1983 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

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The Cadillac Fleetwood was a full-size luxury sedan that was marketed by Cadillac from the 1976 to 1996 model years. Taking its nameplate from a coachbuilder historically associated with the General Motors division, the Cadillac Fleetwood became a stand-alone model line in 1985.

The first generation of the Fleetwood was introduced as Cadillac converted its C-body platform to front-wheel drive. Serving between the Sedan deVille and the Sixty Special in the front-wheel drive Cadillac line, the Fleetwood also filled the gap between the deVille and the rear-wheel drive Fleetwood Brougham (Cadillac Brougham from 1987-1992). The second generation moved to the D-body platform, serving as the replacement of the Brougham (the Fleetwood Brougham returned as a trim option).

Following the 1996 model year, Cadillac retired its Fleetwood line as GM ended production of its full-size sedan lines in North America. Within Cadillac, its large sedan lines were consolidated solely to the deVille series (later the Cadillac DTS).

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood

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Common 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

The 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with the 4.1L engine, which has a reputation for being unreliable and prone to problems.

The 4.1L engine is also known to have issues with coolant leaks, which can be detected by checking the oil filler cap for dampness or a light brown color.

The HT4100 V8 engine, which was used in the Cadillac lineup from 1982 to 1987, has also received negative reviews from consumers.

The HT4100 V8 engine was introduced as a replacement for the V8-6-4 engine, which was also plagued with problems due to cylinder management issues.

In conclusion, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood's 4.1L engine has a poor reputation for reliability, and owners are advised to have contingencies in place in case of engine failure. The HT4100 V8 engine, which was used in the Cadillac lineup from 1982 to 1987, also received negative reviews from consumers due to issues with head gaskets, coolant leaks, and oil pump failures.

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood engine

Are Cadillac Fleetwoods reliable?

The 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood receives an average consumer rating of 4.9 overall and a 4.9 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

What engine is in a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood?

Engines

YearsDisplacementPower
1981–1982252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6125 hp (93 kW)
1982–1985250 cu in (4.1 L) HT-4100 V8135 hp (101 kW)
1986307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile 307 V8140 hp (100 kW)
1979–1985350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8105 hp (78 kW)

What year did Cadillac stop making Fleetwood?

1996

Following the 1996 model year, Cadillac retired its Fleetwood line as GM ended production of its full-size sedan lines in North America.

How much is a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham worth?

Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $2,200 for a 1979 Cadillac Limousine on Aug 12 2021. Q: What is the average sale price of a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham? A: The average price of a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is $15,041.

What engine is in a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood?

Engines

YearsDisplacementPower
1981–1982252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6125 hp (93 kW)
1982–1985250 cu in (4.1 L) HT-4100 V8135 hp (101 kW)
1986307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile 307 V8140 hp (100 kW)
1979–1985350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8105 hp (78 kW)

When did Cadillac stop making Fleetwood?

1996

The Cadillac Fleetwood is a luxury car model manufactured by the Cadillac division of General Motors between 1976 and 1996.

What happened to the Cadillac Fleetwood?

(201 kW) LT1 Chevrolet 350 V8, derived from the Chevrolet Corvette and shared with the Chevrolet Impala SS, Chevrolet Caprice 9C1, and Buick Roadmaster. The Cadillac Fleetwood, along with its B-Body stablemates, was retired by General Motors in December of 1996.

Are Cadillac Broughams reliable?

Cadillac Brougham Reliability Problems

Brougham owners have made 1 complaint over 3 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 4th in overall reliability out of 22 Cadillac models , with plenty of transmission concerns.

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Fleetwood problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Power train problems
  • Equipment problems
  • Steering problems
  • Suspension problems

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

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood.

1999-04-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
1999-04-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
1999-04-26

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED.
1999-04-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR FAILED.
1999-04-26

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: IDLE ARM AND RACK FAILED.
1999-04-26

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED.

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood.

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.
1990-05-09
  • Manufacturer: EMPIRE COACH COMPANY
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
  • Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH PART 567.
  • Remedy: ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:

1983 fleetwood brougham HT4100 engine problem/poor power/idle ...
1983 fleetwood brougham HT4100 engine problem/poor power/idle ...
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1983-fleetwood-brougham-ht4100-engine-problem-poor-power-idle-speed.1086264/

Jun 25, 2019 ... Additionally, the HT-4100 is well known to have problems with the camshaft lobes wearing down. This happens when coolant leaks into the engine ...

Cadillac Fleetwood Problems and Complaints - 35 Issues
Cadillac Fleetwood Problems and Complaints - 35 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/cadillac/fleetwood

Top Cadillac Fleetwood Problems · Car Won't Start Because of Anti-Theft System That Uses Raised-Chip Key · Auto Level Ride Compressor May Fail · Performance Issues ...

1983 Fleetwood ECC problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
1983 Fleetwood ECC problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1983-fleetwood-ecc-problems.1123963/

Aug 25, 2022 ... Hi all, I know this is a really common issue with these cars, the A/C fan stops being controlled correctly and your heat and A/C stop working. I ...

Front parking lights not working | Chevy Impala SS Forum
Front parking lights not working | Chevy Impala SS Forum
https://www.impalassforum.com/threads/front-parking-lights-not-working.270925/

Mar 30, 2012 ... Check voltage at the bulb socket? Known for slammin' Cadillac Doors! 1996 - Fleetwood Brougham Black on Black V4P 1983 - ...

1983 Fleetwood questions | Cadillac Owners Forum
1983 Fleetwood questions | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1983-fleetwood-questions.688481/

Mar 29, 2015 ... The car has now just passed 73,000 miles with no major problems. The water pump and the power steering pump have both failed but were replaced ...

Other years of Cadillac Fleetwood

cadillac fleetwood 1984 photo
Fleetwood 1984
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cadillac fleetwood 1985 photo
Fleetwood 1985
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cadillac fleetwood 1986 photo
Fleetwood 1986
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cadillac fleetwood 1987 photo
Fleetwood 1987
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cadillac fleetwood 1988 photo
Fleetwood 1988
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cadillac fleetwood 1989 photo
Fleetwood 1989
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2

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  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1983 Cadillac Fleetwood photo