Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.6 times the median Eldorado year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 27 Eldorado years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), suspension (9), and fuel system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
67
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 15% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 9 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 9 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 9% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSES AND LIMOUSINES. THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES WAS MISROUTED.
Consequence
THE HARNESS COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE LINKAGE PREVENTING RETURN TO A CLOSED THROTTLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE HARNESS, CORRECT AS NECESSARY, AND INSTALL A PLASTIC TIE STRAP TO THE HARNESS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED CONTINUED ENGINE FAILURE (SHUT DOWN)ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ACCIDENT OCCURRED DUE TO ENGINE SHUT DOWN (BRAKE,STEERING LOSS),VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTED IN INJURIES. YH ”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM ONE OF THE FUEL LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO…”
“WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER DID NOT PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WAS REWIRED. THERE WAS A RATTLE…”
“THE HEADLAMPS QUIT WORKING. IT HAS BEEN IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. THEY KEEP REPLACING RELAYS BUT IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE VERY FAR AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF NO HEADLAMPS. *NLM”
“PE 00 040/ TREAD SEPARATION: LEFT REAR OUTER TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE STILL INFLATED AND DRIVING AT 50-55 MPH, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE P225/75R16, DOT# 2599IUR8099. FIRESTONE WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME, AND TIRE WAS AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS. *AK *SLC ”
NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 27 Eldorado years. It is one of the Eldorado years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), suspension (9 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.