Major Problems with Cadillac Catera Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used Cadillac Catera to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

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Best and Worst Years for Cadillac Catera

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Cadillac Catera.

Model Year	Complaints
2001 Catera	30
2000 Catera	67
1999 Catera	80

Worst 3 Cadillac Catera complaints

1999 Cadillac Catera TANK ASSEMBLY Victims: 2

2000 Cadillac Catera AIR BAGS Victims: 2 Mileage: 53000 miles

1999 Cadillac Catera VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Victims: 1

Browse Cadillac Catera complaints by category

Problems with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, TIRES and GASOLINE are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Cadillac Catera owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl*the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. the contact stated that the odometer stopped working when the traction control light...	20 ~ 34771 miles
TIRES consumer states while driving at any speed goodyear eagle tires size# p255/55r16 dot unknown blew out. dealer has replaced two	19 ~ 8526 miles
GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING while traveling at normal speed and without any indication vehicle stalled. dealer has been contacted. please provide further information. *ak...	18 ~ 3722 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. the contact stated that the engine was leaking oil prematurely. the vehicle...	15 ~ 39067 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl*the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. since may of 2009 the vehicle stalls while driving 45 mph or greater....	10 ~ 16700 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER this has occurred serveral times without warning or dealer able to diagnose to resolve....	10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL gas pedal stuck and vehicle continued to accelerate. ak slc ...	10 ~ 7000 miles
STEERING constant problem since the purchase of vehicle. such as steering problems quivering on the road burning smell etc. as of...	9 ~ 11955 miles
COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING there was a recall regarding a defective water pump timing belt and engine pulley however the dealer only replaced the	9 ~ 41603 miles
TREAD/BELT > TIRES purchased 4 pirellie tires (pr00523457v) - pir p6 four seasons p235/45r17 on 2/18/05 with lifetime road hazard warranty. replaced 2...	8
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN my vehicle's sport shifting indicator light came on about a week before the transmission failure. my car would refuse to...	8 ~ 29250 miles
SEAT HEATER/COOLER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS tl*- while driving the 2001 cadillac catera with 76000 miles failure for 15 miles he turned the seat heater on....	6 ~ 61571 miles
FRONT > SUSPENSION we have had 4 computerized front end aligments and 3 sets of tires before 18 611 miles and the dealership	6
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS consumer states that in a frontal collison the air bags did not deploy on impact. causing injuries driver. mr...	6 ~ 17413 miles
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC consumer was traveling on a residential area and was running brakes couldn't stop vehicle although there was no speed involved.	6 ~ 12167 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE front drivers and passenger door swings open with so much force that it knocked driver unconscious. doors are very dangerous.	6 ~ 2000 miles
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM engine stalled while driving without warning has occurred twice already. *ak...	6 ~ 13619 miles
AIR BAGS tl*the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. while driving 20 mph the contact was making a turn when the passenger...	5 ~ 66839 miles
MODULE > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle was leaking oil the consuemr was told that the vehicle had a loose screw the vehicle stalled while driving...	5
ENGINE tl* the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. the contact stated that the engine was leaking oil prematurely. the vehicle...	4 ~ 45750 miles
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL while driving gas pedal got stuck twice. when it happened the first time pedal was hard. second time gas pedal...	4
BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS > GASOLINE > ENGINE the day after the car was purchased the consumer noticed the check engine light on the light came on several...	4 ~ 58500 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES safety and operational hazard: both of the front doors do not open from the outside or inside while unlocked. we...	3 ~ 85333 miles
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT while listening to the radio or cd player..when changing from source to source (cd to radio or radio to cd)...	3 ~ 19850 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph the abs light illuminated and the speedometer was inoperable. the vehicle was	3 ~ 53667 miles
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY 2000 catera has had a power failure and electrical defects gasket and seals were replaced. *ts the crank sensor was...	3 ~ 16333 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE while driving the vehicle the car stalled without cause. when we attempted to stop the car due to the car...	3 ~ 46667 miles
HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING headlamp adjustment is defective. headlights cannot be aimed properly due to internal breakage. this is apparently common to all models	3 ~ 34000 miles
TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE fuel pours onto the ground does not shut off automatically/ alarm and doors do not respond to keyless remote....	3
HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM > STEERING consumer was traveling on a residential area and was running brakes couldn't stop vehicle although there was no speed involved.	3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC vehicle's brakes locked up causing accident.*mr when the brakes locked the consumer spun around and hit a brick wall four...	3
FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC consumer states the sunroof stays stuck in the open position and makes a loud cracking noise.*jb ...	3
LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES the front door has on three occasions failed to close due to the frozen locking mechanism. nlm...	3
12V/24V/48V BATTERY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM the consumer had three life threatening experiences with the vehicle. where the vehicle would shut off while driving on the...	3
ANTI-THEFT DEVICES > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start intermittently. the sunroof opened the doors unlocked and the seat belts...	2 ~ 73000 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2000 catera has had a power failure and electrical defects gasket and seals were replaced. *ts the crank sensor was...	2 ~ 43500 miles
SUSPENSION front tires wore out prematurely. consumer had to replace the front tires on 3 occasions. vehicle only had 40 501miles....	2 ~ 20251 miles
SIDE/WINDOW > AIR BAGS while turning a corner at 10 mph consumer's vehicle was broad sided on the right side by another vehicle. there...	2 ~ 46000 miles
STRUCTURE vehicle was leaking oil the consuemr was told that the vehicle had a loose screw the vehicle stalled while driving...	2 ~ 25350 miles
SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM consumer put key in switch and it would not turn the switch. consumer stated this is was second time this...	2
INTERIOR LIGHTING while driving instrument warning lights will illuminate and vehicle will shut off losing all power. dealer has been contacted. *ak...	2
FILLER PIPE AND CAP > TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE when filling up fueltank fuel pump shut off. but when removing the nozzle gas came out of the fuel filler	2 ~ 24051 miles
SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY > VISIBILITY consumer states the sunroof stays stuck in the open position and makes a loud cracking noise.*jb ...	2
FOG LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING consumer states the sunroof stays stuck in the open position and makes a loud cracking noise.*jb ...	2
EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING i would drive the catera right on the main busy road my car made a suicidal stop! i panic! immediately...	1
LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS > WHEELS while driving down the highway at approx. 55 mph came upon driver moving slow had to brake then began to...	1 ~ 74000 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE i have had problem with my 2000 catera every since i bough it first the seat would not heat put...	1
DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC i have had problem with my 2000 catera every since i bough it first the seat would not heat put...	1
VISIBILITY tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac catera. after a rainstorm the contact would notice a large amount of water on...	1 ~ 60000 miles
CONTROL UNIT/MODULE > ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph the abs light illuminated and the speedometer was inoperable. the vehicle was	1 ~ 88000 miles
AUTOMATIC (ASC) > ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph the abs light illuminated and the speedometer was inoperable. the vehicle was	1 ~ 88000 miles
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM engine shut off without warning while traveling at highway speed causing loss of power steering and braking. problem was diagnosed...	1 ~ 86900 miles
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT i purchased a 99 catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels....	1 ~ 60000 miles
MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT i purchased a 99 catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels....	1 ~ 60000 miles
ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT i purchased a 99 catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels....	1 ~ 60000 miles
SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE > FRONTAL > AIR BAGS dt: there was a problem with the airbag warning light coming on. when the consumer took vehicle to the dealership...	1 ~ 49182 miles
ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT on 8/20/05 i have filed a complaint (file # 1-357-445-124) with cadillac customer relations in order to request full reimbursement...	1 ~ 35000 miles
RIM > WHEELS on 8/20/05 i have filed a complaint (file # 1-357-445-124) with cadillac customer relations in order to request full reimbursement...	1 ~ 35000 miles
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM dt: problem began in november. while driving experienced a full system failure. the car would slowly slow down dashboard panel...	1 ~ 76000 miles
TIE ROD ASSEMBLY > LINKAGES > STEERING the consumer stated that the tires wore out prematurely. the dealer confirmed that the tie rod was bent out of...	1 ~ 6000 miles
RACK AND PINION > STEERING complete steering lock for left turn capability of vehicle. *jb...	1 ~ 314280 miles
HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE no money has changed hands yet. 2001 cadillac caterra is under waranty. fuel line ruptured from highway debris. parts were...	1 ~ 43000 miles
ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle was serviced and the alternator had to be replaced. the other major problems have been repaired under warranty. *ak...	1 ~ 46000 miles
GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM my stopped working i took it to a mechanic and he said you need to call the dealer as soon...	1
WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT i have a 1999 cadillac catera. it has been the most trouble some car i have ever had. the engine...	1
LOWER ARM > CONTROL ARM > FRONT severe inside tire wear. car is on 3rd set of front tires at 30 000 miles. dealer says alignment will...	1 ~ 30000 miles
ANTI-THEFT DEVICE > COLUMN LOCKING > STEERING fuel pours onto the ground does not shut off automatically/ alarm and doors do not respond to keyless remote....	1
DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE vehicle would lose power and had no brakes. took vehicle to dealer and dealer indicated fuel line had been severed.	1
SIDEWALL > TIRES consumer noticed a bubble on sidewall of left rear tire and replaced it six months later right front tire had...	1
MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine light comes on intermittently. vehicle taken to dealer 7 times. oxygen sensor was replaced but this did not remedy	1
ANCHORAGE > FRONT > SEAT BELTS while driving the sdm module failed and the seat belt pretensioners gas erupted. *slc...	1
CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN i contacted the bbb auto line and someone from gm(ms cass brass) call me offered me an extended warranty> then...	1
FUEL PUMP > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE when filling up fueltank fuel pump shut off. but when removing the nozzle gas came out of the fuel filler	1
STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR > STEERING the engine valves keeps breaking. the cd player keeps reading error. the right front fog light fell out of its	1
FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE the day after the car was purchased the consumer noticed the check engine light on the light came on several...	1
WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY windshield has an orange peel pattern and is distorting driver's eye sight while driving. dealer has been notified however unable	1
RETRACTOR > FRONT > SEAT BELTS consumer states that in a frontal collison the driver side seat belt did not retractand driver was thrown through the	1
WHEELS the design of the front wheels was causing premature wear of the tires because the tires came in contact with...	1 ~ 21000 miles
HOOD > BODY > STRUCTURE when driving on several occasions rear doors were not fully closed at a time when children were rear of vehicle....	1
HEAD RESTRAINT > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS front seat head restraint too high causing driver to lean to the middle of the car in order to see	1

FAQ

What year Cadillac Catera is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 3 years, Cadillac Catera models of 2001, 2000, 1999 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for Cadillac Catera?

Cadillac Catera models of 1999 and 2000 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

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