1996 Cadillac Fleetwood
Only 17 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 17 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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 7 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 14 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 17 |
| 1998 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
5 of 17 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing pump and hose, piping, and connections.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER DOWN SHIFTED, AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040130
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE IT WAS BEING TURNED. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030318
4 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve) and belts and associated pulleys.
2 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 17 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door.
SAFETY TIMELINE
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS FOR PROPER TORQUE. IF THE BALL JOINT HAS LOOSENED, BOTH THE BALL JOINT AND THE KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 96V018000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL LUG NUTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
Campaign 96V245000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Cadillac Fleetwood — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V018000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V245000 (wheels) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood 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 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.