VehicleVerdict

1990 Cadillac Allante problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1990 Cadillac Allante sits mid-pack among Allante years: 48 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 32, with a single recall and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 90% of all reports (43 of 48), far ahead of body & structure at 2.

48

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Allante years?

Allante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted48 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 22 complaints1989: 43 complaints1990: 48 complaints1991: 40 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 9 complaints1995: 1 complaints
Allante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Allante years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Cadillac Allante problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes4390%
Steering24%
Body & Structure24%
Transmission12%

Does the 1990 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.

“THREE TOTAL BRAKE FAILURES TO DATE. TWO RESULTED IN ACCIDENTS WHEN THE ALLANTE HAD TO BE CRASHED INTO TRUCKS ON EACH OCCASSION TO STOP WITHOUT INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS. PROPERTY DAMAGE IN EACH CASE WAS ABOUT $1,000 TO THE ALLANTE AND $2,000 TO THE TRUCKS IN EACH CASE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 1, 1991 · crash

“WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED, CONSUMER TRIED TO STEER CLEAR OF AN UTILITY POLE BUT THE STEERING DID NOT SEEM TO RESPOND CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE UTILITY POLE, CONSUMER SUFFERED A FRACTURED LEFT WRIST, FRACTURED RIGHT ANKLE, MULTIPLE LACERATIONS ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNLATCHES WITHOUT DRIVER'S EFFORT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES, DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE HINGES NEED REPLACEMENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 15, 1992

“EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE EVERY TIME I STEP ON THE BRAKES I RECEIVE A MOMENTARY DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHAT APPEARS TO BE A LOUD CLICKING COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH AREA AND THEN A REFIRMING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. ALL THE TIME THIS IS HAPPENING I AM RECEIVING A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 5, 1998

1990 Cadillac Allante — common questions

Is the 1990 Cadillac Allante reliable?

It is close to typical for the Allante: 48 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1990 Allante problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (43 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 1990 Cadillac Allante have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Cadillac Allante. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 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.