VehicleVerdict

1987 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Fleetwood years?

Fleetwood NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted51 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 1 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 17 complaints1986: 10 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 4 complaints1989: 16 complaints1990: 22 complaints1991: 22 complaints1992: 13 complaints1993: 51 complaints1994: 27 complaints1995: 22 complaints1996: 39 complaints1998: 4 complaints
Fleetwood NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fleetwood years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine225%
Fuel System225%
Seats225%
Brakes113%
Steering113%

Does the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood have recalls?

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

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

90V093000OtherMay 9, 1990 · 544 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.

Consequence

VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH PART 567.

Remedy

ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.

90V050000Seat BeltsMarch 6, 1990 · 223 units

Defect

SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.

Consequence

LACK OF RESTRAINTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE INJURY AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209 AND 210.

Remedy

INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.

87V168000TransmissionOctober 26, 1987 · 11,936 units

Defect

MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.

Consequence

THE VALVE LINK COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A GEARSELECTION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE DRIVER SELECTS. ALSO, CAR COULD BE STARTEDWITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATEDDIRECTION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING OIL TO MIX WITH COOLANT, ERRODING BEARING SURFACES, RESULTING IN ENGINE BEARING KNOCK. *AW”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 1995

“STEERING LOCKS UP AT ANY GIVEN TIME OR SPEED, BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING HARD LEFT AT A SLOW SPEED. 1987 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD WITH RACK AND PINION. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR 4 YEARS BUT IS MUCH WORSE LATELY. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT WOULD COST A LOT TO FIX SO HE'S BEEN KIND OF IGNORING IT. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 20, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 55 MPH APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE SPEEDS ACCELERATE (5) MORE MILES KEPT APPLYING AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAI.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 11, 1996

1987 Cadillac Fleetwood — common questions

Is the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Cadillac Fleetwood years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fleetwood years to avoid are 1993, 1996. The cleanest record among Fleetwood years belongs to 1982.

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.