Research · Midsize Cars
1999 Cadillac EldoradoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (6) and engine and engine cooling (6). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
23
Top: service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
23 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 1999 – Jun 2016
- Service brakes, hydraulic6
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Engine2
- Electrical system2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Steering1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Suspension1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes, hydraulic
6 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE BRAKES ENGAGED ON THEIR OWN AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE STABILIZER CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE WITHIN THE STEERING SENSOR MODULE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING SENSOR MODULE, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,000.”
Engine and engine cooling
6 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND THAT THE WATER PUMP AND THE OVER PIPE GASKET WERE LEAKING. THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, THE OVER PIPE GASKET AND THE THERMOSTAT BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM FOR THE FAILURE AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO GET A SECOND OPINION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,320.”
Engine
2 reports
“MY WIFE PURCHASED A 1999 CADILLAC ELDORADO IN 2009 AND IT ONLY HAD 38K MILES ON IT. NOW IN 2016 IT ONLY HAS 103K MILES ON IT BUT WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE WILL FREQUENTLY GO FROM 'NORMAL' TO 'ENGINE HOT - A/C OFF'. AFTER SHUTING OFF THE ENGINE, LETTING IT COOL, AND TOPPING OFF THE COOLANT LEVEL, THE WILL OPERATE IN THE 'NORMAL' TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR SEVERAL MILES BUT THEN IT WILL SUDDENLY JUMP UP TO THE 'ENGINE HOT - A/C OFF' RANGE. THE CAR IS NOW AT A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED THAT THIS 1999 CADILLAC ELDORADO HAS FAILING CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS. RECALL - CAMPAIGN #99086 (MARCH 19, 2002) ACKNOWLEDGES THIS DEFECT AND THE REASONS FOR IT. WILL CADILLAC PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM? A 103,000 MILE CADILLAC ELDORADO SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE AND, IF IT DOES, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eldorado Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1999 Eldorado questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 1999 Cadillac Eldorado problems?
Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (6), engine and engine cooling (6), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026