Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 39
Against the median year of the Cadillac Fleetwood. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
40.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1994 compares with every other Cadillac Fleetwood
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
933.3%
0 crashes, 3 fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control
414.8%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
311.1%
Airbags
311.1%
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 136,970 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
27.4%
Other & Unspecified
13.7%
Doors, Latches & Locks
13.7%
Wheels
13.7%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Suspension
13.7%
Steering
13.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 6Jan 2008
Recalls on the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96V019000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Risk: IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
95V082000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE OF THE TROTTLE RETURN SPRING, IF THERE IS EXCESSIVE FRICTION IN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
THE FUEL TANK ATTACHMENT STRAP FASTENERS WERE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE FASTENERS CAN COMPLETELY DETACH, EVENTUALLY ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO SAG AND THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK TO STRIKE THE ROADWAY.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL TANK LEAK AND FIRE IF THE LEAKING FUEL IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
94V076000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
PAINT ON THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES CAN ACT AS A SHIM BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR/DRUM. AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THE WHEEL IMBEDS INTO THE PAINT, LOOSENING THE LUG NUT AND CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD.
Risk: ONCE CLAMP LOAD IS LOST, ALL TIRE LOADS ARE TAKEN BY THE WHEEL STUDS RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLES CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
94V049000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
THE ENGINE OIL COOLER INLET HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING GEAR CAUSING CHAFING. THE CHAFING CAN EVENTUALLY WEAR THROUGH THE HOSE'S PROTECTIVE SLEEVE RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE OIL LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19950742,978 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. At low temperatures there may be excessive movement friction in the accelerator pedal assembly. In the event of a failure of a throttle return spring the engine speed may not decrease to the level anticipated by the driver when the foot is lifted from the accelerator pedal. Loss of accelerator control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Accelerator pedal assembly will be replaced.
Recall 19941703,971 units in Canada
Fuel System
THE FUEL TANK ATTACHMENT STRAP FASTENERS ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. THESE LOOSE FASTENERS COULD, IN TIME, BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO SAG DOWN TO THE POINT OF STRIKING SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OR THE ROAD SURFACE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK AND AN UNDER-VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Detroit, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1994 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS THEN ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-90-0874.
NHTSA complaint #10216125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,970 milesSaint Petersburg, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH., THE VEHICLE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE LEFT FRONT FENDER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A STOP SIGN. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10163256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iowa Falls, IACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH PARKED VEHICLES. RELATED RECALL 95V082000. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10027297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN BACKING THE VEHICLE UP THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE GROUND AND THE CAR HIT A PARKED CAR/A MEDIUM AND A HOUSE, THE CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE AND OUT OF CONTRAL. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #825238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carson, CAFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHILE PARKED, FIRE STARTED IN LEFT FRONT SEAT, ACCORDING TO FIRE INSPECTOR, UPON ARRIVAL, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM INTERIOR, FIRE WAS CONCENTRATED ON DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSED BY FAULTY HEATER LOCATED UNDER SEAT; VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #806658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #983008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Detroit, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1994 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS THEN ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-90-0874.
NHTSA complaint #10216125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,970 milesSaint Petersburg, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH., THE VEHICLE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE LEFT FRONT FENDER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A STOP SIGN. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10163256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iowa Falls, IACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH PARKED VEHICLES. RELATED RECALL 95V082000. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10027297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE, 2 BOLTS SHEARED OFF CAUSING THE EXHAUST TO LEAK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE, 2 BOLTS SHEARED OFF CAUSING THE EXHAUST TO LEAK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cortland, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. ALSO, BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF EXHAUST. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #844547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cortland, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. ALSO, BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF EXHAUST. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #844547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cortland, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. ALSO, BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF EXHAUST. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #844547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broadview, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS FAILED RESULTING IN FALLING OFF. MJS
NHTSA complaint #545830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN BACKING THE VEHICLE UP THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE GROUND AND THE CAR HIT A PARKED CAR/A MEDIUM AND A HOUSE, THE CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE AND OUT OF CONTRAL. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #825238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orinda, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP FAILED, IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE WIRES MELTED AND FUSED INTO OTHER PART.
NHTSA complaint #539751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE MOUNTING BOLT SNAPPED WITH A LOUD NOISE. THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAN WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE WHEEL TILTING OUTWARD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW INOPRABLE. FRONT DOOR LOCK INOPRABLE.
NHTSA complaint #828488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE MOUNTING BOLT SNAPPED WITH A LOUD NOISE. THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAN WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE WHEEL TILTING OUTWARD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW INOPRABLE. FRONT DOOR LOCK INOPRABLE.
NHTSA complaint #828488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batavia, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
OWNER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A GARAGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR PROBLEM, MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE WIRES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT WERE BURNED. THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #828149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AS THE ENGINE DIED.
NHTSA complaint #519052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH FAILED, ALLOWING HOOD TO FLY OPEN WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #518552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carson, CAFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHILE PARKED, FIRE STARTED IN LEFT FRONT SEAT, ACCORDING TO FIRE INSPECTOR, UPON ARRIVAL, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM INTERIOR, FIRE WAS CONCENTRATED ON DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSED BY FAULTY HEATER LOCATED UNDER SEAT; VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #806658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #983008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #983008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON FRONT END IMPACT; ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN STOP SIGN, VEHICLE #1 SWERVE TO AVOID BEING BROADSIDED; HIT TREE; SPEED 30 MPH. TT
NHTSA complaint #969418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PASSENGERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON FRONT END IMPACT; ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN STOP SIGN, VEHICLE #1 SWERVE TO AVOID BEING BROADSIDED; HIT TREE; SPEED 30 MPH. TT
NHTSA complaint #969418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS FAILED, CAUSING STEERING TO MAKE GRINDING/WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING, ALSO TILT COLUMN BINDS.
NHTSA complaint #479490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
ROUGH IDLE DUE TO CARBON BUILDUP.
NHTSA complaint #479490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL PAN GASKET FAILED, CAUSING OIL LEAK, ALSO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
NHTSA complaint #479490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STUMBLE/JERK/SURGE UPON ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #479490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.