Model year guide

1996 Cadillac Eldorado

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Cadillac Eldorado — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Cadillac Eldorado at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints81
Combined18 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 Cadillac Eldorado recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #04V110000 · 04/03/2004

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L V8 ENGINES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NYLON TUBING USED IN THE FUEL RAIL CONSTRUCTION MAY DEGRADE AND CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE 1995 MODEL YEAR USES A UNIQUE UNDERHOOD FUEL RETURN LINE THAT MAY CRACK. CRACKING OF THE FUEL RAIL OR RETURN LINE TUBING CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW STAINLESS STEEL FUEL RAIL. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A REVISED CHASSIS FUEL RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2004, FOR 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES. OWNERS OF 1995 CADILLACS AND 1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE …

Equipment:electrical NHTSA Campaign #95V224000 · 30/11/1995

THE ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON THESE VEHICLES COULD HAVE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT DISRUPTING THE PASS KEY SYSTEM, CAUSING FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND TELL-TALES, AND A POSSIBLE NO-START CONDITION. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS;" NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT;" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1996 Cadillac Eldorado common problems

Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

1996 Cadillac Eldorado MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume98 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Fuel only$22,750
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1996 Cadillac Eldorado trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl

1996 Cadillac Eldorado vehicles on record

1996 Cadillac Eldorado 1996 Cadillac Eldorado Base1G6EL12Y3TU619553

Other Cadillac Eldorado model years

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1995 1994 1993 1988 1985 1984 1981

1996 Cadillac Eldorado — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado?

Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Cadillac Eldorado get?

The 1996 Cadillac Eldorado has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (15 city / 24 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.