Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1977 Cadillac Eldorado — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A HIGHER THAN NORMAL RETURN SPRING LOAD ON THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING PAWL. WHEN THE PARK POSITION IS SELECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER, THE PARKING PAWL MAY NOT ENGAGE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMPROVED TYPE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1977 Cadillac Eldorado. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Eldorado years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1995, 1998, 1993, 1994, 1990, 1992, 2000. The cleanest record among Eldorado years belongs to 1980.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.