1987 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.

1987 Cadillac Eldorado

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Common 1987 Cadillac Eldorado problems

The Cadillac Eldorado 1987, like any other vehicle, has its own set of common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Head gasket failure: The 1987 Eldorado has had reports of head gasket failures, causing coolant to leak into the oil, which can grind up the valves. This issue can be resolved with repairs, but the engine's reliability remains a concern.
  • Power steering problems: Some 1987 Eldorado owners have reported issues with the power steering system, specifically the Power Steering Pressure Switch. Replacing the switch and gasket, as well as tuning up the vehicle, may not necessarily solve the problem. The issue can cause the engine to stall when turning the wheel at operating temperature, especially after stopping at red lights or during turns.
  • Battery and computer issues: Replacing the battery in a 1987 Eldorado might reset or cause problems with some of the vehicle's computer systems. This can lead to additional issues that may require further diagnosis and repair.
  • General reliability concerns: The 1987 Eldorado's build quality, particularly during the mid-70s, has been criticized for poor American QC and buggy sensors and electronics related to fuel injection and smog systems. These issues can add up to a significant pile of repair costs for a 30-year-old Cadillac.

These common problems should be taken into consideration when purchasing or maintaining a 1987 Cadillac Eldorado. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help extend the vehicle's lifespan and ensure its reliability.

1987 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 1987 Cadillac Eldorado?

Model overview

But where the other brands offered a V-6 engine, Cadillac used their proprietary 4.1-liter V-8, mounted transversely in the engine bay. The new Eldorado was available only as a two-door coupe.

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 year was the last Cadillac Eldorado made?

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 1987 Cadillac Eldorado?

Model overview

But where the other brands offered a V-6 engine, Cadillac used their proprietary 4.1-liter V-8, mounted transversely in the engine bay. The new Eldorado was available only as a two-door coupe.

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 year was the last Cadillac Eldorado made?

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.

1987 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
  • Steering problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Interior lighting problems
  • Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Cadillac Eldorado complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Cadillac Eldorado.

2000-07-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE CAR HAD CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND WHEN I HIT A BUMP THE CAR WOULD ACTUALLY JUMP AND BOUNCE AND BECOME DANGEROUSLY UNCONTROLLABLE. I TOOK THE CAR INTO PAUL WILLIAMS TIRE COMPANY ON LAKE STREET IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN, BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM SUCH AS SHOCKS, ETC. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE BOLTS HAD CORRODED OFF AND THE ENGINE WAS BOUNCING ON THE FRAME AND THIS WAS CAUSING ALL MY PROBLEMS. IT COST $710 TO REPAIR - $617 FOR THE REPAIR AND $93 FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR 2 DAYS. THEY HAD TROUBLE OBTAINING THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR. *AK
1999-09-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: DASH LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND ON, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITHIN THE TAIL LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS ALSO FLASH OFF AND ON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1997-09-30

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-02
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF VEHICLE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
1997-03-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES HAVE GONE OUT MANY TIMES WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING NEAR CRASHES. 2ND TIME FOR SET OF NEW BRAKES. *AK
1996-02-26

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-26
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
1996-02-12

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-29
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: DURING COLD WEATHER NOISE DEVELOPED IN POWER STEERING UPON MAKING A TURN. TT
1995-05-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE ENGINE PISTON RING BROKE . TT

1987 Cadillac Eldorado recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Cadillac Eldorado.

2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: 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).
1987-04-06
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
  • Summary: THE TWILIGHT SENTINEL POTENTIOMETER (THUMBWHEEL CONTROL) MIGHT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT.
  • Consequence: WITH THE TWILIGHT SENTINEL SYSTEM ON, THE INTERMITTENTCIRCUIT COULD CAUSE HEADLIGHT AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TO GO OUT. SUDDENLOSS OF HEADLIGHTS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY AND MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A NEW PART IN ONE OF THE VEHICLES CONTROL COMPUTERS TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION FROM OCCURING.
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Additional sources

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Other years of Cadillac Eldorado

cadillac eldorado 1988 photo
Eldorado 1988
Cadillac

10

1

0

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cadillac eldorado 1989 photo
Eldorado 1989
Cadillac

10

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1990 photo
Eldorado 1990
Cadillac

35

4

5

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1991 photo
Eldorado 1991
Cadillac

13

1

11

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1992 photo
Eldorado 1992
Cadillac

32

1

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac eldorado 1993 photo
Eldorado 1993
Cadillac

48

2

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1987 Cadillac Eldorado photo