Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1983 Eldorado.
The 1983 Cadillac Eldorado records a 4.5‑quart oil capacity and is approved for 20W‑20, 10W‑30, or 10W‑40 viscosities. With only four reported owner complaints and two recalls, its early‑life reliability is limited to engine and cooling concerns, a pattern that precedes the higher complaint volumes observed in later model years from 1990 through 2002, where annual complaints ranged from a low of 13 to a high of 81. This suggests that the 1983 version experienced comparatively few issues relative to the broader complaint history of the Eldorado line.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 204.7 in |
| Overall width | 70.5 in |
| Overall height | 54.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight | 3735 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Eldorado of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Touring Coupe 4.1L V8 | 15.20 sec | 20.20 sec | 125 hp | FWD |
| 1984 | Touring Coupe 4.1L V8 | 13.10 sec | 19.30 sec | 135 hp | FWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.5 qt of 20W-20 / 10W-30 / 10W-40 engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | 80W-90 · GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 4.3 qt |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | ABOVE 40 degrees F |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.5 qt |
| Engine Oil | API · 15W-30 · 10W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7 qt |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1983 Cadillac Eldorado sits at the low‑end of a trend that peaks in the mid‑1990s, with complaints climbing from 35 in 1990 to 81 in 1996 before falling to 16 by 2002. Recalls remain modest throughout, ranging from 1 in 1991 to 4 in 1990, indicating no sudden safety overhauls during that span. The target year’s top complaint categories—Engine & Engine Cooling, Service Brakes, and Structure—mirror the broader pattern of mechanical and structural concerns that dominate the decade. With zero recorded crash or fire complaints for 1983, the model’s safety record appears solid relative to its contemporaries. Thus, while the Eldorado’s 1983 model aligns with the era’s typical complaint profile, its lack of serious safety issues makes it a reasonable candidate for purchase if well maintained.
All 4 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE FUEL FILTERS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT THREADED FITTING. THE INCORRECT FITTING IS SIMILIAR ENOUGH IN SIZE THAT THE FUEL FILTER MAY APPEAR TO BE CORRECTLY THREADED ONTO THE FUEL LINE. Remedy: THE IMPROPER THREADING COULD CAUSE A GASOLINE LEAK WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT. Remedy: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.5 qt of ABOVE 40 degrees F: 30, ABOVE 20 degrees F: 20W-20, 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40 OR 20W-50, ABOVE 10 degrees F 15W-40, BELOW 20 degrees F: 5W-20 OR 5W-30, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.