AI Damage1991 Cadillac Fleetwood: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 36% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 14% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 14% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 14% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 14% of all complaints
- 6 Air bags 7% of all complaints
- 7 Fuel system 7% of all complaints
- 8 Parking brake 7% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 5 complaints (36% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (14% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.9 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
In accident 12:00 position at unknown speed drivers airbag did not deploy and both front seat belts did not hold. Tt
Rear brakes went out due to fluid not getting to brakes, consumer has experienced previous brake failure, dealer can not repair brakes due to them being discontinued, consumer does not know how to get her brakes repaired since the part has been discontinued.
When the cruise control is set at 55 mph, speed starts increasing and would not disengage, even though driver stepped on the brakes and turned the off the switch. Driver was able to turn off the ignition to stop the vehicle, avoiding a crash. A mechanic unhooked the cruise control system.
While driving down the highway at approximately 55mph engine check light came on and stayed on. Took vehicle to dealer and he was not able to find the cause. Dealer said it may be transmission problems. Had to get a catalytic converter at 50,000, and a master cylinder and new moter at 46,000.
Steering column cable/the throttle cable and emergency brake cable, when car was built, cables were too close to the manifold, causing all three cables to melt. Dealer comments, while repairs of rerouting cables are done.
Steering column: driving approximately 70-75mph and noticed smoke coming from the top seam of the steering column in the air bag area. Pulled over, shut off vehicle and smoke ceased. Started up car and got up to 70mph, and it started smoking again in the same area.
While driving at any speed vehicle will stall only when turning air conditioning on.
After driving 30 miles in stop and go traffic, brakes failed when stopping. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,551 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Fleetwood has 10 complaints (18 years in the data). This year has 14, above average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: brake failure (21%), smoke, burning smell, fire (14%), airbags did not deploy (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1991 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.