1986 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

General information about Cadillac-Fleetwood
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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).

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Common 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

The 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood was equipped with the Oldsmobile 307 Y engine, which was known to have issues with transmission shifting and acceleration thumping, especially when the engine and transmission reached normal operating temperature.

Another common problem with the 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood was related to its engine, the HT4100 V8. This engine was known for its head gasket problems, coolant leaking issues, and oil pump failures. These issues were so prevalent that the engine earned the nickname 'Hook and Tow' or 'Have Two' among car enthusiasts. The HT4100 V8 was introduced in the early 1980s as a high-tech engine with a throttle-body fuel-injection system and a lightweight aluminum block with cast-iron sleeves. However, it suffered from several issues, including slow performance and high repair costs. Consumers reported that the HT4100 V8 produced 125 horsepower and 257 Nm of torque, which was less powerful and efficient than the 4.1-liter Buick V6 that made 125 horsepower and 284 Nm of torque.

The Cadillac Fleetwood's anti-theft system was also a common source of problems for owners. The system used a raised-chip key, which could cause the car to not start. This issue was often resolved by replacing the key or the anti-theft system.

The auto level ride compressor was another component that often failed in the 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood. This system was responsible for maintaining the ride height of the car, and its failure could result in a rough ride or uneven tire wear. Replacing the compressor was the most common solution to this problem.

Finally, performance issues were also a common problem with the 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood. These issues could be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel injectors, or a dirty air filter. Regular maintenance and tune-ups could often resolve these issues, but in some cases, more extensive repairs may have been necessary.

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 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood?

Engines

Years	Displacement	Power
1986	307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile 307 V8	140 hp (100 kW)
1979–1985	350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8	105 hp (78 kW)
1980–1981	368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8-6-4 V8	145 hp (108 kW)
1977–1979	425 cu in (7.0 L) L33 V8	180 hp (130 kW)

What transmission is in a 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham?

Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Sedan 5.0 V8 Automatic, 142hp, 1986 4-speed.

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.

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 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood?

Engines

Years	Displacement	Power
1986	307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile 307 V8	140 hp (100 kW)
1979–1985	350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8	105 hp (78 kW)
1980–1981	368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8-6-4 V8	145 hp (108 kW)
1977–1979	425 cu in (7.0 L) L33 V8	180 hp (130 kW)

What transmission is in a 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham?

Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Sedan 5.0 V8 Automatic, 142hp, 1986 4-speed.

How much is a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham worth?

1986 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:

Electrical system problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Seat belts problems
Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood.

2007-11-21

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-05-17
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 1G6CD6989G4
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: MY VEHICLE ACCELERATES BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING, WHEN I CHANGE IT FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE AND WHEN I PRESS ON MY BRAKES AT A STOP LIGHT FEELS LIKE IS STILL ACCELERATING AND WANTS TO GO FASTER. I HAD TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS REASON. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT CHANGING GEAR ANYMORE AND THIS VEHICLE IS AT THE MECHANIC FOR THIS REASON. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM BUT IT WAS FIXED BY MY MECHANIC. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE SEAT BELTS DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER. *TR

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2001-02-02

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G6DW69Y1G9
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR WATER LEAK AT WINDSHIELD, AFTER THE WINDSHEILD WAS REMOVED, ADVANCED RUST WAS FOUND IN THE PINCHWELD AREA, PARTICULARLY ON PASSENGER'S SIDE, OWNER ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE. CJ

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1999-03-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHEN THE CAR IS OVER 60MHR IT TURNES OFF, ALSO MOST OF THE TIME IT TURNES OFF WHEN IT IS VEARY HOT OUT SIDE AND WHEN I WANT TO TERN IT ON AGAIN IT GO LIKE ABOUT 30SEC ON THEN IT TURNES OFF AGAIN. SOMETIMES WHEN I LET IT OFF FOR LIKE ABOUT AN HOUR IT TURNS ON AGAIN AND SOMETIMES IT WILL TURN OFF AGIAN.

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1998-08-18

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-07-04
Components: WHEELS
Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO STOP BUT SLID OFF ROAD INTO DITCH. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

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1998-07-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-04-03
Fire: 1
VIN: 1G6DW69Y6G9
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: STEERING COLUMN HAS CAUGHT FIRE TWICE, BLOWER HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. POSSIBLE CAUSE DEFECTIVE COMPUTER. *AK

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1996-02-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-05-25
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDERHOOD NEAR THE FIRE WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

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1995-02-23

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-02-18
VIN: 1G6CD6983G4
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, NOTICED LEAKAGE. DEALERSHIPS DIAGNOSIS INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. TT

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1986 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood.

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).

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.

1990-03-06

Manufacturer: ROYALE LIMOUSINE MFRS.
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
Consequence: LACK OF RESTRAINTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE INJURY AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209 AND 210.
Remedy: INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.

1986-04-28

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

1986-03-06

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Summary: A WIRING HARNESS LOCATED UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY SECURED IN ITS RETAINER AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR LEVER. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: SECURE WIRING IN ITS RETAINER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:

Cadillac Fleetwood Problems and Complaints - 35 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/cadillac/fleetwood

Problem with your Cadillac Fleetwood? Our list of 35 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Cadillac Fleetwood.

1985-87 FWD Deville/Fleetwood Check in! | Cadillac Owners Forum

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1985-87-fwd-deville-fleetwood-check-in.45515/

Jul 10, 2005 ... common, mostly fixed, but still some problems which we believe are electrical. ... 1986 Cadillac SDV ... Does this problem only seem to plague 1986 ...

Late 70's to Late 80's Engines to Avoid or Not to Avoid

https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/index.php?topic=142479.0

Sep 11, 2016 ... I'm only interested in the big Cadillac ride so CDV, Deville, Fleetwood are all good options. ... 1986 thru 1992 worst case 5 liter GM engine in ...

Common 4.1L Problems | Cadillac Owners Forum

https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/common-4-1l-problems.156834/

Dec 16, 2008 ... I have the 4.5 in my Fleetwood so I am aware of all the regular coolant changes/additives that are needed to keep these engines in top shape.