1978 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS". THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY CRACK AND ALLOW WASHER FLUID TO DRAIN OUT.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE WASHER BOTTLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1978 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V162000.
- 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: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS". THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY CRACK AND ALLOW WASHER FLUID TO DRAIN OUT.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE WASHER BOTTLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: VISUAL; WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION COULD CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE AWINDSHIELD OBSCURED BY ROAD SPLASH COULD NOT BE CLEANED WHILE THE CAR IS INMOTION. REDUCED VISIBILITY COULD RESULT AND MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A VEHICLEACCIDENT.
2. Unknown Or Other
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. IF PAPER OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ARE PLACED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ASHTRAY RECEPTACLE, THEY COULD BECOME IGNITED AND FLAMES FROM THE FIRE MAY REACH THE INTERIOR OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
What could happen:
The fix: OWNER WILL BE SENT A METAL HEAT SHIELD TO BE INSTALLED ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, EITHER BY THE OWNER OR BY THE DEALER.
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 1978 FLEETWOOD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Cadillac dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V189000.
- 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: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: IF PAPER OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ARE PLACED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ASHTRAY RECEPTACLE, THEY COULD BECOME IGNITED AND FLAMES FROM THE FIRE MAY REACH THE INTERIOR OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Consequence:
Remedy: OWNER WILL BE SENT A METAL HEAT SHIELD TO BE INSTALLED ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, EITHER BY THE OWNER OR BY THE DEALER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: INTERIOR; INSTRUMENT PANEL.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE AND PASSENGER INJURIESDUE TO FIRE AND SMOKE INHALATION.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (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)
03/09/1995 · Body / structure
AUTOMATIC LATCH ON TRUCK SUPPORT RELEASED AND FELL DOWN ON PLANTIFFS FINGERS. TT