Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". AN INCORRECT PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTING SPRING WAS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE INTERFERENCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKES.
Remedy
THE CALIPER ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE TIRE TREAD CAME OFF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON 6/28/2000. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HAVING A MAJOR CRASH, BUT SUBSTANTIAL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY CAR . I CONTACTED THE TIRE MANUFACTOR (ATLAS "PINNACLE") AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS TIRE WAS MANUFACTORED AT A…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 1979 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.