Cadillac Cimarron problems

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The Cadillac Cimarron is an entry-level luxury car manufactured and marketed by the Cadillac division of General Motors for model years 1982–1988 over a single generation, with a mild facelift in 1985.

The first post-war compact car offered by the brand, the four-door was developed to compete with similarly-sized premium sedans marketed by European automakers in North America.

The flagship offering of the GM J platform, the Cimarron had joined the project just 11 months prior to the J-Cars' arrival in showrooms, and had very little involvement in the developing the program. Marketed with counterparts from Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick, the Cimarron was to become one of the most controversial examples of badge engineering in the American automotive industry, sharing much of its entire design, including its exterior, with the Chevrolet Cavalier and GM's other brand variants.

Through its entire production, the Cimarron was manufactured at South Gate Assembly (1981–1982) and Janesville Assembly (1982–1988); both facilities produced the model alongside the Chevrolet Cavalier and its J-platform badge-engineered variants. In North America, the Cimarron was not replaced directly.

The Cimarron is noted as a nadir of GM's product planning — for its low sales, poor performance and ill-conceived badge engineering.

photo of Cadillac Cimarron car production

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Cadillac Cimarron model years

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Cimarron 1988
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Cimarron 1987
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cadillac cimarron 1986 photo
Cimarron 1986
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cadillac cimarron 1985 photo
Cimarron 1985
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cadillac cimarron 1984 photo
Cimarron 1984
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cadillac cimarron 1978 photo
Cimarron 1978
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Common Cadillac Cimarron problems

The Cadillac Cimarron, introduced in 1982, was a compact luxury car that was intended to attract a new generation of buyers to the Cadillac brand. However, it has become infamous for its numerous problems and has been widely panned by both auto journalists and owners.

One of the most significant issues with the Cimarron was its powertrain. The base engine was a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced just 88 horsepower, which was underpowered even for a compact car. Later, a V6 engine became available, but it was too little, too late.

The quality of the Cimarron was also a major issue. It was built to GM's negligent standards and was described as a "tinny, terrible car".

The pricing of the Cimarron was also a significant problem. It had an MSRP of $12,000, which was twice as much as the Chevy Cavalier, the car on which it was based. This price point was seen as unjustified, given the car's poor quality and lack of features.

The Cimarron was marketed as a luxury car, but it was not competitive with other luxury cars in its class. It was thought to compete with the Audi 5000, BMW 320i, and Volvo GLE, but it was not in the same league as these vehicles in terms of performance, quality, or features.

Despite these significant issues, the Cimarron did have some positive attributes. For example, it was the first Cadillac to feature a manual transmission since the early 1950s, and it was available with either a four- or five-speed manual transmission.

In conclusion, the Cadillac Cimarron was a flawed car that suffered from numerous problems, including a weak engine, poor quality, high pricing, and lackluster features. While it did have some positive attributes, such as good gas mileage and a manual transmission, these were not enough to overcome its many shortcomings. The Cimarron has become a symbol of GM's failed attempts at badge engineering and has damaged the Cadillac brand's reputation for quality and luxury.

Cadillac Cimarron

What was wrong with the Cadillac Cimarron?

Forbes placed the Cimarron on its list of "Legendary Car Flops", citing low sales, poor performance and the fact the car "didn't work, coming from a luxury brand." CarBuzz called the Cimarron a "textbook example of what goes wrong when a carmaker tries to badge engineer an economy car into a luxury car."

How many Cadillac Cimarron were made?

Viewed through today's lens, the Cimarron represented typical 1980s-GM badge engineering and a cynical, short-sighted cheapening of a once-respected brand. Step back, though, and Cadillac actually proved fairly successful in marketing its first compact car, selling nearly 133,000 in a seven-year run.

Which Cadillac model is most reliable?

The Cadillac model that is the most reliable and ranks the highest in its vehicle category is the Cadillac Escalade ESV, which ranks 4 out of 22 Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs. Following the Escalade ESV is the Cadillac Escalade. You can see the rest of the Cadillac vehicles and their rankings below.

Why are Cadillacs so expensive to fix?

Are Cadillacs Expensive to Repair? As we mentioned earlier, Cadillacs feature custom designs and a number of high-end parts. However, this is typical for elite luxury vehicles, all of which will be expensive to repair. The good news, however, is that Cadillac offers one of the most generous warranties in its class.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Cadillac Cimarron years

We have researched Cadillac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Cadillac Cimarron cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Cadillac Cimarron model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Cadillac Cimarron model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Cadillac Cimarron years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Cadillac Cimarron car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Cadillac Cimarron , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Steering problems
  • Structure problems
  • Power train problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Cadillac Cimarron vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cimarron model years

A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cimarron model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cimarron model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Cadillac Cimarron . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Cadillac Cimarron vehicles.

List of Cadillac Cimarron complaints

Cadillac Cimarron 1978
  • Date Of Incident: 1978-12-06
  • Date Complaint: 2014-04-07
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1978 CADILLAC CIMARRON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ
Cadillac Cimarron 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-10-14
  • Date Complaint: 2006-11-20
  • VIN: 1G6JG69P1FJ
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. AFTER 15 SECONDS, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED ITSELF. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE DRIVEWAY. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING PUMP BECAME NOISY AS THE FLUID LEAKED OUT.
Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-10-15
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-30
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER SEAT BROKE NOT SECURED TO CAR FLIPS BACK MAJOR SAFTY HAZARD MAY FALL INTO BACK SEAT WHEN ACCELERATING.
Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-18
  • Date Complaint: 1999-06-14
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W3GJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELTS: WHEN EVER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILS TO LOCK UP. THIS IS A HAZARD TO THE PASSENGER. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER CHECK OUT.
Cadillac Cimarron 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-04-22
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W5FJ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 1. ENGINE STALLS WHEN ENGAGING IN DRIVE OR REVERSE FROM PARK OR NEUTRAL. 2. WINDSHIELD WIPERS START WHEN USING TURN SIGNAL OR MAKING A TURN. 3. PAINT DELAMINATING (PEELING) ON ROOF AND HOOD.
Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
  • Date Complaint: 1998-04-06
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W1GJ
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
  • Date Complaint: 1998-04-06
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W1GJ
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
  • Date Complaint: 1998-04-06
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W1GJ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DRIVER'S POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH FAILED. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-03
  • VIN: 1G6JG51W5HJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. REPLACED ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-03
  • VIN: 1G6JG51W5HJ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MAP SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-01
  • Date Complaint: 1997-05-31
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W5FJ
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. ALSO, ALTERNATOR FALFUNCTIONED THREE TIMES. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-04-03
  • Date Complaint: 1997-05-14
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1C6AG69P1EJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FRONT WIRING HARNESS FAILURE WHEN UNDERSIDE BURST INTO FLAMES, SHORT CIRCUITING POWER DOOR LOCKS, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM INSIDE, MOTORIST WAS ABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM OUTSIDE ONLY TO GET DRIVER AND PASSENGER OUT OF VEHICLE SAFELY. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-01-17
  • VIN: 1G6JG69W7GJ
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE FUEL TANK HAS CORRODED AND CAUSED A LEAK. *AK
Cadillac Cimarron 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-21
  • Date Complaint: 1996-02-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 1GGJG51W7JJ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SEAT LATCH FAILED WHEN HIT FROM BEHIND, CAUSING SEAT TO RECLINE/INJURY. *DSH
Cadillac Cimarron 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-27
  • Date Complaint: 1995-12-28
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G6JG69P4FJ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. TT

Latest 5 recalls Cadillac Cimarron

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the Cadillac Cimarron.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Cadillac Cimarron 1984
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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).
  • Model: Cadillac Cimarron 1986
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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).
  • Model: Cadillac Cimarron 1985
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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).
  • Model: Cadillac Cimarron 1987
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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).
  • Model: Cadillac Cimarron 1988
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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).

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