The Cadillac Cimarron spans 1981–1988 with 15 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1987, 1986, 1985 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 25 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Cadillac Cimarron is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1988 across multiple generations.
How to read a Cadillac Cimarron VIN — every digit explained
Every Cadillac Cimarron carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Cadillac and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Cimarron.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Cimarron, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Cadillac Cimarron have?
The Cadillac Cimarron has 15 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1988. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1988 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1987 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1986 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 3
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
What's wrong. The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix. Replace headlight switch as necessary.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
What's wrong. The push-pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Note: also, see nhtsa campaign number 86v131000.
Fix. Replace headlight switch as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1985 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. The engine air cleaner plastic trim cover could fall off the air cleaner assembly and land on the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard. Consequence of defect: if the car is being operated at the time that the plastic trim cover falls off, an engine compartment fire could occur without warning.
Fix. Remove the trim cover and discard.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1984 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 2
Seats
What's wrong. The metal floor pan anchor bar could fatigue and break around the left front outer seat adjuster stud of the drivers seat, allowing the stud to separate from the floor pan anchor bar.
Risk. Drivers seat could tip rearward unexpectedly; this couldresult in loss of control and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix. Install a reinforcement bracket on the floor pan anchor bar at the left front outer seat adjuster position of the drivers seat.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1983 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 5
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
What's wrong. Internal corrosion of pulsair check valve assembly could permit exhaust gas to melt the plastic shut off valve and draw valve pieces into the air cleaner and throttle body.
Risk. If valve pieces lodge against throttle plate, engine maynot return to idle resulting in loss accelerator control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Replace pulsair check valve and shut off valve with newly designed valves.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
What's wrong. Possible fuel leakage could occur at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection on the involved vehicles.
Fix. The fuel feed line fitting bolt and two washers will be replaced by the dealer at no cost to owner.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:differential Proportional Valve
What's wrong. The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.
Fix. The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.
Seats
What's wrong. The metal floor pan anchor bar could fatigue and break around the left front outer seat adjuster stud of the drivers seat, allowing the stud to separate from the floor pan anchor bar.
Risk. Drivers seat could tip rearward unexpectedly; this couldresult in loss of control and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix. Install a reinforcement bracket on the floor pan anchor bar at the left front outer seat adjuster position of the drivers seat.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1982 Cadillac Cimarron recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. Under certaain conditions, the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and fuel tank filler vent pipe could fracture. The fracture of these clamps could cause fuel leakage at any of the four pipe to hose connections. Leakage can occur during refueling, or while driving, if the fuel tank is above 3/4 full.
Fix. Dealer will inspect and replace the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and vent pipe at no cost to owner.
Best and worst years for the Cadillac Cimarron
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 8 tracked years, the worst years are 1987, 1986, 1985 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Cimarron | — | Best | |
| 1982 Cimarron | — | Best | |
| 1983 Cimarron | — | Best | |
| 1984 Cimarron | Electrical System | Average | |
| 1985 Cimarron | Steering | Avoid | |
| 1986 Cimarron | Seats | Avoid | |
| 1987 Cimarron | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1988 Cimarron | Electrical System | Average |
What are the most common Cadillac Cimarron problems?
The most-reported Cadillac Cimarron problems are Seats (2 reports), Gasoline (1 reports) and Steering (3 reports) — out of 24 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Electrical System 7 Read
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
Experiencing engine stalling. Had fixed several times, still stalls. Tt
Intermittent stalling. Replaced electronic control module. *ak
Ecm failed, causing intermittent stalling. *ak
Rear brakes lock up. *ak
While driving vehicle pulls to the right. Also, alternator falfunctioned three times. *ak
Steering 3 Read
During morning start up steering rack and pinion steering locks up. Tt
Power steering failed. *ak
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.
Seats 2 Read
Drivers seat latch failed when hit from behind, causing seat to recline/injury. *dsh
Driver seat broke not secured to car flips back major safty hazard may fall into back seat when accelerating.
Power Train 2 Read
Transmission multi-function lever failed, causing intermittent stalling. *ak
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.
Equipment 2 Read
Power antenna broke. *ak
Air conditioning unit failed to operate properly. *ak
Seat Belts 2 Read
Rear seat belt fails to retract. *ak
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.
Vehicle Speed Control 2 Read
Vehicle suddenly accelerated from parked position, resulting in an accident/injury. *aw
Sudden acceleration caused consumer to have an accident. Tt
Structure 2 Read
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
Driver's power door lock switch failed. *ak
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Cadillac Cimarron specifications & dimensions
The 1988 Cadillac Cimarron. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Cadillac Cimarron window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
How the Cimarron's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 173″ | 65″ | 52″ | 101″ | 2,582 lb |
| 1981–1982 | 173″ | 66″ | 52″ | 101″ | 2,586 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Cadillac Cimarron cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Cimarron holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 89 cu ft of passenger volume and 13 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Cadillac Cimarron tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Cadillac Cimarron get?
The Cadillac Cimarron returns up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1988 Cadillac Cimarron (2.8L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $2,950/yr to fuel, emitting 423 g/mi CO₂ — about $3,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Cimarron | 18 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 Cimarron | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 Cimarron | 16 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 Cimarron | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1987 Cadillac Cimarron (2L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 355 g/mi CO₂ — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Cimarron | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Cimarron | 21 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Cimarron | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Cimarron | 21 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Cimarron stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Cimarron's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Cadillac Cimarron have? Power & range
The Cadillac Cimarron is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.8L 6-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.8L · 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Cadillac Cimarron cost to own?
A Cadillac Cimarron tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Cimarron is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Cimarron loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Cimarron ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Cadillac Cimarron safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Cimarron yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Cadillac Cimarron last?
A well-maintained Cadillac Cimarron typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Cadillac Cimarron’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Cimarron’s VIN free →All Cadillac Cimarron model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Cadillac Cimarron — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Cimarron | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Cimarron | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 Cimarron | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Cimarron | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1984 Cimarron | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Cimarron | 5 recalls | — | |
| 1982 Cimarron | 1 recall | — | |
| 1981 Cimarron | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Cimarron?
By owner-complaint volume, 1987, 1986, 1985 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Cimarron have?
15 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1988. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Cimarron get?
Up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Cimarron last?
A well-maintained Cimarron typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Cimarron reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Cimarron is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Cadillac Cimarron warranty?
New Cadillac models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Cadillac dealer.
Where is the Cadillac Cimarron made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Cimarron's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Cadillac may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Cimarron have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.