AI Damage1991 Cadillac Allante: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Cadillac Allante filed 32 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and structure. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 32
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 88% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 6% of all complaints
- 3 Equipment 3% of all complaints
- 4 Exterior lighting 3% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 3% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 3% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 3% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 28 complaints (88% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Structure: 2 complaints (6% of all).
- Equipment: 1 complaints (3% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (3% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (3% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.5 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 32 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 28 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While reversing at 10 mph brakes failed , causing the consumer to hit the vehicle in the rear. The brake pedal was hard when depressed. Consumer read in the owner's manual that the vehicle had dual brakes. Meaning, if one part fails the other part would work to stop the vehicle.
The fram fuel filter split in half and caused a fuel leak. Approximately a half tank of gasoline began spurting from the filter. The filter was installed in the vehicle a year ago and worked properly until september 14, 2007. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic because the smell of gasoline was overwhelming.
Total brake failure without warning, driving 45 mph applied brakes to slow down no braking at all,I went into the road shoulder and some how manage to stop by driving the car through tall weeds. Failure due to brake line rupture.
Brake light came on at 2mph in traffic during a 400 mile trip from pa to ma. I continued to drive the vehicle as braking ability was not compromised. After 200 miles (next day) braking ability was greatly reduced, I proceeded to cadillac dealer in brockton,ma.
Driving at about 25 mph. Power assist completely and suddenly failed. Breaks would bearly stop car in a long distance. Fortunately I was able to have a long glide path when this occured. No damage or accident resulted.
Convertible top will not secure and will fly open ,causing a potential saftey hazard to me or, passenger, or other drivers. It seems, even though it is secured, it has a tendency to pop open, causing me to attempt to grab the top in orde r to prevent further damage and prevent a safety hazrd.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,635 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Allante has 25 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 32, above average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Cadillac Allante?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, structure, equipment. Total complaints: 32. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: brake failure (34%), warning lights, check engine (9%), fuel system, fuel smell (3%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Cadillac Allante?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Cadillac Allante from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1991 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.