AI Damage1985 Cadillac Cimarron: common problems
Owners of the 1985 Cadillac Cimarron filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and exterior lighting. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Exterior lighting 25% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 25% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 25% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 25% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
While driving vehicle pulls to the right. Also, alternator falfunctioned three times.
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 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Cimarron has 2 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 4, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Cadillac Cimarron?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, exterior lighting, powertrain. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (25%), steering or power steering problems (25%), unintended acceleration (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1985 Cadillac Cimarron?
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 1985 Cadillac Cimarron 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 1985 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.