Research · Midsize Cars
2001 Cadillac EldoradoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2001 Cadillac Eldorado. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (5) and vehicle speed control (4). 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
24
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 2001 Cadillac Eldorado as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
24 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2001 – Aug 2019
- Service brakes, hydraulic5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Electrical system3
- Air bags1
- Power train1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Structure1
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
5 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE PARKED THE TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE SERVICE AND STEERING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED WHO BOTH TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON WAITING LIST FOR THE PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 02/18/11 *BF”
Vehicle speed control
4 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
Engine and engine cooling
4 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 20-30 MPH THE "CHECK ENGINE COOLANT" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AT AN EXPENSE OF $3,000.00. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
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 | 25 | 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 2001 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.
2001 Eldorado questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Cadillac Eldorado have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2001 Cadillac Eldorado problems?
Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (5), vehicle speed control (4), engine and engine cooling (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2001 Cadillac Eldorado get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Cadillac Eldorado at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026