Eldorado (12th)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Cadillac Eldorado Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
L37
4.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LD8
4.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Cadillac Eldorado, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado
On a used 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (20), the cooling system (16) and the brakes (9). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado about the electrical system.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado about the steering.
Recalls (1)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS ARE LOOSE AND CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD.
Alternatives in Grand Tourer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado complaints?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the brakes.
Is the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado have?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Cadillac Eldorado?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Eldorado have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2002 Cadillac Eldorado. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 63 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.