1993 Cadillac Allante problems
The Cadillac Allanté is a two-door, two-seater luxury roadster marketed by Cadillac from 1987 until 1993. It used a Cadillac chassis and running gear with a body built in Italy by coachbuilder Pininfarina. It was expensive to produce with the complete bodies flown to Detroit for final assembly. Over 21,000 were built during its seven-year production run.
Conception and design
To maintain luxury market position in the 1980s, Cadillac sought an aspirational model that would combine the prestige of a European design with the renown of a European coachbuilder — to help Cadillac compete with Mercedes and Jaguar. It would become the first modern-era two-passenger Cadillac roadster, and the first to wear the Cadillac name since the Cadillac Series 355 roadster of the 1930s.
Cadillac General Manager Bob Burger sent engineers in 1982 to Italy to meet with designers and coachbuilders, to explore a partnership with Cadillac. According to program manager Ed Anderson, the team identified Pininfarina as their top choice, and Cadillac chose them to design the Allanté, under the direction of Sergio Pininfarina, working with a team of designers including Mario Vernacchia.
At GM, Chuck Jordan was torn because delegating the design to Pininfarina implied that GM's 3,000 internal designers were unable to pen the design. GM stylist Wayne Kady along with Vice President of Design, Irv Rybicki, fought to have the design crafted in house, Kady later saying GM leadership had decided to go with an Italian design even before Cadillac’s designers began work.
The in-house designers were hurt and angry. Kady said to management, “we’ve done all your bread and butter cars through the years, but when it’s time to do a historic and fun project, you give it to someone else.” Cadillac General Manager Bob Burger later told the in-house designers the company was "looking for a car with a designer name to it. It’s like Levi's, it’s that tag on the back of the jeans."
Ostensibly, Chuck Jordan (at the time assigned in Europe with Opel) was not to examine Pininfarina's work, though because he was friends with Sergio Pininfarina he was able to see the design before it was frozen for development. As later told by Maria Vernacchia, Jordan referred to the Allanté as ‘The New Spirit of Cadillac,’ only suggesting a front grille similar to the typical Ferrari's with a classic rectangular grid design. Pininfarina opened a new facility specifically for Allanté manufacture outside Turin in rural San Giorgio Canavese, as a dedicated vehicle assembly plant, part of what would become a very long assembly process.
The car was built on a unique platform, known as the V-body, which was a shortened version of the E platform that underpinned the Cadillac Eldorado and other contemporary personal luxury coupes.
The nameplate Allanté was selected by General Motors from 1,700 computer generated potential names. Originally designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz SL and Jaguar XJS, the Allanté initially featured a slightly modified variant of the 4.1 L V8 used across Cadillac's model line. This was expanded to 4.5 L in 1989, and upgraded to the 4.6 L L37 Northstar in its final year, 1993.
All Allanté models featured a fully electronic instrument and control panel, which was angled towards the driver, without knobs or manual controls. GM also implemented electronic controls in select premium mid-to-late 1980s luxury vehicles such as the Buick Reatta, Buick Riviera, and Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo, although these vehicles included a touchscreen control panel called the Graphic Control Center (GCC), which the Allanté did not.
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Common 1993 Cadillac Allante problems
The 1993 Cadillac Allante has been a subject of mixed reviews and experiences among owners. Based on the information gathered from various sources, here are some common problems reported by owners of the Cadillac Allante 1993:
- Convertible Top Troubles: Owners have found the convertible top of the 1993 Allante to be challenging to operate. Some have reported issues with the top not locking down properly in the back, requiring adjustments by specialists for smooth functioning.
- Electronics Problems: The advanced electronics in the 1993 Allante have been both praised for being ahead of their time and criticized for their reliability. Complaints include issues with the ABS module, which can be expensive to replace, and general electronic malfunctions that may require specialized expertise for repair.
- Parts Availability: Finding parts for the 1993 Cadillac Allante can be a challenge due to its limited production numbers and unique features. Owners have highlighted the difficulty in locating specific components and the expertise needed to work on these cars, with only a few places having a good supply of parts and knowledge on these models.
- Transmission and Gearbox Concerns: The gearbox in the Cadillac Allante poses a unique challenge as other Cadillac transmissions are not compatible, leading to expensive rebuilds instead of more affordable replacements. This limitation can add to the maintenance costs of the vehicle.
These reported issues highlight the complexities and challenges associated with owning a 1993 Cadillac Allante. While the car is praised for its performance, style, and driving experience, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and the associated maintenance costs to make an informed decision.
Are Cadillac Allantes reliable?
The 1993 Cadillac Allante receives an average consumer rating of 4.4 overall and a 4.5 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Are Cadillac Allanté expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Cadillac Allante is $460.
How much is a 1993 Cadillac Allante worth?
1993 Cadillac Allante Value - $3,629-$13,787 | Edmunds.
Is the 1993 Allante a good car?
The 1993 Allante is a world class automobile
It is comfortable, punchy, sturdy and a real kick in the head to drive. Aside from all this, the car is extremely reliable.
Is the 1993 Allante a good car?
The 1993 Allante is a world class automobile
It is comfortable, punchy, sturdy and a real kick in the head to drive. Aside from all this, the car is extremely reliable.
Are Cadillac Allantes reliable?
The 1993 Cadillac Allante receives an average consumer rating of 4.4 overall and a 4.5 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Why did the Cadillac Allanté fail?
This configuration, combined with its exorbitant price, made the Allanté less appealing to those seeking high performance, especially given its intent to rival Europe's top GT cars. Despite Cadillac's initial sales projection of 6,000 units per year, actual sales averaged about half that number annually.
How much is a 1993 Cadillac Allante worth?
1993 Cadillac Allante Value - $3,629-$13,787 | Edmunds.
1993 Cadillac Allante car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Allante problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Equipment problems
- Interior lighting problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Cadillac Allante vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Cadillac Allante complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Cadillac Allante.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-19
- VIN: 1G6VS3399PU
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CADILLAC ALLANTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. ..UPDATED 03/18/13 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE AC MALFUNCTIONED COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED A 1994 RECALL# 94V158000. UPDATED 03/27/13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G6VS3397PU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1993 ALLANTE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE RIGHT FRONT AREA, BEHIND THE HEADLIGHT. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS ACCOUNT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE PER STATE FARM INS CO. DAMAGE APPEARED SLIGHT, JUST BURNT WIRES AND CONNECTORS AND RELAYS. FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH GARDEN HOSE. SIMILAR OCCURRENCE TO MR KIT BONHAM JUN 03. FIRE STARTED IN SAME PLACE, UNABLE TO PUT IT OUT, WAS ON INTERSTATE, VEHICLE TOTALLY BURNED. ALSO TOTAL LOSS PER INSURANCE CO. *JB
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-25
- VIN: 1G6VS339XPU
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN THE SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON THEY COULD BE SEEN EXTERNALLY BUT COULD NOT BE SEEN ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE TOO FAINT TO BE SEEN BY THE CONSUMER AND THE CLICKING INDICATOR COULD NOT BE HEARD. AT NIGHT THE DASH INDICATOR WAS VISIBLE. THE CONSUMER OWNS TWO VEHICLES THAT ARE IDENTICAL IN MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR AND BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK *NLM *SC *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-25
- VIN: 1G6VS3391PU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN THE SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON IN THE VEHICLE THEY CAN BE SEEN EXTERNALLY, BUT CAN NOT BE DETECTED INTERNALLY. THE DASH INDICATOR LIGHT IS TO FAINT TO BE SEEN NOR CAN THE CLICKING SOUND BE HEARD. AT NIGHT THE DASH INDICATOR IS VISIBLE. THE CONSUMER OWNS TWO VEHICLES THAT ARE IDENTICAL IN MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR AND BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *CT *SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-18
- VIN: 1G6VS3396PU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, BILLOWS OF WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM TAIL PIPE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT ENGINE CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. *JG *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, AND BRAKES DIDN'T HOLD AT ALL. HE HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. *AK THIS VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A SOLUTION FOR THE CURRENT BRAKE FAILURES. THE CONSUMER SAYS THE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-15
- VIN: 1G6VS3399PU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ABOUT 2 AM WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MY LOCKED GARAGE THE HORN WENT OFF. I INVESTIGATED AND WHEN I PUSHED ON THE HORN PAD IT STOPPED. WENT BACK TO BED. AN HOUR OR SO LATER IT WENT OFF AGAIN. THIS TIME WHEN I OPENED THE CAR DOOR IT STOPPED. SOMETIME LATER I WENT TO A DEALER AND HAD THE HORN DISCONNECTED SINCE IT WAS GOING TO COST OVER $800 TO INSTALL A NEW HORN PAD. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE THE HORN PAD AREA IS TOO CONGESTED AND ANYTHING, SUCH AS TEMPERATURE CHANGE OR AFFECT OF HUMIDITY CAN SET OFF THE HORN. THIS I CONSIDER A MANUFACTURE DEFECT , A SAFETY CONCERN, AND A NUISANCE, SINCE THE HORN CAN GO OFF AT ANYTIME OR ANYPLACE. A HORN IS NOT OFTEN USED AND I DON'T RECALL IF I EVER USED THIS HORN, BUT IT IS A MAJOR PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND IN AN EMERGENCY CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. BECAUSE THE HORN IS USED SO SELDEM, UNLESS YOU DRIVE A TAXI IN CHICAGO, MOST OPERATORS, INCLUDING MYSELF, HAVE DECIDED NOT TO SPEND OVER $800 TO FIX SOMETHING THAT THEY MOST LIKELY WILL NEVER NEED. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURE DEFECT WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN FORSEEABLE AND WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A TSB SHOULD BE BORNE BY THE MANUFACTURER.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FLEW OFF UNEXPECTEDLY, STRIKING THE DRIVER,AND MAY HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENTS/INJURIES. ALSO, HAPPENED TO CONSUMER OF 1991 ALLANTE. COMMON PROBLEM, EVEN HAVE A WEB SITE FOR THESE CONVERTIBLE TOP PROBLEMS AT ALLANTE. DEALER REPLACED THE TOP, BUT THE PROBLEM REOING A NEW LONGER PIN INSTALLED BUT AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRE DANGLING OVER EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN AN INJURY (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). *AK
1993 Cadillac Allante recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Cadillac Allante.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
- Summary: IF THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY CONTACTS THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER OUT HOSE, THE HOSE MAY WEAR THROUGH ALLOWING ENGINE OIL TO LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: AN OIL LEAK THAT CONTACTS THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TIE STRAP TO RETAIN THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER OUTLET HOSE TO THE AUXILIARY ENGINE OIL COOLER INLET HOSE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR ASSURING ADEQUATE CLEARANCE OF THE AFFECTED HOSE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
Negative 1993 Cadillac Allante car reviews
Positive 1993 Cadillac Allante car reviews
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I was thrilled when I first bought my Allante from the original owner, mainly because of its stunning beauty. Cadillac's Pearl White paint is one of the best on any vehicle, and it truly stands out. What surprised me even more was how smooth the ride was compared to previous Allante models, thanks to the powerful 295HP Northstar engine. The handling and performance are truly unmatched, and I believe it's a world-class automobile, on par with the Mercedes SL and anything from Lexus or Infinity. It's a shame that the Allante was discontinued just when Cadillac finally got it right. With more time and the Northstar engine, I believe the Allante would have found its true audience. I am extremely happy to own this piece of automotive history!
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This is an update of my November, 2017 review. My Allante is now 25 years old and I still love it. Recently, I changed some oil cooler lines that were getting soft after 25 years. Other than that, I have kept up with oil changes, tires, and battery. I just drive it and enjoy it. It runs and looks great. The '93 model has plush seats instead of the narrow and hard seats in earlier Allantes, making it one of the most comfortable two-seat convertibles I have ever driven. I have owned an Allante since 1991 and I loved my '91 Allante, but I wanted the more comfortable seats and Northstar engine in the '93. I am glad I bought the '93 and feel happy every time I drive it. The car is a delight to drive on long trips and is very fast and stable. It is a great touring car with a large trunk for luggage. I am very strict about following Cadillac's recommended maintenance schedule and change the brake fluid, oil, and anti-freeze as recommended in the manual. Other than a few minor maintenance items, the car has required no major maintenance and is extremely reliable. The car is a classic, understated beauty that continues to get many compliments, even though it is almost 25 years old. The paint still looks like new and the leather is soft and free of cracks. I highly recommend the Allante to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable two-seat convertible.I'm really impressed with how well the car has held up. I have several other custom and antique cars, but the Allante remains my favorite to drive. Other than initially learning how to open and close the convertible top, the car is very straightforward to operate. I read some complaints about the convertible top, but I have never found it to be a problem. Just follow the directions in the owner's manual and it works as advertised. A power top would have been nice, but unfortunately, it was not offered. I absolutely love the Northstar engine. It has lots of torque and power. The engine pulls hard up to redline and sounds great. I can't think of anything that I don't like about the Allante. The Allante Club is very active and has local, regional, and national events. The club provides great contacts and information about keeping these cars in top condition. Most needed parts are readily available from Dick Hussey at Allante Source in Florida. Dick knows everything about Allantes and is always incredibly helpful. He has most parts you will ever need. Dick is a fantastic guy to deal with. The '93 Allante is a wonderful car, and I intend to keep it as long as I can drive. I believe the Allante will become a more collectible car in a few years, and people will regret not buying one when they could get it at a good price. Buy one and enjoy it!
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I recently purchased a 1993 Northstar Florida car with a hardtop to replace my 1966 Corvette roadster as a weekend getaway car. I must say, this car is an absolute joy to drive! It handles exceptionally well, has a comfortable ride and seats, and accelerates with authority. In fact, it matches a 1973 454 Corvette in the quarter mile and has a higher top speed of 144 MPH. Despite its impressive performance, it still manages to get decent fuel economy, achieving 24-25 MPG on the highway. The exhaust note is subdued at part throttle and throaty when you get on it, adding to the overall driving experience. The car boasts a 295 HP DOHC V8 engine that is both torquey and revs aggressively to its 6500 RPM shift points. The trunk is huge, there's a large interior storage area, fine leather, power everything, and a nice sounding audio system. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
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I have owned my 1992 Cadillac Allante for 13 years and have enjoyed driving it since the first day I got it. It is one of the more classic body styles ever made by Cadillac and still is a beauty. Recently, I discovered an alarming fact about my beautiful car: the Bosch ABS brakes are the most expensive braking system to replace ever made, costing approximately $8,000. Despite this setback, I still love my Allante! The only year this system was ever used was in the 1992 Allante, so I guess I just had some bad luck. Other than that, it has been a wonderful car and a lot of fun to drive.
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This is my third Allante. I previously owned a '93 in '94, but my ex got that one. Then I had a '91, and now I have another '93. If you're a fan of performance, this is the only car to own. While earlier models were somewhat more reliable, they lacked the power of this one. With nearly 300 horses at your command, you'll surprise just about anyone who thinks they can beat you. What's even better is that this car was the flagship of Cadillac in '93 and earlier years. The body was designed by PinaFarina of Italy, and the drivetrain is from an Eldorado. It still has features that most cars don't, and it can stand up to just about anything you put up against it off the line. However, it's worth noting that the Northstar engine has a number of issues that could cost you a bundle. Good ones are gre
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Cadillac Allante problems:
Cadillac Allante Questions - What chronic problems occur with '93 ...
Oct 25, 2014 ... Cylinder head threads release after 150k miles, then head gasket blows and altogether this is not an easy fix. Time-serts and tools are pricey, ...
Concerns to watch for in the 1993 GM Cadillac Allante - Cadillac ...
Jan 1, 2008 ... The plenum issue is explosions in the plenum when the fuel pressure regulator malfunctions and leaks gas which can get ignited. The "fix" was to ...
Considering buying an Allante | Cadillac Owners Forum
Oct 19, 2018 ... Aftermarket replacements and rebuilt originals are common and available. The head units for the CD and Tape Player are regular issues. Rebuilt ...
Defenders of the Cadillac Allante aren't giving up just yet - Hagerty ...
Aug 30, 2018 ... While the 1993 Allante is most desirable, its Northstar engine has a few issues, not least replacing the starter motor in the “V” underneath ...
What is the best year Allante to purchase and why? | Cadillac ...
Jul 14, 2013 ... Is the last year Allante in 1993 the best one cadillac made? ... common the rest of the Cadillac line. I've owned both an 88 and a 91 and never ...
Other years of Cadillac Allante
Are you having problems with your 1993 Cadillac Allante?
Myles Schowalter 2024-10-05
I can tell you that I absolutely love my Caddy! Although the car has had some issues with the convertible top, they were all fixable. The only minor issue I have with the car is that the seats are a bit too stiff for my liking, but I'm slowly getting used to them. This car is a real head-turner and there aren't many of them around anymore. It's like my own little baby that I never had!
Dell Spencer 2024-10-01
I always loved the look of this car and was thrilled when I finally got my hands on a well-preserved one. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a bit of a money pit. Despite spending a lot of money on major repairs, the mechanics were never able to get the suspension right to my liking. It spent far too much time in the shop and cost me a lot of money. Even after replacing all four computer-controlled shocks with OEM parts at a terrific expense, the ride was still too harsh. This experience has made me hesitant to consider Cadillac again. My Vette, on the other hand, not only rode better but also got better mileage.
Zachery Koch 2024-03-28
The convertible top may seem complex at first, but with a little practice, it can be used safely. While the car may weigh 3500 pounds, it is surprisingly spacious and comfortable.
Gianni Yost 2024-01-04
Hi there! I wanted to let you know that finding replacement parts for the Cadillac Allante body might be a bit of a challenge since they are no longer in production. However, I'm here to help you out if you ever run into any trouble with your Allante. While it may not be the most practical car out there, it sure is a classic beauty! The interior pieces may not be the most durable, but the '93 Allante is definitely the best one to own. It has great power and performance thanks to the right powertrain and transaxle that GM put in it. Although it can be a bit complicated, I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do!