A novel adaptive predefined-time tracking control algorithm is proposed for the Euler–Lagrange systems (ELSs) with model uncertainties and actuator faults. Compared with traditional finite-time and fixed-time studies, the system output tracking error under the proposed predefined-time controller converges to a small neighborhood of zero in finite time, whose upper bound is exactly a design parameter in the control algorithm. For the uncertain model, radial-based function neural network (RBFNN) is utilized to approximate the continuous uncertain dynamics. To deal with the actuator faults, an adaptive control law is involved in the fault-tolerant controller. In order to achieve the predefined-time bounded, a novel predefined-time sliding mode surface is designed. It is proved that the tracking error vector trajectory of closed-loop system is semi-globally uniformly ultimately predefined-time bounded, and the upper bounds of both the system settling time and the corresponding output tracking error can be adjusted with a simple parameter. Simulation examples finally demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.