How many problems does the 1997 CADILLAC Catera have?

The 1997 CADILLAC Catera currently has 189 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1997 CADILLAC Catera?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 CADILLAC Catera are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1997 CADILLAC Catera problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 CADILLAC Catera comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1997 CADILLAC Catera Problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

58 complaints

TENSIONER PULLEY LOCKED UP. THE TENSIONER STOPPED TURNING. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE DRIVE BELT SHREDDED LIKE SPAGHETTI AND THEN MELTED. I AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT BY APPLYING BRAKES AND THEN HAVING THE CAR TOWED. TOTAL REPAIR COST: $729. *TR

Mar 18, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CADILLAC CATERA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND ANTIFREEZE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. ON MAY 2, 2007 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE ANTIFREEZE LINE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,100, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,600.*AK

May 03, 2007

Fire: 1

MY VEHICLE IS A 97 CADILLAC CATERA AND HAS HAD THE STARTER REPLACED AND STILL WILL NOT START. TWO CAR LOTS HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE CADILLAC DEALERSHIP NOW AND THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND THEY SAY THAT ITS THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR BUT STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED IT YET I'M WONDERING WHY CADILLAC HAS NOT NOTIFIED PEOPLE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I'M BEING TOLD THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CATERAS OF THEM NOT STARTING. *JB

Jul 30, 2005

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, AND PERFORMANCE IS STILL UNSATISFACTORY. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE REAR TAIL PIPE.*AK

Dec 27, 2004

-MY 97 CADILAC CATERA STALLED 7/3/04 . -7/6/04 CALLED TRENOR MOTOR COMPANY (SPRINGFIELD, OH). SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO LOOK AT CAR. -7/7/04 IT APPEARED AS THOUGH A RECALL ON THE TENSIONER PULLEY HAD NOT BEEN DONE. PULLED RECORD ON CAR AND FOUND THAT THE RECALL INVOLVING THE TENSIONER PULLEY WORK WAS IN FACT ISSUED (AND PAID FOR) BY GENERAL MOTORS TO TRENOR.-7/17/04 DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER APPROVED TEAR DOWN TIME AT JEFF WYLER, SPRINGFIELD, OH, TO SEE FOR CERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL HAD EVEN BEEN DONE WITH THE STIPULATION THAT IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE (IMPLYING THAT THE NEW RECALL PULLEY HAD BEEN PUT ON BUT WENT BAD) GENERAL MOTORS WOULD "STAND BEHIND" PRODUCT, PAYING TOTAL REPAIR COSTS. IF PULLEY HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED, "STOP" AND SEND BACK TO THE DEALER THAT WAS PAID TO PERFORM RECALL-- NUMBER 02041A (WHICH WOULD BE TRENOR). -7/20/04 TECHNICIAN AND SERVICE MANAGER AT JEFF WYLER, CAME TO ME AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PULLEY HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. I WENT TO TRENOR TO SEE MR. ED TEHAN, WHO ADMITTED THAT IF THE PART WASN'T BAD, THE PART WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE TECHNICIAN IN A RECALL! HE ALSO REFUSED TO SHOW A PARTS STAMP ON ORIGINAL REPAIR ORDER. RECALL DIRECTIONS FROM DEALERWORLD.COM (GM'S WEBSITE FOR RECALLS AND VEHICLE HISTORY) STATE "IF TENSIONER PULLEY HAS BLACK BEARING SEAL, THEN REPLACE WITH A PULLEY HAVING BROWN SEALS [GIVEN IN PULLEY KIT FOR RECALL, NEW PART KIT NUMBER 55352000, AND ADDITIONAL PULLEY NEW NUMBER 90573616]". PART NUMBER ON PULLEY FOUND IN MY CAR HAS PART NUMBER 337092CA (THE SEAL IS ALSO NOT BROWN, AS THE NEW ONE SHOULD BE, IT IS BLACK) AND ACCORDING TO NATIONAL TRAFFIC SAFETY ADM. AND GENERAL MOTORS, SHOULD BE REPLACED. TRENOR MOTORS FAILED TO ACTUALLY PERFORM RECALL THEY WERE PAID TO DO. -I HAVE THE ACTUAL (ORIGINAL) PULLEY, PICTURES, NUMEROUS DOCUMENTS, TEN TECHNICIANS TO CORROBORATE ON THESE ISSUES. *JB

Aug 28, 2004

+ 53 more complaints for this component

STEERING

13 complaints

I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE AND DRIVING OUT OF MY COMPLEX WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO TURN IT FOR TWO DAYS. *TR

Jan 07, 2014

WHEN BRAKING, CONSUMER STATES' THERES A LOT OF VIBRATION IN VEHICLES AND STEERING WHEEL AND IN THE BODY OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALER, DEALER STATES' CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Nov 05, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. *SLC

Aug 13, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH IDLER PULLEY TENSIONER BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK

Feb 12, 2002

WHEN VEHICLE HITS A POTHOLE IT WILL JUMP INTO NEXT LANE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

Nov 15, 2000

Crash: 1

+ 8 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

12 complaints

WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE STEERED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID VEHICLE FROM GOING AUTOMATICALLY TO THE RIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER DETERMINED THAT SOMETHING IN THE FRONT END WAS BENT. *AK

Mar 26, 2004

TIRES ARE WEARING PREMATURALY. CONSUMER FEELS CAUSE IS REAR MISALIGNMENT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR ALIGNMENT, AND PROBLEM KEEPS OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Sep 17, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BALL JOINT ALONG WITH OTHER FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC

Aug 13, 2002

WOULD BE DRIVING AND TIRES WOULD FEELUNEVENLY. ALL TIRES WERE WEARING OUT EXCESSIVELY. WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ALIGNMENT. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND TWICE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.ALSO, HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE.*AK

May 04, 2001

EXCESSIVE WEAR OF TIRES DUE TO POOR ALIGNMENT FROM MANUFACTURER. MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM , NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT IT. STEEL BELTS WERE SHOWING THROUGH, AND COULD CAUSE GREATER DAMAGE.*AK THE MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW. *YH

Mar 28, 2001

+ 7 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 complaints

ELECTRICAL SMOLDERING FIRE WITHIN THE DASH HARNESS P/N90493373 OF MY 1997 CADILLAC CATERA VIN #[XXX]. NO ACTUAL FLAMES WERE SEEN BEFORE THE 80 AMP MAIN FUSE OPENED. I DID SEE THE ACTUAL HARNESS AT THE CADILLAC DEALERSHIP AND MOST IF NOT ALL THE WIRES IN THE HARNESS HAD THEIR SHIELDING MELTED CLEAN AWAY ABOUT 1/2". THE EXPOSED WIRES SHORTED TOGETHER TO CAUSE THE FUSE TO OPEN. I WAS TOLD THE AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WAS THE ONLY PEOPLE ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING FAILURE BUT THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ACTUALLY ABLE TO MAKE THE DETERMINATION. THEY POINTED OUT, ITS POSSIBLE THAT ANYONE COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS ISSUE. THEY WOULD NOT SAY IF THERE WAS ANY EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING THOUGH, EVEN WHEN ASKED TO LOOK FOR IT. CADILLAC FACTORY SERVICE REP [XXX] OPENED FILE #[XXX] ON 8-14-03 AND OFFERED TO LOOK INTO ANY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE, BUT SAID THERE WOULD BE LITTLE TO NONE. WHEN I ASKED IF I SHOULD REPORT THIS TO NHTSA THEY THEN THREATENED TO WITHDRAW THE FILE AND ANY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE. BY TALKING TO THE MANAGER [XXX], THE FILE I WAS TOLD WOULD REMAIN OPEN BUT NOT AVAILABLE TO ANYONE.*AK THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW THE STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT SUBMITTED. *JB *PH *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Sep 05, 2003

Fire: 1

VEHICLE FAILED TO START EVEN WITH AMPLE CRANKING POWER. TOWED TO CADILLAC DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS ONBOARD COMPUTER CONTAINING EMISSIONS CONTROL UNIT. I WAS ADVISED BY MY EXTENDED SVC WARRANTY COMPANY THAT BECAUSE ECU WAS INVOLVED, REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MANDATORY 8/80 FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY REQUIRED OF MANUFACTURERS BY THE FED. CLEAN AIR ACT. (VEH. IS SIX YEARS OLD AND HAS 61,000 MILES).GM TAKES THE POSITION THAT REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE FED EMISSIONS WARRANTY BUT WILL NOT PROVIDE ME A WRITTEN EXPLANATION. I'VE HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE AND WOULD LIKE RECOMPENSE EITHER UNDERTHE FED EMISSIONS WARRANTY PROGRAM OR THRU MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY.*AK

Aug 14, 2003

CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER HAS REPLACED IT TWICE, AND PROBLEM STILL RECURRING. *AK

Aug 05, 2003

FOR THE LAST FOUR DAYS THE IGNITION HAS BEEN COMPLETELY LOCKED. THE KEY CANNOT TURN. THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. *AK

Jul 16, 2003

CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 3/9/03 ,AND IN APRIL STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. VEHICLE BEGUN TO SMOKE, SHE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHERE SHE PURCHASED IT, AND THEY COULD NOT TELL HER WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY SENT THE VEHICLE TO A CADILLAC DEALERSHIP. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE HAS BEEN CUTTING OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN, VEHICLE LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT CUT OFF, AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC.*AK

Jun 02, 2003

+ 5 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

8 complaints

MISALIGNED HEADLAMPS AND FOGLAMPS. *AK

Aug 04, 2004

THE AIMING MECHANISM ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON MY 1997 CADILLAC CATERA FAILED AND LEFT ME WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AIMED AT THE GROUND AND UNABLE TO RE-AIM THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS IS EXTREMELY COMMON ON THESE HEADLIGHTS, AND THERE IS NO FIX FROM GM EXCEPT TO BUY ENTIRE REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES AT $500 EACH. THE REPLACEMENT UNITS ARE MADE ENTIRELY DIFFERENTLY (AND DO NOT FAIL) SO IT OBVIOUS GM KNOWS THE ORIGINAL DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE. *NM

Jul 06, 2004

HEAD LIGHT AIMERS BROKE, CAN NOT ADJUST HEAD LAMPS. PLASTIC PARTS BROKE INSIDE HEAD LAMP CAPSULE.*AK

Jul 03, 2004

THE 97-99 CADILLAC CATERA IN MY OPIONION HAS A BAD HEADLIGHT DESIGN. MY 6 YEAR OLD CAR HAS BROKEN HEADLIGHT ADJUSTORS. THIS MAKES IT BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO AIM (ADJUST) THE HEADLIGHTS. REPLACMENT HEADLIGHTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PARTS DEPARTMENT, BUT THE COST ABOUT $340 PER HEADLIGHT. THIS IS AN EXCESSIVE COST TO CONSUMER TO REPAIR. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE ON THIS CAR. HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE, NOT JUST SEVERAL YEARS. I CONSIDER IT A SAFTEY HAZARD THAT THE HEADLAMPS CANNOT BE ADJUSTED.

Sep 29, 2003

THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DETERIORATED, WHICH CAUSED A MISALIGNMENT OF THE HEADLIGHTS. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CADILLAC REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE COST OF EACH HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT. THE CONSUMER FELT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *PH *JB

Sep 04, 2003

+ 3 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

8 complaints

BLOWER FAN WOULD NOT TURN OFF, DEALER REAPLACED THE FAULTY BLOWER MODULE. *SLC

Jul 03, 2002

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. NLM

Oct 12, 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. NLM

Oct 12, 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. *SLC

Oct 02, 2000

CAR NOT CRANKING, MIRRORS ARE NOT WORKING, SEAT BELT BUZZER WILL NOT ALWAYS SHUT OFF, TRANSMISSION STILL LABORING TO SHAFT, DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT IS NOT ADJUSTING, HEAD LIGHT ARE STILL NOT AIMED PROPERLY ON HIGH BEAM, REPLACED STATER AND BATTERY 3 TIME,

May 22, 2000

+ 3 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

WHILE STARTING PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *AK

Jul 28, 2004

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, STATING AIR BAG SYSTEM NOT WORKING. *AK

Jul 03, 2004

CONSUMER STATES AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR MODULE FAILED. *TS. CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE.*JB *DT

Oct 24, 2002

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND COLLIDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Sep 06, 2002

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH CONSUMER RAN INTO DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Jun 09, 1999

Crash: 1

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 complaints

THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED BUT THE REPLACEMENT BRAKES MAKE NOISE. NLM

Aug 21, 2002

ATTACHMENT TO VEHICLE OWNER'S QUESTIONNAIRE (VOQ) - VIN # [XXX]. NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Apr 29, 2002

BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING & THE BRAKES WOULD GIVE. DEALER HAD CHECKED VEHICLE COUPLE OF TIMES & NEVER MENTIONEDANYTHING ABOUT ROTORS BEING REPLACED. DEALER WAS BLAMING IT ON WEAR & TEAR. ROTORS & PADS WERE REPLACED IN JANUARY AT 13,000 MILES. LATER, THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK

Oct 04, 2000

ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT FAILED. *YC

Feb 01, 1999

CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP PROPERLY, IT APPEARS TO BE SKIPPING BEFORE IT STOPS. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND CONDITION CANNOT BE RESOLVED. ALSO, AT THIS TIME THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN NEED OF A COMPLETE BRAKE OVERHAUL, AND THE COST WOULD GO TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Aug 14, 1998

+ 2 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

6 complaints

DT: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER OPENING THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE THE TRUNK FELL ON HIM. THE SUPPORTS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO KEEP THE TRUNK IN THE OPEN POSITION FAILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE LIFT SUPPORTS. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUNK OR SIGNS OF RUST. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *AK UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB

Dec 15, 2005

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Feb 20, 2002

DOOR WOULD INTERMITTENLEY FAIL TO UNLOCK/OPEN AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION SWITCH. SOMETIMES CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO WAIT 40-45 MINUTE BEFORE VEHICLE RELEASES THE DOOR LOCK. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO CLIMB OUT THE WINDOW. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Jan 20, 2000

POWER DOOR LOCKS STICK, DOORS FINALLY STUCK, REPLACED POWER UNIT. *MJS

Dec 28, 1999

DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE ON COLD WEATHER. VEHICLE HAD TO GET WARM BEFORE DOOR WOULD CLOSE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Jan 28, 1999

+ 1 more complaint for this component

TIRES

5 complaints

CONSUMER STATES THAT EVERY SIXTEEN MILES HAD TO CHANGES TIRES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

Oct 11, 2002

I WAS ON HIGHWAY AND A LARGE BOOM I PULLED OVER AND ENTIRE TIRE HAD SEPARATED FROM SIDEWALL. POLICEMAN SAID THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO FLIP OVER HAD IT OCCURED 20 FEET EARLIER. *AK

May 23, 2001

ORIGINAL TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. YH

Jun 19, 2000

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TIRE FAILURE, DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES (TIRE MAKE/MODEL NOT PROVIDED). *MJS

Dec 28, 1999

EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR, WHEN FRONT TIRES RUN OVER A LARGE CRACK OR SMALL POTHOLE ON THE HIGHWAY, MOST OF THE TIME THE PAVEMENT IS WET.

Oct 31, 1997

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Apr 13, 2004

CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON (NOT ENGAGED BY DRIVER), NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN, TAPPED BRAKES, DIDN'T DISENGAGE, TURNED OFF SWITCH, DIDN'T DISENGAGE, STEPPED ON BRAKES 3-4 MORE TIMES HARDER, FINALLY DISENGAGED. DT

Oct 21, 2002

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE CAUSING DRIVER TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. NLM

Jun 24, 1999

WHILE WAITNG AT A STOP SIGN THE WITH FOOT DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UPTO 15 TO 20 MPH, RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER RUNNING INTO A WALL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER . *AK

Mar 02, 1999

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

AT 85,263 MILES THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. DEALERSHIP ANALYSIS WAS "TRANSMISSION COMING APART INTERNALLY". NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. REQUIRED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2997.86. THERE IS NO WAY A TRANSMISSION SHOULD COME APART WITH ONLY 85,000 MILES ON IT. 2ND MAJOR EVENT FOR THIS CAR.

Feb 08, 2003

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM STOP, THE VEHICLE SEEMED LOCKED INTO HIGH GEAR. IT ACCELERATED SLOWLY AND WITH OUT WARNING. *JG TS

Nov 07, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Aug 27, 2002

CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SLC

Jun 24, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED ON MY 1997 CADILLAC CATERA IN KINGSPORT, TN DURING A SNOWSTORM. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND UN-DRIVABILITY OF THE CAR DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. DEALER ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT WITH REPLACEMENT OF COMPUTER MODULE AND VALVE/PUMP HAVE NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM.

Jan 18, 2004

ABS SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS FAIL NUMEROUS TIMES. ALWAYS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED ON ANY SURFACE. FAILURE ALSO OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING (WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE TO SHIFT FROM PARK). THE DEALER HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM PERMANENTLY, SIMPLY FIXING IT FOR A FEW WEEKS AT A TIME. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL ALWAYS FAIL AT PRECISELY THE SAME TIME. *AK

Jun 30, 2001

TRACTION CONTROL AND ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES HOWEVER SHUT OFF WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

Feb 17, 1999

EQUIPMENT

3 complaints

CONSUMER STATED THE AM RADIO WAS INOPERABLE. *SLC

Jul 03, 2002

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE RADIO ARE LOCATED ON THE SAME CIRCUITY, WHICH IS MALFUNCTIONING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *CJ

Jan 03, 2000

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. MJS

Feb 01, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

WHEN VEHICLE IS FILLED WITH FUEL FUMES COME INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR VEHICLE.*AK

Apr 05, 2001

ENGINE FUEL PUMP.

Sep 08, 1999

GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP FAILED. MJS

Feb 01, 1999

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL PANEL FAILED, DEALER REPLACED. *SLC

Aug 13, 2002

DASH LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

Nov 09, 1998

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DRIVER LOST POWER OF ENGINE, MAKING IT HARD TO BRAKES AND STEER VEHICLE. DRIVER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAD FAILED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Feb 08, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 60-65 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THEN, VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Oct 02, 2001

SEATS

2 complaints

SEAT WARMER GETS SO HOT THAT CONSUMER HAS TO PLACE A TOWEL IN SEAT TO CONTINUE DRIVING. CONSUMER HAS TRAVELED UP TO 80 MILES TO ANOTHER DELAER TO GET IT FIXED, ANDTHEY DIDN'T ORDER CORRECT PARTS. DEALER HAS NO RESPONSE TO PROBLEM.*AK

Mar 26, 2001

PASSENGER TURNED ON SEAT HEATER, AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. SEAT HEATING ELEMENT HAD BURNED RIGHT THROUGH SEAT, 3/4 INCH DIAMETER. *AK

Feb 13, 2001

SUSPENSION,TIRES

2 complaints

GOODYEAR TIRES WERE REPLACED MANY TIMES DUE TO THE PREMATURE WEAR CAUSED BY THE ALIGNMENT WHICH ALSO CAUSED VIBRATION, VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO THE CUSTOMER WITH TIRES THAT HAD NO TREAD. *SLC

Oct 02, 2000

IMPROPER FRONT END ALIGNMENT SETTING ON VEHICLE CAUSED TIRES TO WEAR ON THE INNER SHOULDER.

Jan 27, 1999

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

1997-1999 CADILLAC CATERA DOOR LATCH FAILURES. PER THE YAHOO GROUP WEB SITE I BELONG TO, CATERA OWNERS, THIS VEHICLE SUFFERS CHRONIC DOOR LATCH FAILURES, TRAPPING OCCUPANTS INSIDE OR NOT LATCHING. THIS CAN BE AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MY OWN VEHICLE HAS SUFFERED THIS DEFECT. THE LATCHES HAVE PLASTIC THAT BREAKS AND JAMS THE MECHANISM. OR SIMPLY FAIL TO LATCH OR UNLATCH. I HAVE HAD BOTH SITUATIONS. THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN OR WILL NOT CLOSE (LATCH). I FEEL THIS DEFECT HAS BY PURE LUCK NOT CAUSED (ANY KNOWN) FATALITIES, BUT, ONLY A MATTER OF TIME AND WARRANTS A LOOK. *NM

Jul 05, 2006

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

DT: CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ON, ALL THE GAUGES STARTED JUMPING AROUND, WHEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS PUSHED FORWARD THE HEADLIGHTS STAYED ON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR OR LONGER. ALSO, WHEN THE KEY WAS OUT OF THE IGNITION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE CONTROL IS PULLED BACK THE HEADLIGHTS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY, THE AIR CONDITION CONTROLS DID NOT WORK, AND THE O2 SENSOR DID NOT RESPOND. THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES HAVD BEEN REPLACED. *AK

Jul 28, 2005

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 2/8/04 FOR RECALL 2041, 1037. TWO DAYS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR AND IT WAS OVER ONE INCH BELOW FULL, HE ALSO CHECKED THE DRIVEWAY FOR ANY ANTIFREEZE AND CHECKED WHERE YOU PUT OIL IN THE ENGINE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY SIGNS OF EXTERNAL LEAKS, BUT A WHITE MILKY SUBSTANCE UNDER THE OIL CAP. THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY SINCE. I EMAILED GM ABOUT THIS. THIS WAS THEIR RESPONSE! WE HAVE CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR DAN HEMM CADILLAC, MR. CHARLIE CAROLL. HE IS AWARE OF YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE COOLANT LEVEL FOR THE 1997 CADILLAC CATERA. HE IS WILLING TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED IN. DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF THE CONCERN IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE RECALL 02041, AND THEY WILL NEED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE TO VERIFY. HE HAS ALSO INFORMED US THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR THE RECALL, THEY DID REPLACE PARTS AS NECESSARY. IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT HIM. IF YOU SHOULD NEED TO CONTACT US IN THE FUTURE, SIMPLY REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE OR CALL OUR CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-458-8006. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGERS ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. BE SURE TO REFER TO YOUR SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER 1-226247104 IN ALL FUTURE COMMUNICATION. IF I RETURN THIS CAR, LET THE DEALER TOW IT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WILL BE TOLD THAT THE REASON MY CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE IS MY FAULT, AND WILL BE HANDED A BILL FOR TOWING AND WHATEVER OTHER CHARGES FOR THEM LOOKING AT IT! I HAD THE CAR BACK TWO DAYS, A TOTAL OF 374 MILES. THE CAR HAS 34867 MILES; I HAVE HAD A LOT OF OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, FRONT END ALIGNMENT, HEADLIGHT AIMERS, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH'S, HEADLIGHT SWITCH, IGNITION COIL PACK, AIR BAG SYSTEM. EVEN WITH ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT WENT WRONG, I AT LEAST COULD DRIVE IT, UNTIL I RETURNED IT FOR A RECALL! *JB

Jun 26, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE ACCELERATED. CONSUMER PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, BUT THERE WAS NO REACTION. THEN, CONSUMER DOWN SHIFTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED, AND DEALER DETERMINED THAT ENGINE AND ACCELERATOR CONTROL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Apr 12, 2004

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I PURCHASED A 1997 CADILLAC CATERA ON JAN 31, 2001 FROM UNITED AUTOMAX IN MEMPHIS, TN. FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE I HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. BEGINNING WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIRES WEARING OUT PREMATURELY, HEATER CORE REPLACED, ROTORS REPLACED AND WEARING OUT AGAIN WITHIN A YEAR'S TIME. FUSES HAVE BLOWN, RADIATOR FAN ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS. NUMEROUS RECALLS AND ETC. ON APRIL 14, 2003 I TOOK MY CAR TO BUD DAVIS CADILLAC IN MEMPHIS AND REPORTED THAT I COULD SMELL OIL BURNING. THEY STATED THAT I NEEDED VALVE COVERS RESEALED AND TO REPLACE REAR MAIN SEAL. (THE WORK WAS DONE THRU MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY). I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM ABOUT NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT END. THEY IN RETURN REPLACED RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR FROM DEALER I NOTICED THAT THE NOISE STILL EXISTED AND INFORMED SERVICE AGENT BEFORE I LEFT THE DEALER'S LOT. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A BAD STRUT LINK TO WHICH MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER. AFTER DISCUSSING THE MATTER WITH ANOTHER MACHANIC (NOT DEALER), HE STATED THAT THE NAME OF THE PART WAS A STABILIZER NOT STRUT. AND NOT ONLY DID THE NOISE EXIST IN THE FRONT END, BUT THERE WAS A HISSING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THAT THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN TO COME ON AND STAY ON. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE HISSING NOISE CAME FROM A PART THAT WAS PROBABLY DAMAGED BY BUD DAVIS CADILLAC WHEN REPAIRING VALVES AND SEALS. I THEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER. I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT MY WARRANTY COMPANY DID COVER THE STABILIZER LINKAGE AND THEY STATED THAT THE SERVICE AGENT USED THE WRONG TERMINOLOGY. THEY AGREED TO FIX IT AND DID, BUT REFUSED TO CHECK THE SOURCE OF THE HISSING SOUND WITHOUT ME PAYING FOR IT. IT SEEMS THAT EACH WEEK OR MONTH THERE ARE EXTENSIVE REPAIRS NEEDED. *TT

May 02, 2003

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING: THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING/THERE'S A LOUD TAPPING SOUND, THE BRAKES ARE GRINDING ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE POWER LOCKS AT TIMES WON'T UNLOCK/MUST PLAY WITH THE FLOOR SHIFTER, AND THE CLOCK WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, IN REFERENCE TO THE ENGINE. SCC

Jan 31, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES

1 complaint

REAR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING. $145 TO REPAIR THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ITEM THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL. SECONDARY AIR INJECTION VALVE AND LR OXYGEN SENSOR BAD CAUSING "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT TO COME ON. $345 TO REPAIR THIS ITEM THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL. HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF ABNORMAL WEAR TO THE INSIDE OF TIRES. DT

Dec 11, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SLOW START WHEN BEING STARTED IN THE MORNING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE BATTERY FAILED FOUR TIMES IN THREE DAYS. NLM THE VEHICLE STALLED (IN WHICH THE VEHICLE ROARED FOR A WHILE), AND MAY HAVE DERIVED FROM THE ENGINE CAMSHAFT DRIVE TIMING BELT, IDLER, TENSIONER PULLEYS, AND THE WATER PUMP. SCC

Aug 21, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

FIRST OF ALL THE CATERA IS A BAD CAR AND IS UNSAFE . WE HAVE PUT THIS CAR IN THE SHOP OVER 7 TIMES. WE HAVE REASON TO BELIVE THAT THE ODOMETER HAVE BEEN ROLLED BACK. ON JUNE 9 01 THE CAR HAD 56615 ON A ORDER REPAIR BUT WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR ON JULY 3 01 THE ODOMETER HAD 56512 HOW IS POSSIBLE.SINCE THEN THE MILES HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE .IT SHOWS THAT ON ONE ORDER REPAIR THAT I DROVE THIS CAR 56512 - 58101 JULY 3 - JULY 11 01.THATS 1589 MILES IN10 DAYS IN WHICH I TOOK NO MAJOR TRIPS. MY WIFE DROVE BACK IN FOUTH TO WORK.ON THE 12 OF JULY WE HAD THE TIMING BELT CHANGED WHICH BROKE ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER ON 8/11/01.KEEP IN MIND WE JUST GOT THE CAR OUT OF THE SHOP ON 7/18/01 ODOMETER READ 61095 WHICH MEANS WE DROVE THE CAR 2994 MILES IN ABOUT 23 DAYS.THE CAR HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP. SOMETHING STRANGE IS GOING ON I HAVE GOOD REASONS TO BELIVE THAT THIS ODOMETER HAVE BEEN TAMPERD WITH .IT SHOWS THAT I HAVE WENT 36532 IN ABOUT 9 MONTHS NO WAY. *AK

Jul 17, 2002

WHEELS

1 complaint

LUG NUT COVERS WERE MISSING ON THREE WHEELS. *SLC

Jul 03, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

ENGINE FAILED GOING ABOUY 70 MILES AN HOUR TIMING BELT BROKE, CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE, DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM CAR REPAIRED BUT STILL HAS PROBLEMS, DEALER CAUSED ADDITONAL PROBLEMS WHEN MAKING REPAIR BROKE BOLT IN ENGINE COST TO REPAIR 800 DEALER REFUSE TO REPAIR OIL LEAK ON VALVE COVER GASKET AGAIN DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR ALL THOUGH COVERED UNDER WARRENTY. CADILLAC REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEMS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND ON CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CAR WAS OUT FOR 5 WEEKS AT DEALER, CAR HAS SEVERE VIBRATIONS WHEN IDLED DUE TO REPAIR NEW DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEM OR MAKE REPAIR, HEADLAMPS ALSO FAILED AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES REPLACEMENT COST $1,000 TO MANY PROBLEMS TO LIST

May 25, 2002

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

ON JANUARY 30, 2001 NAPOLI MOTORS HAD TO REPLACED LEFT & RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD ENDS, INNER TIE ROD END,CENTER LINK AND BOTH OUTER STABILZER END, ON AUGUST 20, 2001 AS I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I95 SOUTH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME WHILE ON THE MIDDLE LANE ALMOST HIT SEVERAL VEHICLES BEEN THAT I COULD NOT TURNED EITHER WAY, VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED IN BY ROGER'S IN MILFORD TECHNICIANS THERE AT NAPOLI MOTORS COULD NOT FIGURE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE WHEN I CALLED THE TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BLOW. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK FOR SAME PROBLEMS, THEY HAD REPLACED THE ENGINE BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT RUNNING RUFF. ON OCTOBER 31, 2001 VEHICLE WAS BACK AT NAPOLI, NOVEMBER 15, 2001,ON FEBRUARY 19, 2002 I WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE AT A RED LIGHT WHERE THE OTHER PERSON DAMAGE THE WHOLE REAR OF VEHICLE NEITHER AIR BAG DRIVER OR PASSENGER CAME OUT ALL LIGHTS IN VEHICLE WERE ON AND KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, ON MARCH 22, 2002 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO NAPOLI FOR THE KEY PROBLEM AND REMOTES. ON MAY 6, 2002 VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NAPOLI WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE WHAT VEHICLE HAD THIS TIME WAS THE SERPENTINE BELT THAT BROKE AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK ON ME AGAIN. TO BE HONEST I WON'T EVEN GO FAR WITH THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUES. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM THIS DEPARTMENT SOON. *AK

May 09, 2002

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

PURSHASED CAR WITH 69961 MILES FOR $9935. SECOND DAY OF PURSHASE IN SHOP FOR OVERHEATING. 32 DAYS AFTER PURSHASE IN SHOP FOR WATERPUMP AT A COST OF $420. 3 MONTH AFTER PURSHASE IN SHOP FOR $1400 FOR FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS TO GET LINE UP. AFTER DRIVING 14300 MILES TIMING BELT TENSIONER BROKE, AN ESTIMATE OF $8000 FOR REPAIR. NOW A LAWN ORNAMENT. CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPAIR. THE DEALER (FERRIS AUTO CENTER), CADILLAC, AND GM WHICH IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAR DON'T CARE!

Mar 25, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

CONSUMER CAN HEAR GRINDING AND LOUD NOISES IN THE BRAKES, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY NOISE OR GRINDING IN THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR REPLACEMENT OF BRAKES AND ROTORS. SINCE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKES AND ROTORS, CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING LOUD NOISES AND GRINDING IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *TT CONSUMER STATES THE CAR WAS BEING SERVICED FOR A LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT. *YD

Mar 14, 2002

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

CAR WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND UNDER HOOD. WAS TOLD TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER WAS ALMOST BROKEN. DLR REPLACED TENSIONER, TIMING CHAIN, AND IDLER PULLEY. CAR HAS HAD 6 ALIGNMENTS SINCE 10/13/00. CAR STILL PULLS TO LEFT AND WEARS OUT TIRES PREMATURELY. CAR HAS 47,000 MILES ON ITAND HAS 3RD SET OF TIRES ON IT. CAR HAD A OIL LEAK ON VALVE COVER GASKETS. DLR REPAIRED AND REPLACED. CAR HESITATES AND SURGES FORWARD. DLR HAS NOT FOUND PROBLEM. CAR HAS ABNORMAL SHIFT PATTERNS. SOMETIMES SHIFT DOWN TO A LOWER GEAR CAUSING CAR TO LOSE POWER AND SPEED, THEN SHIFTS BACK TO OVERDRIVE WITHOUT DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR. DLR HAS NOT FOUND A PROBLEM. THERE IS A SOUND FROM REAR OF CAR. SOUNDS LIKE BAD SHOCKS. DLR REPLACED FRAME SUPPORT BUSHINGS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. NOISE STILL THERE. THERE ARE TOO MANY PROBLEMS TO REPORT HERE. CAR HAS SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR EXTENSIVE WARRANTY WORK 9 TIMES WITHIN OUR 7 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE LAST VISIT, THE SEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR 15 DAYS TRYING TO REPAIR THE CAR, AND NOW, MOST OF THE SAME THINGS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO BE REPAIRED ARE STILL FAULTY. TODAY, THE HEATING SYSTEM WENT OUT. THERE IS NO HEAT IN THE CAR NOW. WE WILL BE RETURNING BACK TO DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING. WE HAVE WRITTEN THE MANUFACTURER AND WILL BE SENDING THAT LETTER OFF TODAY ALSO.*AK

Mar 26, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD TO JUMP START. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. BATTERY WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED 06/03/99. OIL LIGHT ABOVE OIL PRESSIRE GAUGE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING, AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGE MOVED UP AND DOWN ERRATICALLY. DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM. BATTERY COVER AND WAS BURNT/WAS BRITTLE AND HAD A WHITE ASHEY LOOK TO IT. ENGINE PRODUCES A LOT OF HEAT. DEALER REPLACED COVER AND TRAY. TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS HIGHER THAN NORMAL. DEALERSHIP RECALIBRATED IPC FOR TEMP GAUGE. TEMP GAUGE STILL READS THE SAME AS BEFORE. TICKING SOUNDS FROM LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF DASH WHEN HEAT IS ON. DEALER REPLACED FAN MOTOR TWICE. TICKING SOUNDS STILL THERE AND NOW THERE IS NO HEAT. DISC BRAKE PAD INDICATOR LAMP DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN PADS NEEDED REPLACING. HAD TO HAVE FRONT BRAKE JOB AND REPLACE SENSORS FOR INDICATOR LAMP. DEALERSHIP SAID SENSORS GOT DAMAGED WHEN PADS WERE WORN DOWN PAST THE SENSORS.

Mar 26, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND CONSUMER SHIFTED GEARS TO MOVE AHEAD SLOWLY, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCLERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP. DEFECT CAUSED VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A CEMENT POLE WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE STOPPING. CONSUMER HIT POLE TO AVOID HITTING PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. VEHICLE HIT POLE HEAD-ON, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURNED ON, CADILLAC REFUSED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AIR BAG FAILING TO DEPLOY. BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. CONSUMER STATES KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNTION ON NUMERIOUS OCCASIONS. *SLC

Mar 23, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

1997 CADILLAC CATERA PROBLEMS, VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES IN THE 6 WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP, RIGHT SIDE FRONT DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN, LEFT SIDE FRONT DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN, TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY OUT, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON BELTWAY (INSURANCE ESTIMATE A TOTAL LOSS)

Dec 04, 2000

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES

1 complaint

INCIDENTDATE OF PROBLEMDATE OF RETURNINVOICE #ROADSIDE CASE#PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Nov 27, 2000

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL AND APPLYING BRAKES, CRUISE CONTROL MAKES A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. ALSO, RADIO AND POOR RECEPTION PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS FRONT SUSPENSION CAUSING THE CAR TO WOBBLE AND VIBRATE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. *AK

Jul 24, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY

May 24, 2000

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

OUTER TIE RODS FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIMMY AND PULL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS ALSO CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIRES. DEALER REPAIRED PROBLEM. *AK *ML

May 19, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

STEERING PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED AS OF 5/19/2000. SERVICING DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED POPPING NOISE IN STEERING BUT TO DATE (05/19/2000) HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. SERVICING DEALER HAS RECOMMENDED WAITING UNTIL THE PROBLEM WORSENS WITH STEERING. ALL OTHER ITEMS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BY SERVICING DEALERSHIP.*AK

May 19, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THIS IS A SERIOUSLY UNSAFE VEHICLE . NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Jan 03, 2000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,TIRES

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER SAW THE CRACK SEPARATE AS THE WINDOW BEGAN TO BULDGE, THE BULDGING WINDOW WAS UNDER STERR WHICH WAS A DEFECT OF THE CAR. *CJ *NLM THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND EXPERIENCES TIRE WEAR, POSSIBLE SUSPENSION OR TIRE RELATED (NO TIRE MAKE/MODEL INFORMATION GIVEN. *NLM BATTERY LEAKING. *NLM

Jan 03, 2000

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

THE DASHBOARD AND LOWER CONSOLE LIGHTS ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS (INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATED), THE LOWER CONSOLE LIGHTS WILL BECOME DIM AND TAKES TEN MINUTES TO BECOME NORMAL, DEALERSHIP IS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT. *MJS

Dec 28, 1999

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

BATTERY REPLACEMENT 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE; TENSIONER PULLEY DISINTEGRATED; FOG LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE

Sep 08, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE SLID AND LOST CONTROL, HITTING A TREE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE/PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK

Jun 09, 1999

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

THIS CAR HAS HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE DEALER IS OFTEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHILE IN THE REPAIR SHOP. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS NATURE 19 TIMES, AND IN THE REPAIR SHOP 44 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN OUT OF THE SHOP 2 DAYS AND AGAIN THE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LET US IN THE VEHICLE. THIS STARTED WITH THE REAR DOOR LOCK NOT LETTING US OUT OF OR INTO THE CAR. THE PROBLEM NOW AFFECTS ALL FOUR DOORS. THEY CANNOT BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED USING THE REMOTE, THE KEY, OR MANUALLY. WE THEREFORE MUST EXIT AND ENTER USING THE WINDOWS. THE WINDOWS (ALL4) HAVE ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. THE DASH LIGHTS ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, REPLACE WIPER FLUID, ILLUMINATE WHEN THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. THE O2 SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE ALIGNMENT ON THE WHEELS HAS ALSO CAUSED REPEATED PROBLEMS AND I HAVE REPLACE 4 TIRES. THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY DIES WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SAYS CADILLACS JUST DO THAT SOMETIMES! MY DAUGHTER ENDED UP IN THE MEDIAN OF 71 HWY AFTER THE CAR DIED AT 70 MILES PER HR. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE STARTER, MANY VARIOUS DOORLOCK PARTS AND HARNESS WIRING, ABS WIRING, TRACTION CONTROL WIRING, AND WORKED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PROBLEMS STILL OCCUR. WE NOW CARRY A HAMMER WITH US TO BREAK OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY SHOULD THE DOORLOCKS NOT WORK. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: FITS CATER )

Jun 05, 1999

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A VEHICLE COLLISION, ALSO NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG.

Jul 07, 1998

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

1997 CADILLAC Catera Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

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