Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1988 Cadillac Brougham — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 9 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
9
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 50% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 50% | new |
9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Defect
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ARE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING.
Consequence
STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105 ARE NOT METWITH POWER ASSIST BRAKING UNITS INOPERATIVE.
Remedy
REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Defect
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ARE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING.
Consequence
STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105 WERE NOT METWITH POWER BRAKING ASSIST UNIT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy
REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Defect
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ARE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING.
Consequence
STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105 ARE NOT METWITH POWER BRAKING ASSIST UNIT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy
REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Consequence
STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105 ARE NOT METWITH POWER BRAKING ASSIST UNIT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy
REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Consequence
STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105 ARE NOT METWITH POWER BRAKING ASSIST UNIT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy
REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Defect
LIMOUSINE FAILED TO MEET STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105.
Consequence
INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT;VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105.
Remedy
REPLACE ORIGINAL REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A LARGER CYLINDER.
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.
Defect
REAR SEAT BELT SHOULDER RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY NOT LOCK WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE ACCELERATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 209.
Consequence
THIS INCREASES LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANT.VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 209.
Remedy
REPLACE REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY, AS NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAUSING PASSENGER TO BECOME TRAPPED IN SEAT, RESULTING IN SAFETY HAZARD. *AK”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 9 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Cadillac Brougham. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.