1990 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 1990 Cadillac Eldorado problems
The 1990 Cadillac Eldorado, while not a bad car, had some common problems that affected its performance and reliability. These issues were primarily related to the engine and the car's overall build quality, which led to a less-than-ideal ownership experience for some owners.
- Faulty Injectors: Another common problem with the 1990 Eldorado was faulty injectors. The injectors could become clogged or fail over time, leading to rough running and a check engine light. Replacing the injectors was often necessary, but finding new parts could be challenging, as they were no longer available from dealers.
- Dry Rotting of Seals and Rubber Components: Given the age of the car, dry rot could affect various seals and rubber components, such as hoses, belts, and suspension bushings. This could lead to leaks, reduced performance, and even component failure. Regular inspection and replacement of these parts were essential to maintain the car's reliability.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems were also common in the 1990 Eldorado. These issues could range from minor problems, such as intermittent electrical connections, to more significant issues, such as failing sensors and malfunctioning components. Regular maintenance and inspection of the electrical system were crucial to prevent these problems.
- Poor Build Quality and Equipment: The 1990 Eldorado suffered from poor build quality and equipment, which affected its overall value and reliability. The car's interior, while not particularly distinctive, was prone to wear and tear, and the lack of modern safety features made it less competitive in the market.
In summary, the 1990 Cadillac Eldorado had several common problems that affected its performance and reliability. These issues were primarily related to the engine, faulty injectors, dry rot of seals and rubber components, electrical problems, and poor build quality and equipment. Regular maintenance and inspection were essential to prevent these problems and maintain the car's reliability.
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 motor is in a 1990 Cadillac Eldorado?
1990 Cadillac Eldorado Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 180 horsepower, 4L NA V8 overhead valves (OHV) 16V engine and 4-Speed Automatic transmission. It gives mileage of 15 MPG in city and 23 MPG on highway. The 1990 Cadillac Eldorado comes with FWD.
Where is the ECM on a 1990 Cadillac Eldorado?
THE ECM IS LOCATED UNDER THE DASH ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX.
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 motor is in a 1990 Cadillac Eldorado?
1990 Cadillac Eldorado Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 180 horsepower, 4L NA V8 overhead valves (OHV) 16V engine and 4-Speed Automatic transmission. It gives mileage of 15 MPG in city and 23 MPG on highway. The 1990 Cadillac Eldorado comes with FWD.
Where is the ECM on a 1990 Cadillac Eldorado?
THE ECM IS LOCATED UNDER THE DASH ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX.
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 |
1990 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Cadillac Eldorado
The NHTSA has received 35 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Cadillac Eldorado. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Cadillac Eldorado vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-22
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEN, VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6EL1337LU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR HEATER STOPPED WORKING 7 DAYS LATER STATED WORKING THAT DAY STARTED ON FIRE TOTAL LOSS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-27
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WAS IDLING IN MY YARD FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH FILLED THE INTERRIOR OF THE CAR WITH SMOKE. AFTER RAISING THE HOOD (THE FIRE WAS OUT) THE AIR FILTER BOX AND ASSEMBLY TO THE INTAKE WERE MELTED, AS WERE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE AND THE WIRING HARNESS DIRECTLY BELOW THESE ITEMS. I AM WONDERING WHAT CAUSED THIS FIRE. I'M GLAD I WASN'T DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL. DEALER STATED THAT COUMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WITHOUT ANY INDICATION HEADLIGHTS/DASH BOARD INDICATION LIGHTS WOULD CUT OFF AND VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START. DEALER STATED ANTI- THEFT WAS LOCKED UP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WHILE USING AIR CONDITIONER WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR WOULD STOP BLOWING . DEALER REPLACED AIR CONDITIONER 3 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL STALL INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGINTION KEY FAILURE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-11
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCEELERATED. BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT ENGAGE TO STOP OR SLOW VEHICLE. DEALER WIILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-07
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH POD. *AK *SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN RED LIGHT. ELDORADO BROADSIDED THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE DECLARED TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANY. 1 INJURY SUSTAINED, EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ARM FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER HAD FUEL FILTER REPLACED, ALSO BELT WAS WORN AND CRACKING REPLACED SERPINTINE BELT, CONSUMER STATES HIS VEHICLE WAS MISALIGNED WHEN IT WAS RETURNED TO HIM.*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER REARENDED A TRUCK AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-10
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INSTRUMENT PANEL SHORTS OUT, CAUSING FAILURE OF ALL GAUGES. *DH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED HYDRALIC BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN MADE ATTEMPT TO SLOW/STOP, ABS AND HYDRALIC LIGHT APPEARED, THEN PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED HYDRALIC BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN MADE ATTEMPT TO SLOW/STOP, ABS AND HYDRALIC LIGHT APPEARED, THEN PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-29
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL FILTER REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-29
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BELTS REPLACED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-04
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK PULL DOWN UNIT REPLACED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN HEAD ON COLLISION.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-08
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE RELEASE VALVE REPLACED. *DSH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-29
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED. *DSH
1990 Cadillac Eldorado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1990 Cadillac Eldorado.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
- Summary: THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THEIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
- Consequence: INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASESTO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FROM THE FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL WITH LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
- Consequence: DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE ACTUAL GEARPOSITION THE TRANSAXLE IS IN, WHICH COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENTAND AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO PREVENT CABLE DISENGAGEMENT.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: MISALIGNED REAR SEAT SAFETY BELT SHOULDER RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES COULD CAUSE PENDULUM INTERFERENCE, CAUSING THE BELT TO REMAIN IN LOCKED POSITION OR TO TRAVEL FREELY WITHOUT LOCKING.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A PANIC STOP OR ACCIDENT, IF THE BELT RETRACTOR INERTIA LOCK DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD HAVE AN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY.
- Remedy: REALIGN REAR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY.
Positive 1990 Cadillac Eldorado car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Cadillac Eldorado problems:
1990 Cadillac Eldorado Problems and Complaints - 24 Issues
Problem with your 1990 Cadillac Eldorado? Our list of 24 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1990 Cadillac Eldorado.
1990 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz first time buyer help - Buying/Selling ...
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Sep 6, 2009 ... I want to make a general inquiry about the 4.5 engine. I found an absolutely beautiful 1990 coupe deville with 81k. What kind of issues or ...
Q&A: 1990 Cadillac Eldorado Interior - Starting Disabled Due to ...
May 13, 2009 ... I can tell you that a real common problem with this theft system is the ignition cylinder. The ignition cylinder has two small wires that ...
1990 deville 4.5L problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jan 1, 2012 ... we are thinking that it could be the timing chain now. is there anyone who has dealt with these issues on a 1990 4.5 deville that could help me ...
Other years of Cadillac Eldorado
Are you having problems with your 1990 Cadillac Eldorado?
Ford Krajcik 2024-11-26
The 1990 Cadillac El Dorado that my husband and I purchased a year ago has been a great car, despite the ABS box going out on it. With only 114,000 miles on it, we are determined to find a replacement and keep it for many more years to come.
Jeremy Reichel 2024-09-05
Hey there! Have you seen this amazing car from a bygone era?
Blair Hessel 2024-06-04
My dad gave me his caddy and at first, I wasn't too thrilled about it being an old and slow car. However, I replaced the main brain and now I can get it up to 120 in about 25 seconds! That's pretty impressive for an old car. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever get rid of it.
Anastacio Smitham 2024-04-03
We bought this car for only $200! The previous owner was about to send it to the salvage yard, but after some minor reassembly, it started right up and drove like a dream. The interior is incredibly spacious and comes with full power options, as well as a strong 4.5-liter V8 engine and an automatic transmission with overdrive. On the interstate, it gets around 25mpg, making it a great choice for long road trips. It's also very easy to work on. After owning it for 5 years, I can confidently say that it's one of the best cars we've ever had. It has outlasted several of our other vehicles and is still going strong even at 250 thousand miles. We've replaced the gas tank, fuel pump, tires, exhaust, and alternator, but it was worth every penny. Despite being nearly 30 years old, it has no rust anywhere. We don't drive it during the winter season since we live in a region that heavily salts the roadways. We've had numerous people ask to buy it from us, but we've turned down every offer. This is our daily driver and a fantastic car for long road trips!
Roger Goyette 2024-01-02
Hi there! I just wanted to say that I really admire your car. It's amazing that you bought it back in 1990 when it was quite pricey at $32K. Even today, it still looks great and turns heads, especially the Touring Coupes which are quite rare to see on the roads in 2018. I understand that the interior was a bit over plasticized and prone to breakage, but that was quite common for most cars back then. Although the 4.5 Ltr. engine was a bit underpowered, it was still a great car. I mean, the Northstar engine was coming for the new coupe in 1992, so there wasn't much that could be done. Overall, I think it's amazing that your car is still going strong after 28 years. Keep up the good work!