1983 Cadillac Eldorado problems

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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.

1983 Cadillac Eldorado

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Common 1983 Cadillac Eldorado problems

The 1983 Cadillac Eldorado, known as "The Gilded One," is a luxury car that combines 1980s technology with traditional Cadillac luxury. However, it is not without its common problems, particularly with the HT4100 V8 engine that was the only gasoline V8 available for the 1983 model year.

One of the most common problems with the HT4100 V8 engine is its fragility. When buying a 1983 Cadillac Eldorado with this engine, it is essential to check for maintenance records, low miles, and smooth running. Inspecting the oil cap and dipstick for emulsified coolant and oil is also crucial. The HT4100 V8 engine is not known for rapid acceleration, but it should gather momentum smoothly, and the transmission should operate unobtrusively.

Other powertrains offered in 10th-gen Eldorados, such as the conventional 5.7-liter gasoline V8, were a little more robust. The V8-6-4, with its early cylinder deactivation system, is not to be feared, as many still work, and if they don't, simply pulling one wire in the engine bay will make it run on all eight cylinders all the time. The diesel engine option can be made good with modern head studs and a high-quality water separator, but it will take some effort. A 4.1-liter V6 of Buick parentage was also available, which displaced two more cubic inches than the 250 cubic-inch HT4100 V8.

Another common problem with the 1983 Cadillac Eldorado is related to the intake gaskets separating because of the torque-to-yield bolts, particularly in the 82 and early 83 models. Most other problems with the Eldorado are due to maintenance issues, such as proper oil/coolant changes and the use of tablets. The 1983 model year marked the introduction of the "High Technology" 4.1-liter V8, better known as the HT-4100, which was designed to be a better, more efficient engine. However, it was prone to failure of the intake manifold gasket due to scrubbing of the bi-metal interface, aluminum oil pump failure, cam bearing displacement, and other issues.

In summary, the 1983 Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car with a striking appearance and opulent comfort for two people in front and enough room for a couple of passengers in the back. However, it is essential to be aware of the common problems with the HT4100 V8 engine and the intake gaskets separating in the 82 and early 83 models. Proper maintenance and inspection can help avoid these issues and ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

1983 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.

What engine is in a 1983 Cadillac Eldorado?

4.1L V8 HT-4100

The coupe is powered by Cadillac's 4.1L V8 HT-4100 that produces 135 BHP and 200 lb/ft torque. This engine utilizes digital fuel injection and delivers power through a THM325-4L four-speed/OD automatic and FWD transaxle with 3.15:1 gearing.

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 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.

What engine is in a 1983 Cadillac Eldorado?

4.1L V8 HT-4100

The coupe is powered by Cadillac's 4.1L V8 HT-4100 that produces 135 BHP and 200 lb/ft torque. This engine utilizes digital fuel injection and delivers power through a THM325-4L four-speed/OD automatic and FWD transaxle with 3.15:1 gearing.

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 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.

1983 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:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Cadillac Eldorado complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Cadillac Eldorado.

2003-07-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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
1999-12-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
1997-09-23

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-23
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: STEEL RIVETS WHICH SECURE THE FIRBER GLASS ROOF BLEW OFF AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. APPEARS PARTS WERE OMITTED DURING PRODUCTION. *AZK
1996-12-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-23
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE BLOCK CORROSION.( 2ND VEHICLE ON 512531)

1983 Cadillac Eldorado recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1983 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.
1982-11-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
  • Summary: DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 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 ... There is an emissions related valve in the exhaust down pipe on the passenger side. You can kind of see it from above but better from the bottom ...

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

Jan 14, 2004 ... One of the common problems is the combination of an aluminum block and cast iron heads that create coolant leaks mixing with the oil. Many ...

ANSWERED: What are Common Problems with 1974 Eldorados ...
ANSWERED: What are Common Problems with 1974 Eldorados ...
https://www.cargurus.ca/Cars/Discussion-c8546_ds474553

Feb 9, 2010 ... WHAT IS YOUR E MAIL ADDRESS 2 Answers. HOW CAN I BUY YOUR 1983 WHITE CADILLAC ELDORADO. 1983 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe FWD. -. Shopping & Pricing.

1983 Cadillac Eldorado Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1983 Cadillac Eldorado Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/cadillac/eldorado/1983/

The problem is that the coolant leaks into the engine oil and ruins the engine. Cadillac had a recall on this engine, and the fix was to put a sealer in the ...

1983 Eldorado problems with a 4.1L engine | Page 2 | Cadillac ...
1983 Eldorado problems with a 4.1L engine | Page 2 | Cadillac ...
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1983-eldorado-problems-with-a-4-1l-engine.1100649/page-2

Sep 21, 2020 ... HELLO , good morning ! i just received all last parts ordered by Rockauto ( ultra speed delivery ! ) and bazck from my mechanic : i was ...

Other years of Cadillac Eldorado

cadillac eldorado 1984 photo
Eldorado 1984
Cadillac

9

3

0

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

10

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1989 photo
Eldorado 1989
Cadillac

10

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1983 Cadillac Eldorado photo