Cadillac Fleetwood recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Cadillac Fleetwood, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Cadillac Fleetwood. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Cadillac Fleetwood, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1971–1998 with 37 recall campaigns and 265 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1995 (5), 1994 (5), and 1986 (4).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1993 (51), 1996 (39), and 1994 (27).
- Top recall themes: Other, Powertrain, and Steering and suspension.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Vehicle speed control.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Other
4 campaigns · Years: 1977–1978, 1994–1996These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Powertrain
3 campaigns · Years: 1987, 1991–1993, 1995These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
Steering and suspension
3 campaigns · Years: 1971–1972, 1994–1996These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Seats and restraints
2 campaigns · Years: 1979, 1985–1988These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Visibility and lighting
2 campaigns · Years: 1978, 1986These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
Airbags
1 campaign · Years: 1993These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.
- 93V041000 · Air bags: Frontal
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 1991These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 91V098000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Wheel cylinders
Electrical
1 campaign · Years: 1986These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
- 86V036000 · Electrical system: Interior/under dash
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Cadillac Fleetwood in NHTSA complaint data are Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Vehicle speed control.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:axle assembly, Tires:tread/belt, Structure:frame and members:underbody shields. |
| 1996 | 2 | 39 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. |
| 1995 | 5 | 22 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint, Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, Electrical system:ignition. |
| 1994 | 5 | 27 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1993 | 2 | 51 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Seat belts:front:retractor, Air bags:frontal. |
| 1992 | 1 | 13 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, Vehicle speed control. |
| 1991 | 2 | 22 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, Steering: steering wheel/handle bar. |
| 1990 | 0 | 22 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Electrical system:ignition:switch. |
| 1989 | 1 | 16 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor. |
| 1988 | 2 | 4 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal, Electrical system:ignition:switch. |
| 1987 | 3 | 8 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys, Fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system. |
| 1986 | 4 | 10 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, Electrical system:ignition:module. |
| 1985 | 2 | 17 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Equipment:appliance:air conditioner, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1984 | 1 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1983 | 1 | 6 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Equipment:appliance:air conditioner. |
| 1981 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt. |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1978 | 2 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support device/strut. |
| 1977 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1972 | 1 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Wheels. |
| 1971 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Equipment , Power train and Seat belts
Other Cadillac Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Cadillac models.
- Allante 1987–1993
- ATS 2013–2019
- Brougham 1987–1992
- Catera 1997–2001
- Cimarron 1981–1988
- CT4 2020–2027
- CT5 2020–2027
- CT6 2016–2020
- CTS 2003–2019
- Deville 1981–2005
- DTS 2006–2011
- Eldorado 1981–2002
- ELR 2014–2027
- Escalade 1999–2027
- Escalade ESV 2017–2027
- Escalade IQ 2025–2027
- Hearse 1997–2011
- Limousine 1998–2011
- Lyriq 2023–2027
- Optiq 2025–2027
- Seville 1981–2004
- SRX 2004–2027
- STS 2005–2011
- Vistiq 2026–2027
- XLR 2003–2009
- XT4 2019–2027
- XT5 2017–2027
- XT6 2020–2027
- XTS 2013–2019
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.