1988 Cadillac Brougham
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
MAIN FRAME HAD DISINTEGRATED, CAUSING THE REAR AXLE TO BREAK OFF, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990604
1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAUSING PASSENGER TO BECOME TRAPPED IN SEAT, RESULTING IN SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990602
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR SEAT BELT SHOULDER RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY NOT LOCK WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE ACCELERATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 209.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY, AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 87V185000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
LIMOUSINE FAILED TO MEET STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105.
Remedy: REPLACE ORIGINAL REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A LARGER CYLINDER.
Campaign 91V011000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ARE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING.
Remedy: REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Campaign 91V094000 — check if this car was fixed
No summary on file.
Remedy: REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Campaign 91V100000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ARE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING.
Remedy: REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Campaign 91V093000 — check if this car was fixed
THE INCREASED WEIGHT OF THE STRETCH CONVERSION LIMOUSINES REQUIRES LARGER DIAMETER REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS THAN THOSE INSTALLED IN THE FACTORY.
Remedy: REPLACE THE EXISTING REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS WITH LARGER DIAMETER BRAKE CYLINDERS.
Campaign 92V152000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ARE TOO SMALL TO ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKING.
Remedy: REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Campaign 91V096000 — check if this car was fixed
No summary on file.
Remedy: REPLACE ORIGINAL 1" REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDER WITH A 1 1/16" CYLINDER.
Campaign 91V101000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Cadillac Brougham — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V096000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V101000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V185000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V011000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V094000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V100000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V093000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V152000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Cadillac Brougham reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Cadillac Brougham?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Cadillac Brougham have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.