1988 Cadillac Fleetwood problems
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 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood problems
Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of the Cadillac Fleetwood 1988:
- ABS Brake System Failure: Another common complaint is the failure of the ABS brake system. This can compromise the car's braking performance, leading to safety concerns and the need for repairs or replacements.
- Variable Displacement Engine: The Cadillac V8-6-4 engine, known for its variable displacement feature, had poor execution causing fuel injection problems. This resulted in inconsistent fuel delivery, affecting engine performance and reliability.
- Transmission Issues: The Cadillac Catera, which followed the Fleetwood, had transmission problems due to its French transmission and underpowered British V6 engine. These issues led to poor acceleration and overall driving experience.
- Engine Failures: The Cadillac SRX faced engine failures, especially in the 2010 model with a 2.8-liter V6 engine. These failures were linked to using regular fuel instead of premium, leading to engine damage and necessitating recalls.
- Interior Accessory Problems: The 2013 Cadillac SRX experienced numerous interior accessory issues, affecting the overall comfort and convenience features of the car.
These common problems with the Cadillac Fleetwood 1988 highlight various mechanical and performance issues that owners have faced over the years. Addressing these problems promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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 many miles per gallon does a 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood get?
Fuel Economy of 1988 Cadillac Vehicles
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1988 Cadillac Allante 8 cyl, 4.1 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood 8 cyl, 4.5 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 22 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles |
What size engine is in the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood?
4.5 liters
For 1988, the big news was an improved Cadillac V-8 of 4.5 liters, now rated at 155 hp, that was installed on the front-drive cars. The Olds-supplied 140-hp engine was retained on the rear-drive cars. The factory-built limousine was no more.
What kind of engine is in a Cadillac Fleetwood?
| Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 250 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 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350C automatic 4-speed TH-200-4R automatic |
| Dimensions |
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 size engine is in the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood?
4.5 liters
For 1988, the big news was an improved Cadillac V-8 of 4.5 liters, now rated at 155 hp, that was installed on the front-drive cars. The Olds-supplied 140-hp engine was retained on the rear-drive cars. The factory-built limousine was no more.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood get?
Fuel Economy of 1988 Cadillac Vehicles
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1988 Cadillac Allante 8 cyl, 4.1 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood 8 cyl, 4.5 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 22 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles |
What kind of engine is in a Cadillac Fleetwood?
| Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 250 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 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350C automatic 4-speed TH-200-4R automatic |
| Dimensions |
1988 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-23
- VIN: 1G6CB5157J4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE PLATE STUCK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR. PIECES OF A.I.R. PUMP VANES FOUND STUCK IN THROTTLE PLATE. THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY A DEADLY SITUATION HAD THERE BEEN MORE TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. THE IGNITION HAD TO BE TURNED OFF TO STOP THE CAR. THIS OF COURSE KILLED ALL POWER TO STEERING AND BRAKING. THE A.I.R. PUMP AND A.I.R. SWITCHING VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED DEBRI CLEANED OUT OF ALL HOSES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-09
- VIN: 1G6CB5156J4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE SYSTEM LEAKS DUE TO THE CAST ALUMINUM PUMP HOUSING BEING POROUS OR DEFECTIVE, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G6CB5154J4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AUTO-TRAN: GAS PEDAL STUCK IN OPEN POSITION AS DRIVER STARTED CAR, SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE; VEHICLE LURCH FORWARD; HIT TREE, TOTALED VEHICLE. *AK
1988 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:
1988 brougham reliability | Cadillac Owners Forum
Nov 29, 2004 ... ... transmission unsuccessful vacant valiant ... common problems, etc). ... The 1988 Fleetwood Brougham: 5.0 Liter V8 with the 4 barrel carburetor.
1988 Cadillac Brougham Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Belts needed tightening. Oil leaked out of head gaskets (typical problem with this engine). Speedometer gears needed lubrication, otherwise it would make a loud ...
Cadillac Fleetwood Problems and Complaints - 35 Issues
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