VehicleVerdict

1986 Cadillac Brougham problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1986 Cadillac Brougham — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Brougham years?

Brougham NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted12 complaints1972: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 6 complaints1988: 2 complaints1989: 2 complaints1990: 12 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 7 complaints1993: 5 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 10 complaints1996: 5 complaints
Brougham NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Brougham years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Cadillac Brougham problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine267%
Electrical System133%

Does the 1986 Cadillac Brougham have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

92V152000BrakesOctober 20, 1992 · 167 units

Defect

THE INCREASED WEIGHT OF THE STRETCH CONVERSION LIMOUSINES REQUIRES LARGER DIAMETER REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS THAN THOSE INSTALLED IN THE FACTORY.

Consequence

THE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE STOPPING DISTANCEREQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS".

Remedy

REPLACE THE EXISTING REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS WITH LARGER DIAMETER BRAKE CYLINDERS.

89V102000Speed ControlJune 16, 1989 · 1,755,897 units

Defect

A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).

Consequence

SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.

1986 Cadillac Brougham — common questions

Is the 1986 Cadillac Brougham reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Cadillac Brougham have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Cadillac Brougham. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Cadillac Brougham under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.