1988 Cadillac Eldorado problems
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 1988 Cadillac Eldorado problems
The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues are primarily related to the fuel system, equipment, seats, transmission, steering, visibility, brakes, air conditioning, lighting, airbags, electrical, and suspension systems.
Fuel System: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has experienced problems with the fuel system, including fuel leaks and fuel pump failures. These issues can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency, a decrease in engine performance, and, in some cases, can cause the vehicle to stall or not start at all. The fuel system issues can also lead to a risk of fire if the fuel leaks onto a hot engine or exhaust system.
Equipment: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has also had problems with equipment, including issues with the power windows, power locks, and the cruise control system. These issues can lead to inconvenience and frustration for the driver, and can also increase the risk of accidents if the driver is unable to control the vehicle properly. For example, if the power windows or power locks fail, the driver may be unable to open or close the windows or doors, which can be a safety hazard in certain situations.
Seats: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had problems with the seats, including issues with the seat adjustment mechanism and the seat belts. These issues can lead to discomfort for the driver and passengers, and can also increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. For example, if the seat belts fail to function properly, the driver and passengers may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.
Transmission: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has experienced problems with the transmission, including issues with the transmission fluid and the torque converter. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's performance and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the transmission fluid leaks, the vehicle may not be able to shift gears properly, which can lead to a loss of control.
Steering: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had problems with the steering, including issues with the power steering system and the steering linkage. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's handling and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the power steering system fails, the driver may have to use more force to turn the steering wheel, which can be difficult and dangerous in certain situations.
Visibility: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had problems with visibility, including issues with the windshield wipers and the rearview mirror. These issues can lead to a decrease in the driver's ability to see the road and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the windshield wipers fail to function properly, the driver may not be able to see through the windshield in rainy or snowy conditions.
Brakes: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has experienced problems with the brakes, including issues with the brake pads and the brake lines. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's stopping ability and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the brake pads wear out, the vehicle may not be able to stop as quickly as it should, which can be dangerous in certain situations.
Air Conditioning: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had problems with the air conditioning, including issues with the compressor and the condenser. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's ability to cool the interior and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the air conditioning system fails, the driver and passengers may be uncomfortable in hot weather, which can lead to distraction and decreased concentration.
Lighting: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has experienced problems with the lighting, including issues with the headlights and the taillights. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's visibility and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the headlights fail to function properly, the driver may not be able to see the road ahead, which can be dangerous in certain situations.
Air Bags: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had problems with the airbags, including issues with the deployment system and the sensors. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's safety and can also increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. For example, if the airbags fail to deploy properly, the driver and passengers may not be protected in the event of a crash.
Electrical: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has experienced problems with the electrical system, including issues with the battery and the alternator. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's performance and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the battery fails, the vehicle may not start, which can be a safety hazard in certain situations.
Suspension: The 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had problems with the suspension, including issues with the shock absorbers and the struts. These issues can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's handling and can also increase the risk of accidents. For example, if the shock absorbers fail, the vehicle may bounce excessively, which can be difficult and dangerous to control in certain situations.
In conclusion, the 1988 Cadillac Eldorado has had a number of common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues are primarily related to the fuel system, equipment, seats, transmission, steering, visibility, brakes, air conditioning, lighting, airbags, electrical, and suspension systems. These problems can lead to a decrease in the vehicle's performance, an increase in the risk of accidents, and an increase in the risk of injury in the event of an accident. It is important for 1988 Cadillac Eldorado owners to be aware of these common problems and to take steps to address them as soon as possible.
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 1988 Cadillac Eldorado?
For the final year of this generation, Cadillac introduced the new 4.9-liter V-8 engine with port fuel injection and a new electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The new engine was good for 200 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque – bringing the Eldorado back at least a share of its past glory.
What gas does a 1988 Cadillac Eldorado take?
Find and Compare Cars
| 1988 Cadillac Eldorado | |
|---|---|
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 22 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners | Owner MPG Estimates are not yet available for this vehicle. How can I share my MPG? |
| Vehicle Specification Data | |
| EPA Size Class | Midsize Cars |
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 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 1988 Cadillac Eldorado?
For the final year of this generation, Cadillac introduced the new 4.9-liter V-8 engine with port fuel injection and a new electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The new engine was good for 200 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque – bringing the Eldorado back at least a share of its past glory.
What gas does a 1988 Cadillac Eldorado take?
Find and Compare Cars
| 1988 Cadillac Eldorado | |
|---|---|
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 22 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners | Owner MPG Estimates are not yet available for this vehicle. How can I share my MPG? |
| Vehicle Specification Data | |
| EPA Size Class | Midsize Cars |
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.
1988 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Cadillac Eldorado complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Cadillac Eldorado.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-03
- VIN: 1G6EL1154JU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS IF I HAD FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL. I BRAKED HARD AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP, THE ENGINE STILL RACING. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED A WHILE AND RESTARTED THE CAR. NORMAL OPERATION. I WAS TOO FAR FOR A TOW, SO I DROVE ~50 MILES TO MY DAUGHTER'S HOUSE. THE CAR ACCELERATED TWICE MORE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. HARD BRAKE, PULL TO THE SIDE, SHUT OFF ENGINE, RESTART, EVERYTHING NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 MORE TIMES, TWICE WITH WITNESSES TO SEE THAT I DID NOT MISTAKENLY HIT THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. MORE STUFF REPLACED OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS OCCASIONALLY. INDEPENDENT GM MECHANIC THINKS THAT THE COMPUTER DROPPING OUT AND RESTARTING AGAIN AT FULL-THROTTLE COULD CAUSE IT, AND THAT REPLACING THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT GUARANTEE A FIX. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 85,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND IS IN OTHERWISE FINE SHAPE AS FAR AS THE DRIVETRAIN IS CONCERNED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-17
- VIN: 1G6EL1153JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAITED FOR THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN FOR AN HOUR AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ROOF OF VEHCLE FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED CRASHES. DEALER WON'T LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-23
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: KNOCKING COMING FROM ENGINE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING HEAVY LOSS OF COOLANT INTO CRANKCASE, WITH SUBSEQUENT HEAVY SCORING OF CRANKSHAFT AND CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-17
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS, YELLOW ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND RED BRAKE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON, NOISE OCCURS, IF CONTINUED TO APPLY BRAKES FAIL. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-06
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPOKES COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED; LOUD NOISE CAME FROM AREA OF WHEEL; NO OTHER WARNING. TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PIECE OF TIRE BLEW THROUGH FLOOR BOARD UNDERNEATH SEAT UPTO DRIVER SEAT. EXPLAIN IN MORE DETAIL. TT
1988 Cadillac Eldorado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Cadillac Eldorado.
- 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).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Cadillac Eldorado problems:
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Other years of Cadillac Eldorado
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