VehicleVerdict

1987 Cadillac Allante problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1987 Cadillac Allante sits mid-pack among Allante years: 44 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 33, with a single recall and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 75% of all reports (33 of 44), far ahead of transmission at 3.

44

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Allante years?

Allante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted48 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 22 complaints1989: 43 complaints1990: 48 complaints1991: 40 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 9 complaints1995: 1 complaints
Allante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Allante years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Cadillac Allante problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3375%
Transmission37%
Engine25%
Seats12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Electrical System12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1987 Cadillac Allante have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT 65MPH APPLIED BRAKES WHEN VEHICLE AHEAD VEERED INTO MY LANE. BRAKE PEDAL SLAMMED TO THE FLOOR. RELEASED BRAKES AND SMOOTHLY REAPPLIED PRESSURE. PEDAL JUMPED UP APPROX HALF WAY. RELEASED PRESSURE AGAIN AND EASED PEDAL DOWN AGAIN. NORMAL BRAKING WAS REGAINED. HAD BRAKES REBUILT IMMEDIATELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 15, 2000

“ELECTRICAL WITH THE TRANSMISSION-A NEW MAIN COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION PRINDL SWITCH WERE INSTALLED. I STARTED OUT AND HEARD A BIG BOOM. THE INNER PLANETARY TRANSMISSION HOUSING UNIT EXPLODED INTO CHUNKS OF METAL ALL OVER THE ROAD AND SPRAYING TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO CATALYTIS CONVERTER CAUSING A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2001 · fire

1987 Cadillac Allante — common questions

Is the 1987 Cadillac Allante reliable?

It is close to typical for the Allante: 44 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1987 Allante problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (33 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Cadillac Allante have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Cadillac Allante. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Cadillac Allante under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.