1987 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).

1987 Cadillac Fleetwood

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Common 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood, several common problems have been reported:

  • Knocking Noise: Another prevalent issue is a knocking noise coming from the engine. This noise is reported to be quite noticeable while driving the car.
  • Water in Oil: Owners have discovered water in the oil of the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood, indicating a potential internal issue that may lead to engine damage and performance problems.
  • AC-Related Problems: The car reportedly experiences stalling issues with the air conditioning both on and off, suggesting a possible connection between the AC system and the engine performance.

These problems indicate a range of mechanical and performance issues that owners of the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood have faced. From engine reliability concerns to stalling and knocking noises, these issues can significantly impact the driving experience and overall functionality of the vehicle.

1987 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.

How much horsepower does a 1987 Cadillac Brougham have?

With a 3.80 bore and 3.39 stroke, the 5.0-liter engine produced 140 horsepower with its various and sundry emissions equipment.

What kind of engine is in a Cadillac Fleetwood?

Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
Powertrain
Engine250 cu in (4.1 L) HT-4100 V8 252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6 307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8 368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8 425 cu in (7.0 L) L33/L35 V8
Transmission3-speed TH-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350C automatic 4-speed TH-200-4R automatic
Dimensions

How much does a 87 Cadillac Fleetwood weigh?

Curb weight for the now-lithe Fleetwood was 3,346 pounds on the coupe, compared to 3,990 pounds from just a year earlier. The wheelbase was just under 111 inches (or 134.4 inches on the limousine).

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.

How much horsepower does a 1987 Cadillac Brougham have?

With a 3.80 bore and 3.39 stroke, the 5.0-liter engine produced 140 horsepower with its various and sundry emissions equipment.

What engine is in a 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood?

Engines

YearsDisplacementPower
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)
1980–1981368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8-6-4 V8145 hp (108 kW)
1977–1979425 cu in (7.0 L) L33 V8180 hp (130 kW)

How much does a 87 Cadillac Fleetwood weigh?

Curb weight for the now-lithe Fleetwood was 3,346 pounds on the coupe, compared to 3,990 pounds from just a year earlier. The wheelbase was just under 111 inches (or 134.4 inches on the limousine).

1987 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
  • Seats problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Steering problems

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

1987 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood.

2003-10-07

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-03-20
  • VIN: 1G6CS5189H4
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING LOCKS UP AT ANY GIVEN TIME OR SPEED, BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING HARD LEFT AT A SLOW SPEED. 1987 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD WITH RACK AND PINION. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR 4 YEARS BUT IS MUCH WORSE LATELY. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT WOULD COST A LOT TO FIX SO HE'S BEEN KIND OF IGNORING IT. *JB
1997-01-02

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-18
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE METAL IN THE SEAT SHELL AND/OR MOUNTING SYSTEM TO WHICH IT ATTACHES BROKE, CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. *AK
1996-06-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-11
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 55 MPH APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE SPEEDS ACCELERATE (5) MORE MILES KEPT APPLYING AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAI.*AK
1995-09-11

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • VIN: 1G6CB5188H4
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING OIL TO MIX WITH COOLANT, ERRODING BEARING SURFACES, RESULTING IN ENGINE BEARING KNOCK. *AW
1995-09-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-19
  • VIN: 1G6CB5188H4
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP FAILURE. *AW
1995-09-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-19
  • VIN: 1G6CB5188H4
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: SERPENTINE BELT DISENGAGED.
1995-09-11

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-11-29
  • VIN: 1G6CB5188H4
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILURE. *AW
1995-09-11

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
  • VIN: 1G6CB5188H4
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: ONE OF FOUR STEEL BRACKETS THAT HOLD SEAT TO FLOOR BROKE. *DSH
1994-04-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-04-25
  • VIN: 1G6CB518XH4
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CAMSHAFT FAILED, CAUSING ANTIFREEZE LEAK. *AK

1987 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
1987-10-26
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
  • Summary: MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.
  • Consequence: THE VALVE LINK COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A GEARSELECTION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE DRIVER SELECTS. ALSO, CAR COULD BE STARTEDWITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATEDDIRECTION.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:

1987 Fleetwood problems, maybe you guys know or been through it ...
1987 Fleetwood problems, maybe you guys know or been through it ...
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1987-fleetwood-problems-maybe-you-guys-know-or-been-through-it.15138/

Jun 17, 2004 ... 1st of all I'd like to say hello to this nice Cadi forum! Well heres how it breaks down 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood d' Elegance 4.1L

1987 Cadillac Brougham Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1987 Cadillac Brougham Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/cadillac/brougham/1987/

Aug 8, 2023 ... Faults: AC compressor, fan clutch (did the radiator also, noticed stains on the tank) fuel pump, valve cover gaskets, fixed leaking ...

Common 4.1L Problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
Common 4.1L Problems | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/common-4-1l-problems.156834/

Dec 16, 2008 ... I am looking for a new winter car and there is a 1987 Coupe DeVille near me with 78,xxx miles on it for only $1900. Here is the ad http:// ...

Cadillac Fleetwood Problems and Complaints - 35 Issues
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.

Cadillac HT4100 In Depth Problems and Reliability. | Bob Is The Oil ...
Cadillac HT4100 In Depth Problems and Reliability. | Bob Is The Oil ...
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/cadillac-ht4100-in-depth-problems-and-reliability.133626/

Jun 10, 2010 ... ... problems and reliability of the Cadillac HT4100 V8 made from 1982-1987 ... common with GM engines in that era) added to the coolant as well. Mom's ...

Other years of Cadillac Fleetwood

cadillac fleetwood 1988 photo
Fleetwood 1988
Cadillac

3

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac fleetwood 1989 photo
Fleetwood 1989
Cadillac

16

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac fleetwood 1990 photo
Fleetwood 1990
Cadillac

22

2

4

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac fleetwood 1991 photo
Fleetwood 1991
Cadillac

17

3

6

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac fleetwood 1992 photo
Fleetwood 1992
Cadillac

8

2

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
cadillac fleetwood 1993 photo
Fleetwood 1993
Cadillac

46

3

5

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1987 Cadillac Fleetwood photo