979 Cadillac Eldorado problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado, several common problems have been reported:

Transmission Leaks: Complaints include leaks in the main seal of the transmission, which can result in transmission fluid loss and potential damage to the transmission system.

Suspension Strut Damage: Problems with the struts on the hood and trunk have been reported, impacting the vehicle's suspension system and overall ride quality.

Fuel System Sensor Issues: Owners have faced problems with the fuel pump sensor, which can lead to inaccurate fuel readings and potential fuel system malfunctions.

Emergency Brake Malfunction: Complaints mention issues with the emergency brake seizing up, affecting the vehicle's parking brake functionality and safety.

Rust: Some owners have noted rust issues, particularly in the rear driver's side area of the car, which can impact the structural integrity and aesthetics of the vehicle.

Engine Problems: One owner reported a significant issue where the crankshaft snapped in half, although it did not cause major damage to the engine or transmission.

Instrument Panel: Some owners expressed a desire for additional features like a tachometer in the instrument panel, highlighting preferences for more comprehensive dashboard information.

These reported problems with the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado encompass a range of mechanical, safety, and aesthetic issues that owners have encountered. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of this classic vehicle.

What years of Eldorado to avoid?

Worst Issues

rear oil seal leak in the 1994 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
ac went out in the 1998 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
dead battery in the 2002 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
engine uses excessive oil in the 2001 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
engine runs rough in the 1993 Eldorado. 1 complaints.

What engine was in the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado?

The all-new 1979 Cadillac Eldorado was powered by the OLDSMOBILE 5.7 litre 350 CID 16-valve V8 engine. This Electronic Fuel Injected engine produced 170 hp @ 4,200 rpm with 365 Nm of peak torque @ 2,000 rpm. The engine was mated to GM's Turbo Hydra-Matic THM-325 3-speed automatic transmission.

How fast does a Cadillac Eldorado go?

1997 Cadillac Eldorado Specs, Features & Options

Torque
7.4 seconds	7.1 seconds
Top Speed
112 mph	150 mph

What engine did the Cadillac Eldorado have?

Under the hood, Cadillac installed a huge, 500 cu-in engine (8.2-liter), which was later replaced by a smaller 425 cu-in powerplant. The only available transmission was a three-speed automatic. For enhanced comfort, the Eldorado sported coil-springs in the back.

What years of Eldorado to avoid?

Worst Issues

rear oil seal leak in the 1994 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
ac went out in the 1998 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
dead battery in the 2002 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
engine uses excessive oil in the 2001 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
engine runs rough in the 1993 Eldorado. 1 complaints.

What engines were available in the 1979 Eldorado?

Standard for the inaugural '79 car was a fuel-injected, 170-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8 along with the Oldsmobile 350-cubic-inch diesel. The engine lineup stayed the same for '80, but the gas V-8 grew to 368 cubic inches.

What was the top speed of the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado?

This Electronic Fuel Injected engine produced 170 hp @ 4,200 rpm with 365 Nm of peak torque @ 2,000 rpm. The engine was mated to GM's Turbo Hydra-Matic THM-325 3-speed automatic transmission. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 11 seconds, 0-100 mph in 35.4 seconds with a top speed of 112 mph.

What engine did the Cadillac Eldorado have?

1979 Cadillac Eldorado car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Eldorado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Cadillac Eldorado complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado.

2000-08-24

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-06-28
Components: TIRES
Summary: THE TIRE TREAD CAME OFF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON 6/28/2000. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HAVING A MAJOR CRASH, BUT SUBSTANTIAL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY CAR . I CONTACTED THE TIRE MANUFACTOR (ATLAS "PINNACLE") AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS TIRE WAS MANUFACTORED AT A FIRESTONE PLANT. I AM CONCERNED THAT FIRESTONES DEFECTIVE TIRES RANGE ALOT FURTHER THAN JUST THE ONES BEING RECALLED AS MY TIRE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM (TREAD COMING COMPLETELY OFF MY TIRE) OCCUR AS THE WILDERNESS TIRES AND ALTHOUGH IT IS UNDER TE ATLAS BRAND NAME, IT WAS MANUFACTORED BY FIRESTONE. WHAT DO I DO REGARDING THE DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE (OVER $3,000 WORTH) AND I HAVE KEPT THE TIRE. I NEED TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED BUT AM WAITING TO SEE WHAT I SHOULD DO IN THE MEANTIME. PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS RECALL IS ONLY SKIMMING THE SURFACE OF A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM IF IT HAS AFFECTED ATLAS TIRES TOO. THANK YOU.( DOT NUMBER: HYULA9A535 TIRE SIZE: 75R1597S )

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1979 Cadillac Eldorado recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado.

1979-03-13

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
Summary: VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". AN INCORRECT PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTING SPRING WAS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE INTERFERENCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKES.
Remedy: THE CALIPER ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Cadillac Eldorado problems:

1979 Eldorado 350 Olds multiport injection problems | Cadillac ...

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1979-eldorado-350-olds-multiport-injection-problems.1115695/

Dec 19, 2021 ... Otherwise, you're to be applauded for repping such an iconic manifestation of American automotive kitsch. x2. I've never known about your 'Paris ...

1979 Cadillac Eldorado Review - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/cadillac/eldorado/1979/

Mar 7, 2006 ... Engine Crapped out. Started slips. Alternator hardly works. Its had 3 gas leaks. CV joint on right side bad. Trunk won't latch ...

1979 Eldorado - 350 Olds motor - fast idle problems | Cadillac ...

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1979-eldorado-350-olds-motor-fast-idle-problems.783122/

Nov 2, 2015 ... All injectors ohm ok on both banks, at least with the engine cold. And there are no shorts to ground in the harness. Are these injectors known ...