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 purchased this car in 1997 and have taken great care of it. It has exceeded all of my expectations and still runs like a dream. Even after all these years, it still turns heads on the road and at the gas station. The only minor issue was a small imperfection in the paint from the factory, but I'm confident that it can be easily fixed with some rubbing compound. Overall, it's been a fantastic car to own and drive.
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I purchased this car to replace my '77 Vette and it has served me well for over 8 years. I recently put it up for sale on Craigslist in Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Tampa. I have completed all necessary mechanical improvements, including installing a new Cadillac ABS system. You can find specifications and pictures in the aforementioned areas. If it weren't for my deteriorating condition, I would keep this car until the end. However, at 68 years old and not as limber as I used to be, I needed a bigger car. It took me a while to find a Phase 2 Hardtop in decent condition, especially since only about 1900 were made in 1992. Unfortunately, the car was changed to failure, especially mechanically. It's a typical business practice: get it right, then change it.
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If the ABS braking system by Bosch goes out, it will cost you $2,000.00 to fix. Although the top is not fully electric, which is surprising given that a '57 Eldorado had a fully electric top, this is still the best driving and handling car I have ever had. I have driven Porsche, Corvette, Bentley, and you name it, but this one beats them all. It handles like a champ and accelerates quickly. Even after 25 years, my Caddy can still compare favorably with the new 600 horsepower beasts on the road. This is actually my second Allante, as I donated my first one when even the dealer couldn't fix the ABS.
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It's like a magic carpet ride! The performance is more than adequate and you'll receive many positive comments about its styling. With the current depressed pricing for this car, it's an excellent value for an occasionally used second or third car.
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My wife and I both own matching 1993 Jade vehicles, which we affectionately refer to as 'His & Hers'. The only difference between the two is that mine came with a Factory Hard Top included (as indicated by the Vin #), whereas hers did not. They both have nearly equal mileage, around 89K, and we mainly use them for weekend and vacation travel. We have been fortunate enough to never experience any major issues with either car over the years, and we hope to continue enjoying them for many more years to come. Additionally, I also own a Red 1988 Allante with 206K miles on it, which has also been very reliable. I use it primarily as my commuter vehicle and I really enjoy driving it. The only modification I have made to any of the cars was upgrading the sound systems years ago by installing an Amp & Subwoofer in each of them. Overall, these are great cars with great sound!
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!