1991 Cadillac Fleetwood

Introduction:

The 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood is a full-size luxury sedan known for its spacious cabin, powerful V8 engine, and smooth ride. It was offered with a range of engine and transmission options, including a 5.7L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission (240hp, 340lb-ft), a 5.0L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission (170hp, 295lb-ft), and a 4.9L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission (200hp, 310lb-ft). While the Fleetwood offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, it has been reported to have several issues.

Engine

5.7L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, reduced engine performance, overheating.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve covers, visible smoke from engine.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noisy engine, reduced power, engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating.
  • Solution: Replace water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

4.9L V8

• No Major Issues Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (5.7L V8, 5.0L V8, 4.9L V8)

• Transmission Fluid Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks from seals or gaskets.
  • Solution: Replace leaking seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shifting Problems:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears.
  • Solution: Repair or replace transmission components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noisy suspension, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Springs:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, decreased ride height, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace rear suspension springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Weak or dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Shorts:
  • Description/Symptoms: Blown fuses, malfunctioning electrical components.
  • Solution: Identify and repair source of short.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Depends on the severity of the short
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Lenses Clouding:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fog lights become less effective due to clouded lenses.
  • Solution: Replace fog light lenses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 per lens
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate or move slowly.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair power window motor, switches, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner material becomes loose and sags from the roof.
  • Solution: Reattach or replace headliner material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Plastic Trim Pieces Fading:
  • Description/Symptoms: Plastic trim pieces on the dashboard or interior panels lose their color or become dull.
  • Solution: Replace or restore plastic trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per piece
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood is a comfortable and powerful luxury sedan, but it is not without its issues. The most significant issues include timing chain failure on the 5.0L V8 engine, transmission shifting problems, and headliner sagging. These issues can range in severity and cost of repair, so potential buyers should be aware of them before purchasing a used Fleetwood.