1982 Cadillac Eldorado problems

cadillac logo

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.

1982 Cadillac Eldorado

Social links

Common 1982 Cadillac Eldorado problems

The 1982 Cadillac Eldorado is known for several problems, with the most common issues related to the engine, particularly the HT4100 V8. This engine was introduced in the 1982 Cadillac lineup and suffered from head gasket problems, coolant leaking issues, and oil pump failures. These issues were caused by the aluminum block with casted iron sleeves and the throttle-body fuel-injection system, which were advanced for the time but proved to be unreliable.

One owner of a 1983 Eldorado with a 4.1L engine reported that the car starts and drives smoothly when cold, but after a drive, it starts and stops multiple times with black smoke coming out of the exhaust when re-starting, even after changing injectors, all spark plugs, wires, sensors, the fuel pump, and filters. The default codes are 11, 15, 21, and cannot be erased using the normal procedure.

The HT4100 V8 was less powerful and efficient than the 4.1-liter Buick V6 that made 125 HP and 284 Nm of torque, and replacement parts were expensive, with most repair shops unwilling to work on them. The HT4100 V8 was a game-changer in terms of technology, but it proved to be a failure for General Motors, with consumers reporting all sorts of issues.

While the HT4100 V8 was a significant problem for the 1982 Cadillac Eldorado, other issues were also reported. These include engine starting problems, fuel system issues, electrical system problems, and transmission issues. However, the HT4100 V8 is by far the worst engine in General Motors' history, and it remains a significant problem for 1982 Cadillac Eldorado owners.

In summary, the 1982 Cadillac Eldorado is known for several problems, with the most common issues related to the engine, particularly the HT4100 V8. The HT4100 V8 suffered from head gasket problems, coolant leaking issues, and oil pump failures, making it a significant problem for 1982 Cadillac Eldorado owners. While the HT4100 V8 was a game-changer in terms of technology, it proved to be a failure for General Motors, with consumers reporting all sorts of issues.

1982 Cadillac Eldorado engine

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.

How fast does a Cadillac Eldorado go?

1997 Cadillac Eldorado Specs, Features & Options

Torque
7.4 seconds7.1 seconds
Top Speed
112 mph150 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 was the last year Cadillac made Eldorado?

2002

A true driver's luxury coupe, the Cadillac Eldorado (discontinued in 2002) integrated not only the best in performance and handling characteristics, but also outstanding comfort and convenience.

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.

How fast does a Cadillac Eldorado go?

1997 Cadillac Eldorado Specs, Features & Options

Torque
7.4 seconds7.1 seconds
Top Speed
112 mph150 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 was the last year Cadillac made Eldorado?

2002

A true driver's luxury coupe, the Cadillac Eldorado (discontinued in 2002) integrated not only the best in performance and handling characteristics, but also outstanding comfort and convenience.

1982 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:

  • Power train problems
  • Equipment problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1982 Cadillac Eldorado complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Cadillac Eldorado.

2004-08-16

EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-15
  • Components: EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I BOUGHT CLEAR FLOOR MATS FOR MY CAR, BRAND = KRAGAN 8826 FLOOR MAT CLEAR - MODEL NO = PA 6212492. THE FLOOR MAT IS VERY SLIPERY ON THE CAR CARPET. IT DOES NOT GRIP TO THE FLOOR. YOU CAN EASILY SLIP AND FALL WHILE GETING IN THE CAR SINCE FLOOR MAT SKIDS EASILY. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE DESIGN HAS VERY POOR GRIP SINCE IT IS MORE ROUNDED RATHER THAN POINTED FOR IT TO GRIP ON THE CARPET. THERE MAY BE SEVERAL KINDS OF FLOOR MATS THAT DO NOT HAVE GRIP BECAUSE IT IS TOO ROUNDED. I BOUGHT IT ON JUNE 15TH AND THE MATS JUST KEEP ON SLIDING WHILE GETTING IN THE CAR.*AK
1999-10-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-05
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35 TO 40 MPH AND WITHOUT NO PRIOR WARNING, VEHICLE STALLED AND DIED OUT. THE THIRD TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED. *AK
1995-03-17

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-17
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: C. V. JOINT FAILURE. *AW
1995-03-17

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-17
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CARBURATOR FAILURE, EMITTING BLACK SMOKE.

1982 Cadillac Eldorado recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1982 Cadillac Eldorado.

1993-06-04
  • Manufacturer: PUROLATOR PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Components: 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.
1982-06-08
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
  • Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAIN INCORRECT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKETS. THIS COULD ALLOW THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO ROD TO BIND ON THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT CABLE BRACKET WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER. VEHICLES WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL WILL ALSO BE MODIFIED IN THE EVENT THAT CRUISE CONTROL IS LATER ADDED.
1982-01-03
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Leave your review of 1982 Cadillac Eldorado

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1982 Cadillac Eldorado problems:

1983 Eldorado problems with a 4.1L engine | Cadillac Owners Forum
1983 Eldorado problems with a 4.1L engine | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1983-eldorado-problems-with-a-4-1l-engine.1100649/

Aug 24, 2020 ... thanks again , and when 1 of you come to France in the area of Dijon (worldwide known mustard !) i will be happy to welcome him and show my ...

Cadillac Eldorado Problems and Complaints - 37 Issues
Cadillac Eldorado Problems and Complaints - 37 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/cadillac/eldorado

Problem with your Cadillac Eldorado? Our list of 37 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Cadillac Eldorado.

1983 Cadillac Eldorado Comments (r26643)
1983 Cadillac Eldorado Comments (r26643)
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/cadillac/eldorado/r26643/comments/

Jan 14, 2004 ... Sorry guys, I owned 45 Cadillacs, and the 4100 from 1982/1985 is a total nightmare. ... One of the common problems is the ... I owned an 82 Eldorado ...

What common problems can I anticipate if I buy a 1972 Cadillac ...
What common problems can I anticipate if I buy a 1972 Cadillac ...
https://www.quora.com/What-common-problems-can-I-anticipate-if-I-buy-a-1972-Cadillac-Eldorado

Oct 20, 2021 ... You can buy an already done 72 Eldorado - they cost $30K. Then you simply need to change the oil regularly and use good fuel and follow the ...

1982 Cadillac Eldorado Review - Carsurvey.org
1982 Cadillac Eldorado Review - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/cadillac/eldorado/1982/

Jul 2, 2013 ... Read a 1982 Cadillac Eldorado review from a real owner. Find out what it's like to drive, and what problems it's had.

Other years of Cadillac Eldorado

cadillac eldorado 1983 photo
Eldorado 1983
Cadillac

4

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1984 photo
Eldorado 1984
Cadillac

9

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1985 photo
Eldorado 1985
Cadillac

10

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1986 photo
Eldorado 1986
Cadillac

15

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1987 photo
Eldorado 1987
Cadillac

7

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1988 photo
Eldorado 1988
Cadillac

10

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1982 Cadillac Eldorado?

Add car complaint
1982 Cadillac Eldorado photo