Most common 1997 Cadillac Eldorado problems
Share of the 31 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Eldorado complaints by model year
Best Eldorado years: 1995, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →
1997 Cadillac Eldorado recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Some passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail construction May degrade and crack. Additionally, the 1995 model year uses a unique underhood fuel return line that May crack.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine fuel rail with a new stainless steel fuel rail. Dealers will also install a revised chassis fuel return line.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module can cause the antilock brake system (ABS) to cycle during a non-ABS brake application.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado:
Fuel rail leakage
The fuel rail assemblies used in the subject vehicles were manufactured by dana.the fuel rail jumper tubes were made of monolayer nylon 12 (pa12).in model year (my) 1998, the jumper tube material was changed from pa12 to m-bond (a multi-layer ptfe/pa12).in addition, all service parts produced since the end of production 1997 use the m-bond jumper tubes.
Fuel rail leaks
On March 3, 2004, general motors notified odi that it was recalling approximately 94,000 my 1995-97 Oldsmobile aurora vehicles equipped with 4.0l v8 engines (rpo l47 - vin8 c) to address concerns with underhood fuel leakage from cracked fuel rails and, in some of the vehicles, cracked fuel return lines.
What 1997 Cadillac Eldorado owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. While parking the vehicle, the power steering warning light illuminated. The driver exited the vehicle and was informed that it was on fire. A fire report was not filed. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V110000 (fuel system/gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. ...updated 08/29/16 updated 6/11/18
Tl contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. The contact smelled gasoline while driving at an unknown speed. Once he arrived home, he opened the hood and noticed flames. The manufacturer stated that because he was the second owner of the vehicle, he did not receive a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 04V110000 (fuel system, gasoline delivery hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The manufacturer would not assist. The vehicle has not been repaired because the contact wants the manufacturer to pay for the repair. The failure and current mileages were 113,200. Updated 09/24/08 updated 10/01/08.
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. While driving various speeds, the anti braking system automatically engaged without warning. The contact noticed a fuel odor when she turned the ignition switch into the run position. The contact was unable to turn the ignition switch into the run position intermittently and heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado touring coupe (na). While driving approximately 65 MPH, the traction control system light illuminated on the instrument panel ABS light illuminated shortly after and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle slowed to 15 MPH and the contact coasted to the side of the road. The failure occurred again after it was started up again. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the problem could have been because of a corroded traction control system or ABS system sensor. The contact shut off the traction control system. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 34,800 and the current mileage was 35,200.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine began smoking. The contact had to pull over to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and called the fire department. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. The low coolant indicator would illuminate and the contact constantly had to refill the coolant receptacle. The oil light illuminated once. While driving the contact noticed a cloud of smoke appearing from under the hood. A repair shop diagnosed the failure as blown head bolts from within the block. The vehicle needed a new transmission. The current and failure mileage were 53000.
1997 Cadillac Eldorado engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado a good car?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Eldorado rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Eldorado at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado?
The fuel & propulsion system — 12 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the brakes (7) and engine & cooling (6).
How many recalls does the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Cadillac Eldorado, the most recent from March 4, 2004 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Eldorado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1999 and 2002. See the full Cadillac Eldorado years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Eldorado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 6% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.