VehicleVerdict

1989 Cadillac Allante problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1989 Cadillac Allante sits mid-pack among Allante years: 43 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 86% of all reports (37 of 43), far ahead of electrical system at 3.

43

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Allante years?

Allante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted48 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 22 complaints1989: 43 complaints1990: 48 complaints1991: 40 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 9 complaints1995: 1 complaints
Allante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Allante years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Cadillac Allante problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3786%
Electrical System37%
Other25%
Transmission12%

Does the 1989 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.

“BOTH ABS SYSTEM AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED ABS PUMP AS REPAIR. ONE WEEK LATER, BOTH SYSTEMS FAILED AGAIN AT SPEED. ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED ABS PUMP AND ACCUMULATOR. THE OWNERS' MANUAL SAYS THAT CONVENTIONAL BRAKES WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 1996

“EBCM FAILED, ANTILOCK SYSTEM INACTIVE, POOR BRAKING ABILITY AS ANTILOCK SYSTEM GOES NUTS FOR THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING,WENT TO DEALER TO REPLACE EBCM, PART NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE FROM GMC. MY CAR IS NOW A SAFETY HAZARD. GM SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUCH A VITAL PART RELATED TO THE SAFTEY OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 15, 2001

“THE 1987 - 1992 CADILLAC ALLANTE BOSCH III ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS PRONE TO TOTAL FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS LEAVES THE DRIVER WITH NO ABILITY TO STOP THE CAR IN A REASONABLE DISTANCE. I OWN SUCH A CAR, AND AS A MEMBER OF AN ALLANTE CAR CLUB I HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF AT LEAST 26 DIFFERENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

1989 Cadillac Allante — common questions

Is the 1989 Cadillac Allante reliable?

It is close to typical for the Allante: 43 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1989 Allante problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (37 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 1989 Cadillac Allante have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Cadillac Allante. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 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.