1979 Cadillac Eldorado recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". AN INCORRECT PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTING SPRING WAS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE INTERFERENCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKES.
What could happen:
The fix: THE CALIPER ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1979 ELDORADO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V069000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
Summary: VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". AN INCORRECT PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTING SPRING WAS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE INTERFERENCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKES.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE CALIPER ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES.SYSTEM: PARKING; EMERGENCY BRAKES, MECHANICAL.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE PARKINGBRAKE APPLIED AND GEAR SHIFT NOT IN "PARK", IT COULD ROLL FREE, CAUSINGPROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
08/24/2000 · Wheels / tires
THE TIRE TREAD CAME OFF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON 6/28/2000. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HAVING A MAJOR CRASH, BUT SUBSTANTIAL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY CAR . I CONTACTED THE TIRE MANUFACTOR (ATLAS "PINNACLE") AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS TIRE WAS MANUFACTORED AT A FIRESTONE PLANT. I AM CONCERNED THAT FIRESTONES DEFECTIVE TIRES RA…