How many problems does the 1998 CADILLAC Catera have?

The 1998 CADILLAC Catera currently has 167 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 1998 CADILLAC Catera?

The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 CADILLAC Catera problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1998 CADILLAC Catera comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1998 CADILLAC Catera Problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

41 complaints

THE WATER PUMP GAVE OUT. *TR

Sep 08, 2010

THE MOTOR IN THE CAR STARTED CUTTING OUT AND SLOWING DOWN WHEN I WOULD TRY TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS NEVER A KNOCKING SOUND. THERE WAS NO ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. FROM READING ABOUT THIS CAR ONLINE IT SOUNDS LIKE A TIMING ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD HE DID NOT WANT TO WORK ON THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE JOB. FROM WHAT IM TOLD THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALOT OF THESE CARS AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED!! WHY NOT! *TR

Jul 16, 2008

WHILE I WAS MAKING A WIDE TURN, THE TIMING BELT OF MY 1998 CATERA BROKE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE HEAD OF MY CAR. THE PULLEY WAS BENT IN THE PROCESS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT ASSOCIATED WITH THE CATERA. NOW THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR. IT WILL COST $5000.00. *NM

Oct 04, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL VEHICLE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TIMING BELT SEPARATED INTO AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. DUE TO THE BELT SEPARATION, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Aug 29, 2006

FAULTY HEAD GASKET FAULTY WARNING LIGHTS. *JB

Aug 27, 2006

+ 36 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

16 complaints

BOTH FRONT TIRES ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY ON THE INSIDES DUE TO IMPROPER ALLIGNMENT. PURCHASED VEHICLE USED ON 1-28-02, AND HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE FRONT END PULLING TO THE LEFT. HAVE HAD A NEW TIE ROD PUT ON, BUT THIS DID NOT HELP. NEW TIRES WERE ON VEHICLE WHEN PURCHASED. DRIVERS SIDE TIRE IS WORSE, WITH STEEL CORD COMING THRU, PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS WORN BAD. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS, IT SEEMS THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND/OR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE AT FAULT AND THAT GENERAL MOTORS AND THE CADILLAC DIVISION ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. AT THIS TIME I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GM DEALER TO HAVE NEW TIRES INSTALLED AND HAVE A 4 WHEEL ALLIGNMENT DONE. TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 25000 MILES ON THEM, REAR TIRES SEEM FINE FOR THIS MILEAGE. THIS VEHICLE HAS 68000 MILES ON IT, I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO FINDING PAST OWNERS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *LA

Oct 09, 2003

CONSUMER NOTICE UNUSUAL WEAR TO FRONT TIRES VEHICLE WAS SERVICE BY DEALER TECHNICIAN NOTICE INDEPENDENT FRONT NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Nov 08, 2002

TIRES ARE WEARING OUT ON REAR MORE THAN OTHERS. ALSO, FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING OUT. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT DEALER INSTALLED 4 NEW TIRES, HOWEVER THE TIRES WORE OUT IN 10,000 MILES. DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING MORE REGARDING THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH VEHICLE, POSSIBLE SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *TT

Apr 26, 2002

WARPED TIRES FROM ALIGMENT CAUSED VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE A REAL ALIGMNENT, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT ALL TIRES NEED REPLACED EVERY 18000 MILES, CONSUMER USES GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA, P225/55R16, DOT NUMBER E130294097 TIRES. *JB

Nov 20, 2001

SUSPENSION WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AT 13,000 MILES WITH REALIGNMENT AND CURRENTLY IS IN THE SHOP TO REPLACE ALL TIRES AND HAVE ALIGNED AGAIN. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SPECS OR THE VEHICLE. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM.*AK (TIRESIZE: P225/55R16)

Jul 12, 2001

+ 11 more complaints for this component

TIRES

10 complaints

THE TIRES HAVE CUPPED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS CAUSING NOISE AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING, TWO TIRES WERE REPLACED ON 25-AUG-1999 AT 19020 MILES, ALL FOUR WERE REPLACED ON 11-JUL-2000 (GOODYEAR TIRES). NLM

Oct 10, 2001

THE TIRES HAVE CUPPED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS CAUSING NOISE AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING, TWO TIRES WERE REPLACED ON 25-AUG-1999 AT 19020 MILES, ALL FOUR WERE REPLACED ON 11-JUL-2000 (GOODYEAR TIRES). NLM

Oct 10, 2001

TIRES PREMATURELY WEAR OUT ON INSIDE EDGE OF THE REAR TIRES. THIS CANNOT BE NOTICED DUE TO THE LOCATION. CADILLAC SAYS THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS CONDITION . THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED.*AK (TIRESIZE: 225/55/R16)

Oct 01, 2001

THE CADILLAC CATERSA HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSES THE TIRES TO WEAR RAPIDLY. THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A PROBLEM I NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE TIRES BALANCED AND ROTATED. I WAS TOLD THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT AND THERE WAS NO NEED TO ROTATE OR BALANCE. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 17,000 MILES ON IT AND YOU COULD SEE THE CHORDS ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE. FRANK KENT REPLACED THE TIRES AND I WAS TOLD IT MUST HAVE BEEN A BAD SET OF TIRES BECAUSE EVERYTHING ELSE WAS WITHIN SPECS. IN JULY OF THIS YEAR, MY WIFE TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED BEFORE GOING ON A TRIP TO OKLAHOMA. AGAIN, WE WERE TOLD TWO OF THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT AND THERE WAS NO NEED TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES ON IT. THIS TIME FRANK KENT TELLS ME THE CATERA IS WITHIN PRESCRIBED SPECS BUT, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THE SPECS, SPECIFIED FOR THE REAR TOE IN, CAUSES THE CAR TO WEAR OUT TIRES IN UNDER 20,000 MILES EVEN IF ROTATED EVERY 6,000 MILES. FRANK KENT REPLACED TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES AND ADVISED ME CADILLAC WILL NOT REPLACE ANY MORE TIRES AFTER 30,000 MILES, AND WE SHOULD HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED EVERY 6,000 MILES. THEIR MANUAL SAYS 10,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE WINDOW STICKER LULLS CUSTOMERS INTO BELIEVING THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ARE WARRANTED FOR 50,000 MILES AND THEN THEY WEAR OUT AND BECOME DANGEROUS IN 20,000 MILES OR LESS. WORN OUT TIRES CAUSED BY THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE COULD CAUSE BLOW OUTS AND DEATH. I WOULD THINK CADILLAC WOULD WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM NOW RATHER THAN LATER BUT, THEY HAVE REFUSED. IF THERE IS ONE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW THAT IS ONE TOO MANY! WE BOUGHT THE CAR AND PAID FOR IT IN GOOD FAITH.WE NEED YOUR HELP IN THIS UNFAIR PROBLEM.*AK

Sep 19, 2001

TIRES WORN OUT ON INSIDE. NOT READILY VISIBLE. SAFETY ISSUE. GM WILL NOT REPAIR. CAR MISALIGNED FROM FACTORY. TECHNICAL BULLETIN ISSUED.*AK

Jun 13, 2001

+ 5 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

9 complaints

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1998 CADILLAC CATERA WHEN ANOTHER CAR RAN A STOP SIGN FORCING MY WIFE'S CAR INTO A COLLISION T-BONING THE OTHER CAR. THE APPROXIMATE SPEED OF OUR CAR DURING THE IMPACT WAS AT LEAST THIRTY MILES PER HOUR. OUR CADILLAC WAS WRITTEN OFF IN THE ACCIDENT HOWEVER EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS A HARD FRONT END COLLISION THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN OUR CAR. MY WIFE SUSTAINED SOME INJURIES HOWEVER BECAUSE SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT SHE WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL 4 DAYS LATER! *TR

Aug 18, 2010

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BEFORE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS REPLACED THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 7/3/2006 - *NM

Jun 05, 2006

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 45MPH AND WITH NO WARNING BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Jun 20, 2003

AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. $7,440.00 DAMAGE MY VEHICLE. OTHER VEHICLE (2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM) WAS TOTAL LOSS. *AK

Apr 09, 2002

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER REPLACED INFLATOR MODULE. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS IN SATISFACTORY CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON A SEPARATE OCCASION FOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IN WHICH THE MANUFACTURER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST. THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO THE PCS LIGHT AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 06/03/10 *BF THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW THE STATUS OF HIS COMPLAINT. UPDATED 06/07/10*JB

Mar 11, 2010

I OWN A 1998 CATERA. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON A CURVED ROAD THE ENGINE AND POWER CUT OFF . I LOST POWER STEERING AND HAD TO STRUGGLE TO STOP. THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CADDY DEALER, AND THEY SAID THE CRACK SENSOR WENT BAD. I REVIEWED THE INTERNET AND SAW THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. I WAS NOT HURT, BUT I WAS VERY CONCERNED. IF MY SON WAS DRIVING I BELIEVE WE BOTH WOULD NOT BE HEAR AND NO ONE WOULD KNOW WHY WE CRASHED HEAD ON. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME I HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR STARTED TO SPUTTER AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER AND HAD IT TOWED. THE VALVE COVER WAS LEAKING INTO THE SPARK PLUG HOLE AND BURNING THE RUBBER BOOT. IT GOT SO HOT THE PLUG MELTED, CAUSING THE SMOKE TO COME OUT. ALSO, I FOUND OUT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THIS CAR NEEDED SOME IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BEFORE SOMEONE WAS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. I WA TRYING TO GET RID OF THE CAR. IT DROVE IT TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HELP. *AK

Jun 19, 2007

AFTER REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION AND EXITING VEHICLE, VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACK INTO A PLAYGROUND AREA. DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED IN ANY GEAR. CONSUMER ADDS THAT IT TAKES ANYWHERE FROM 45" TO 20" FOR KEY TO CYCLE ON THE IGNITION. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST, ALSO THIS PROBLEM DID CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *TT

Jun 30, 2002

KEY CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF IGNITION IN ANY GEAR. DEALER REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT DEALER CONFIRMED THAT LOCK AND UNLOCK SWITCH WERE BAD, CONSUMER SATED THE GEAR WAS IN PARK AND THE KEYS WERE IN HER PURSE, AND 5 TO 10 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A SMALL FENCE.*JB

Apr 08, 2002

THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER WILL NOT ACTIVATE STEERING COLUMN. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 complaints

MID-JUNE ABS TC WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR IN 1998 CADILLAC CATERA. EBTCM DIAGNOSED AS FAILED. DEALER ORDERED NEW EBTCM, NOT AVAILABLE. CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE CONFIRMS "NATIONAL BACKORDER" NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THESE PARTS IN GM WAREHOUSE SYSTEMS, DEALER SYSTEM, ETC. TOOK CAR TO CHEVY (GM) DEALER (7/9/05) TO DIAGNOSE. CONFIRM FAILURE OF EBTCM; PART NOT AVAILABLE. CALLED CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE, E-MAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. RESPONSE REMAINS CONSTANT...NATIONAL BACK ORDER, NO KNOWLEDGE WHEN PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. WE MUST DRIVE CAR WITH NO ABS, TC, OR SPEEDOMETER (WHICH DOESN'T WORK WHEN ABS TC ARE NONFUNCTIONAL) AND STIFF POWER STEERING WHICH IS ALSO A RESULT OF NO ABS TC. NEITHER CADILLAC NOR GM CAN SPECIFY WHEN SUCH PART WILL BE AVAILABLE, NOR HAVE THEY PROPOSED A LOANER CAR TO DRIVE UNTIL PART ARRIVES. WE ARE DRIVING A CAR THAT, IN MY OPINION, IS UNSAFE SHOULD WE FIND OURSELVES IN A SITUATION THAT REQUIRES THE ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL. THE SPEEDOMETER IS NON-FUNCTIONAL AND STEERING BECOMES STIFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THIS MODULE. GM NEEDS TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. HOW CAN THEY SELL CARS THAT THEY CANNOT PROVIDE PARTS FOR. SAFETY SEEMS TO BE MY PROBLEM, NOT THEIRS AS IT IS "MY" EBTCM THAT HAS FAILED NOW THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *NM

Aug 09, 2005

THE BRAKE MAINTAINENCE WARNING IS DEFECTIVE AND INSUFFICENT. ACCORDING THE OWNER'S MANUAL WHEN THE WARNING LIGHT APPEARS THE CONSUMER WILL NEED TO HAVE BRAKES SERVICED SOON. THE WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT APPEAR WHEN THE BRAKE PADS NEED CHANGING, WHICH IS A WARNING. THE BRAKES DO NOT HAVE A SENSOR WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKES TO SQUEAL WHEN PADS NEED REPLACING. THEREFORE, NOT GIVING THE CONSUMER THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MINOR REPAIRS BEFORE SERIOUS DAMAGE AND INJURY OCCUR. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE MAINTAINENCE LIGHT DOES APPEAR WHEN YOUR PADS HAVE COMPLETELY WORN OUT, YOU NOW HAVE DAMAGE TO YOUR ROTORS, AND DAMAGE TO YOUR CYLINDERS NOW TURNING AN $200-$300 REPAIR TO A $1000 REPAIR. THIS IS UNFAIR AND DECEITFUL TO THE CONSUMER. DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR WHO BASICALLY TOLD ME OLE' WELL, TOO BAD-SO SAD.*AK

Jul 23, 2003

ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND RESURFACED TO FREQUENTLY.*AK

May 06, 2002

THE BRAKES VIBRATE DUE TO FAULTY FRONT AND REAR ROTORS, ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT PADS, ROTORS AND SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

THE BRAKES VIBRATE DUE TO FAULTY FRONT AND REAR ROTORS, ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT PADS, ROTORS AND SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SEATS

5 complaints

NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. *AK *NM

Mar 15, 2005

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

Apr 07, 2004

Fire: 1

THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE LEATHER TO MELT. *JB

Feb 11, 2003

SEAT HEATER SWITCH INOPERABLE. YH

Feb 01, 1999

DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT MOTOR FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

STRUCTURE

5 complaints

DOOR LOCK NOT ACTIVATING WITH KEYLESS REMOTE. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

DOOR BUSHING AND PIN WORN. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH WHEN FRONT END & STEERING WHEEL STARTED VIBRATING. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT SNOW WAS LODGED IN WHEEL WELL & OTHER PARTS OF VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO BE UNBALANCED AND IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *AK

Feb 17, 1999

REAR PASSANGER DOOR FAILED.

Feb 01, 1999

ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

STEERING

5 complaints

WITHOUT WARNING, THE STEERING LINKAGE ON DRIVER SIDE SNAPPED WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT A SLOW SPEED. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON OTHER CADILLAC CATERA'S OR OTHER MODELS BUILT SINCE 1997.*AK

Aug 08, 2001

WITHOUT WARNING, THE STEERING LINKAGE ON DRIVER SIDE SNAPPED WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT A SLOW SPEED. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON OTHER CADILLAC CATERA'S OR OTHER MODELS BUILT SINCE 1997.*AK

Aug 08, 2001

POWER STEERING FAILED. YH

Feb 09, 2000

WHILE SLOWING DOWN FROM 65 TO 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL STEERING POWER CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER & THEY INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING BELT TO FALL OFF. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP BEING REPAIRED. *YC

Aug 10, 1999

POWER STEERING FAILED.

Feb 01, 1999

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 complaints

THE REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. NLM

Apr 17, 2000

THE REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. NLM

Apr 17, 2000

THE REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. NLM

Apr 17, 2000

THE BACK DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK. YH

Apr 10, 2000

DOOR LOCK FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WILL WORK INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

Oct 18, 2002

ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FREQENTLY. YH

Apr 10, 2000

ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY. YH

Apr 10, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ,AND THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS. *AK

Mar 20, 2000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NO HIGH BEAMS. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NO HIGH BEAMS. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

ONGOING/ INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT WHILE IN OPERATION, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE COLLISION. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK

Jan 27, 2000

WHILE DRIVING AND USING TURN SIGNALS ,THE SIGNALS WILL NOT STOP BLINKING UNLESS VEHICLE MAKES A 90 DEGREE TURN. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE TO NOT ONLY FOR HIM, BUT TO EVERYONE ON THE STREETS. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE SOUND LEVEL IN THE VEHICLE. *AK

Aug 25, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP CAUSED VEHICLE TO BECOME DISABLED. *AK *NLM

May 06, 2003

FUEL FILTER REPLACED, FUEL SENDER SEAL WAS LEAKING, FUEL TANK LEAKING CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

FUEL FILTER REPLACED, FUEL SENDER SEAL WAS LEAKING, FUEL TANK LEAKING CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

WIPERS INOPERATIVE AND WIPER BLADES FAULTY. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

THE VANITY MIRROR FELL OFF AND WAS REPLACED.NLM

Oct 10, 2001

WIPERS INOPERATIVE AND WIPER BLADES FAULTY. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

2 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC CATERA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TENSION TIMING BELT PULLEY FAILED. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF $1,200. AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS, THEY FOUND THAT THE COMPONENT WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WILL RE-EXAMINE THE VEHICLE IN A THREE PART ORDER AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE RECALL WAS FOR SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING PLANTS; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,000. UPDATED 08/04/09. *LJ THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DID NOT CLEAN THE WINDOW, THE VEHICLE HAD 4 BATTERIES, THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED

Jun 26, 2009

WATER KEEPS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAVE HAD THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE REPLACED 3 WEEKS AGO AND NOW THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING COOLANT. *AK

Aug 05, 2004

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

MY RECENT PROBLEM IS I CAN'T TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK. I TRY FOR MORE THAN 30 TIME AND YES, I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN 35+ TIME SINCE 1999 AND ITS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. *NM

Jan 17, 2006

TRANSMISSION FAILED. YH

Feb 01, 1999

SUSPENSION,TIRES

2 complaints

REAR TIRE WORE OUT PREMATURELY, CAUSING TIRE TREAD ON THE INSIDE TO SHOW. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE REAR TIRES WORE ON THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF TOO MUCH NEGATIVE CAMBER. NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED. THE CONSUMERS CASE WENT TO ARBITRATION BUT WAS REJECTED BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WOULD REQUIRE A DESIGN CHANGE WHICH WAS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF ARBITRATION. THE CONSUMER CALLED CADILLAC TO BUT A RETROFIT KIT TO ADJUST THE CAMBER BUT NO KIT WAS AVAILABLE. A DESIGN CHANGE WAS MADE WHICH WAS NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. THE MANUFACTURER MADE A DESIGN CHANGE AND THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THEY SHOULD RETROFIT ALL 1998 CATERA'S. *TS *NLM

Apr 01, 2004

TIRES ARE WEARING OUT AT INSIDE, IT'S NOT NOTICEABLE ON OUTER TIRE. CONSUMER HAS HAD 10 TIRES PUT ON VEHICLE, AND THEY ALL WORE OUT ON INSIDE RIGHT TO STEEL BELTS.*AK TIRES ARE GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA, SIZE P225/55R16, CONSUMER STATES THAT GOODYEAR OR CADILLAC HAS A SOLUTION, POSSIBLY A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *SLC

Apr 12, 2001

EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

ANTEANNA AND CABLE FAILED. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

ANTEANNA AND CABLE FAILED. NLM

Oct 10, 2001

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

2 complaints

THE LEVELING LIGHT BLINKED ON & OFF CONTINUOUSLY. YH

Apr 10, 2000

THE LEVELING LIGHT BLINKED ON & OFF CONTINUOUSLY. YH

Apr 10, 2000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

NEAR MISS OF SEVERE ACCIDENTAL INJURY/PROPERTY DAMAGE. PROBLEM: SAFETY HAZARD DESIGNED INTO CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH POD. NO PERMANENT OFF FEATURE. CRUISE ACTIVE AND BYPASS OF OFF SWITCH IN ANY MODE SELECTED BY SET-ACCEL/COAST-RESUME ROCKER SWITCH. SET-ACCEL/COAST-RESUME ROCKER SWITCH DETENT ON MY CATERA FAILED (BROKE). ROAD BUMP OR USE OF TURN SIGNAL ACTIVATES SWITCH. DURING PASSING AT 65MPH+, RIGHT SIGNAL ACTIVATED ACCEL FEATURE. SPEED IMMEDIATELY INCREASED TO 80+MPH AND I NARROWLY AVERTED REARENDING CAR(S) AHEAD. SIMILAR FAILURES MAY BE CAUSE OF OTHER REARENDERS AND/OR UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION ACCIDENTS. SWITCH CONFIGURATION IS NOT SIMILAR TO U.S. DESIGNS, BUT OPERATION LEARNING CURVE IS NOT DIFFICULT. SERIOUS HAZARD IN DESIGN. RECOMMEND STANDARD U.S. SWITCH ARRANGEMENT IN SAME ERGONOMIC POD AND RECAL AND REPLACEMENT.

Aug 26, 1999

CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE, WHEN SHE DROVE OFF, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE THEN TRIED TO PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, BUT VEHICLE WOULD JUMP BACK AND FORWARD AT LEASED THREE TIMES, CONTINUING TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. *AK

Dec 10, 1998

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

ENGINE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH OIL PRESSURE THAT STAY BELOW MINIMUM AT IDLE WHEN ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMP. FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING FAIL WITH LESS THEN 90000 MILES. AUTO TRANSMISSION FAIL WITH LESS THEN 90000 MILES. HAVE ENGAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND SHIFTING PROBLEM. *TR

Jan 27, 2012

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

1 complaint

FAULTY BRAKING. *TR

Feb 10, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

THE TENSIONER PULLEY & TIMING BELT WAS A KNOW DEFECT FOR VEHICLE AND WAS RECALLED BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, AT THE TIME OF FAILURE I LOST ALL POWER & CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON AN DECLINE IN A HIGH TRAFFIC LOCATION IN A SERVER RAIN STORM. VEHICLE IS NOW DOA AND GM REFUSES TO REMEDY TUES EVENING 6/23 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON, IN 30-45 SECONDS THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING, EARLIER IN THE DAY I HEARD A KNOCK AND THOUGHT I RAN OVER SOMETHING AS ALL GAUGES INDICATED EVERYTHING WAS RUNNING NORMAL. HAD AAA TOW IT TO MY HOME AND NEXT DAY (WED.) TO THE CADDY DEALER. THEY CHARGE ME $109 TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM, THEN TELL ME THE TIMING BELT BROKE! IT WILL COST ANOTHER $600 LABOR FOR 5 HOURS OF INSPECTION TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND DEPENDING WHAT THEY FIND $$$$$$ TO FIX, DAAAAA! I CALL THE SERVICE MANAGER HE TELLS ME HE'LL CHECK IT OUT AND CALL ME BACK. OK SO NOW HE CALLS ME AND TELL ME THE REP MISS-QUOTED WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO. NOW IT'S THE TENSION PULLEY THAT FAILED CASING THE TIMING BELT TO SNAP, TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SET IS $699 + LABOR AND SUGGESTED I INVEST ANOTHER $150 TO CHANGE THE COOLANT PUMP AS IT'S SHOWING SIGNS OF LEAKAGE AT THE SAME TIME SO IT DOESN'T RUN ME ADDITIONAL COSTS LATER AS IT'S IN THE SAME PART OF THE ENGINE AS THE PULLEY AND BELT. GRAND TOTAL OF $1207 + TAX. "BUT" DEPENDING ON WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THEY REPLACE THE TENSIONER PULLEY & TIMING BELT THERE MIGHT BE ADDITIONAL COST IF THE CAR STILL WILL NOT START. OK SO I TELL HIM TO GO AHEAD. I DECIDED TO GOGGLE THE PROBLEM TO SEE WHAT IT IS I AM PAYING FOR, HELLLLLLO! WHAT DO I FIND BUT A MAJOR RECALL BACK IN 9/2002 ON THE TENSIONER PULLEY FAILURE CAUSING THE TIMING BELT TO SNAP!!!!!!!!! & THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLANT PUMP. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OR ADVISED OF THIS RECALL. THEY NEVER TOLD ME ANYTHING EVERY TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. I ONLY HAVE ONLY 20,654 MILES ON THE CAR, AS IT'S MY 2ND VEHICLE AND USE IT LOCALLY FOR SHOPPING. NORMAL REPLACEMENT FOR THE TIMING BELT & TENSIONER PULLEY IS 70K MI. *TR

Jul 02, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

1 complaint

1998 CAD. CATERA - NO INCIDENT STARTED THE PROBLEMS - A MECHANIC KNEW IT HAD A BAD HEAD GASKET BEFORE OPENING THE HOOD OR BEING TOLD WHY I WAS THERE BECAUSE HE SAID 9 OUT OF 10 CATERAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER REPORTS LISTS THIS YEAR AND MODEL AS A MUST TO AVOID CAR. AT 60K MILES HAD A BAD HEAD GASKET, OIL HAD GONE THROUGH THE SYSTEM, CAR OVERHEATS, THE HOSES HAD TO BE REPLACED, IT HAS TO BE FLUSHED REGULARLY, NOW AT 80K MILES, THE POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING, THE COOLANT IS LEAKING, THE BEARINGS AND BRAKES ARE FAILING, THE OIL CANNOT BE CHANGED BECAUSE THE PAN WILL BREAK BECAUSE THE CAP IS WELDED ON BECAUSE OF THE HEAT IN THE ENGINE. WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL. THIS IS TOO YOUNG A CAR TO BE FAILING LIKE THIS. I WOULD LIKE COMPENSATION! *TR

Jun 21, 2008

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES

1 complaint

FUEL LINE BEHIND PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS DAMAGED BY AN OBJECT IN THE ROAD THAT THE DRIVER RAN OVER. THE FUEL LINE IS NOT PROTECTED IN ANYWAY ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WELL. THIS INCIDENT LEAD TO A MAJOR GAS LEAK AND THE ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. *TR

Jun 03, 2008

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

A/C COMPRESSOR LEAKING AND A/C COMPRESSOR NOT CYCLING AND LEAKING FROM THE CHASE VALVE SYSTEM. COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE HEATER COOLANT VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND SENSOR WERE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED. UPDATED.

Oct 05, 2007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

I'M REPAIRING THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON THE SAME ENGINE FOR THE THIRD TIME IN LESS THAN 50000 MILES, 100000 TOTAL MILES. THESE CARS WERE LEMONS! CADILLAC KNOWS IT, BUT DOES NOT FEEL THE NEED TO RESPOND TO THE THOUSANDS OF CATERA OWNERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE EXPENSE OF REPEATED REPAIRS, TOTALING $10,000 WITH TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT, MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR, TIMING BELTS, COOLING SYSTEMS, WATER PUMPS,AND OH YEAH...ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE!!! GIVE ME A BREAK! AND ANY ADVICE BESIDES THE OBVIOUS. *AK

Apr 15, 2007

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

CAR OVER HEATING, SMOKING, STEAMING. TOOK TO MECHANIC, WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE BLEW, LATER TO FIND OUT OIL COOLER WENT. ALSO JUST FOUND OUT MY TRANSMISSIONS NEEDS OVER HAULED, NO WARNING, NO LEAKS. HEAT REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, IGNITION COIL HAS BEEN REPLACED, ALL WIRES HAVE TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE HAS AND STILL DOES RUN TOO HOT, CAUSING CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE PARTS. ETC. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2001, PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY, THAT HAS SINCE WARE OUT. MY SUN ROOF DOES NOT WORK, MY KEYLESS ENTRY DOES NOT WORK, HERE IT IS 2005 AND THE CAR ONLY HAS OR AROUND 65,000 MILES ON IT, WHEN PURCHASED ONLY HAD 23,000, I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR TO WORK AND BACK, AND TOO RUN ERRANDS. WHY AM I HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT, I CAN'T EVEN GET A DEALER TO TAKE IT AS TRADE IN. *JB

Oct 13, 2005

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

1998 CATERA PROBLEMS: TRANSMISSION FAILED 3 TIMES CAUSED BY ELECTRONIC PART MAL FUNCTION; ALTERNATOR FAILURE; BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES; HEATER AND A/C INOPERATIVE-BURNED HARNESS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENT; DOOR HINGES FAILED; ENGINE OIL LEAK; VEHICLE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START; PREMATURE TIRE WEAR; VEHICLE WANDERS; FRONT END ALIGNED 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR; WARPED DISC ROTORS TWICE IN TWO YEAR PERIOD; DIFFERENTIAL SEALS LEAK; VAOLTAGE METER AMBIGUOS READING; SIDEMARKERS INOPERATIVE AND CORRODED; HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURE; REMOTE KEYS FILED; REAR VIEW MIRRORS DO NOT ADJUST TO NIGHT DRIVING.

Jun 27, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,TIRES,SEATS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

CADILLAC CATERA 1998, DRIVER SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT THAT CONSUMER BACK WAS BURNED. *BF THE CONSUMER FIRST HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT NOT HEATING WAS BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2000 WHICH WAS REPAIRED. ON PREVIOUS OCCASION THE CONSUMER HAD WORK DONE. THE MOLDING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS LOOSE, THE CONSUMER REPORTED A WOBBLE IN THE TIRE, ONE MONTH LATER THE CONSUMER HAD A FLAT TIRE, HE WAS THEN TOLD THE TIRES NEEDED TO REPLACED, THERE WAS STATIC FROM THE RADIO, THE FRONT PADS WERE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE. *JB

Mar 18, 2005

Injuries: 1

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

CADILLAC CATER 1998 EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAILURE THAT CAUSED ENGINE DAMAGE. *BF THE TRUNK LIGHT BULBS FAILED. THE TRUNK LIGHT BAR FAILED. THE KEY FOB FAILED. THE CD PLAYER FAILED. THE WINDOW WASHER HOSE FAILED. THE SWITCH FOR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BOTTOM GEAR OF THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE. THE FRONT AND REAR END HAD TO BE ALIGNED DUE TO THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE CENTER LINK WAS ALSO REPLACED. *NM

Feb 28, 2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

LIKE ALL CADILLAC CATERA OWNERS WE KNOW, WE HAVE HAD AND ARE CONTINUING TO HAVE ENDLESS MAJOR REPAIR BILLS ON THE CATERA (98 MODEL). THE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RUN HOT. THE WATER PUMP WAS ON RECALL. CADILLAC REPLACED THE PUMP BUT CHARGED FOR BELTS AND OTHER PARTS DAMAGED BY THE FAILURE. WE HAVE SPEND OVER $1,900 TRYING TO SOLVE A MORNING COLD START SKIPPING PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. CADILLAC DEALER REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE AND CHARGED $953. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. THEN A REPAIR SHOP CHARGED OVER $600 TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. THEN THEY TOLD US IT HAD TO BE THE COIL PACK. WE SPENT OVER $300 ON THAT. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. THE CAR IN BACK AT THE CADILLAC DEALER'S SHOP YESTERDAY AND TODAY. SO FAR THEY CANNOT LOCATE PROBLEM. A CO-WORKER OF MY WIFE'S AT THE GEORGIA MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY DEPARTMENT OWNES A CATERA. SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAVE SPENT OVER $9,000 ON THEIR CATERA IN THE PAST TWO YEARS FOR REPAIRS. THEY CANNOT KEEP TIRES ON THE CAR. THE CO-WORKER SAID THEY HAD THE SAME COLD START PROBLEM WITH THEIR CATERA. IT COST OVER $500 FOR A STARTER SWITCH PART. IT APPEARS CADILLAC THREW THE CAR TOGETHER FROM AN ENGINE FROM ENGLAND, A TRANSMISSION FROM FRANCE AND ASSEMBLED THE CAR IN GERMANY. I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR FOR CONSUMMERS TO HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR CADILLAC'S NEGLEGENCY IN NOT PROPERLY TESTING THE CAR PRIOR TO MARKETING. THIS IS NOTHING SHORT OF CONSUMMER FRAUD. WE HAVE OWNED TWO CADILLAC SEVILLES, A DEVILLE, AND A SMALL CADILLAC BACK IN THE 80'S. WE PRESENTLY DRIVE A SEVILLE. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH CADILLAC PRODUCTS UNTIL THIS CATERA. IT IS NOT CADILLAC QUALITY AND APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MARKETED WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING OF MECHANICS IN THE FIELD IN SPITE OF GM'S CONSTANT ADVERTISEMENTS ABOUT THE EXCELLENCE OF "MR. GOOD WRENCH." CADILLAC SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THEIR PROBLEMS WITH THE CATERA DESIGN.

May 06, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND THEY JUST KEEP PILING UP. I JUST REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AND VALVE COVER GASKETS A MONTH AGO AND NOW MY OIL PRESSURE IS FAILING. MY SERVICE WRITTER TELLS ME THIS CAR IS NOTORIUS FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE, SPECIFICALLY THE WAY IT HANDLES OIL AND COOLING. I SENT A LETTER TO CADILLAC WHEN I HAD PROBLES A MONTH AGO BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?*AK

Apr 25, 2004

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,TIRES,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

SENSORS WENT BAD. OIL CURRENTLY IN THE ENGINE, HEAD GASKETS GONE. TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING COLUMN. CRANK SENSOR AND IGNITION COIL PACK REPAIR

Jan 15, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES

1 complaint

BOUGHT THIS 98 CATERA NEW. TO BE SAFE FROM BLOWOUTS TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY 20,000 MILES; BASICALLY, INSIDE SHOULDER WEAR. GM MAINTAINS THIS IS NORMAL AND WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. NOW AT 67,000 MILES TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY FAILED RESULTING IN SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS OF ENGINE DAMAGE ! VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS GM PRODUCT AND NOTE THE LAUDED 'CADILLAC SERVICE'' IS CLEARLY FALSE ADVERTISING. IN GOOD FAITH WE ARE UNABLE TO SELL THIS CAR. IS THIS GOVERNMENT SITE OF ANY REAL USE ? CLEARLY THE TIRE WEAR SAFETY PROBLEM AND EXPENSIVE IDLER/TENSIONER FAN BELT/TIMING BELT PROBLEMS DESERVE SOME CONSUMER PROTECTION! *LA

Oct 31, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 30 TIMES FOR NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. TOO MANY TO LIST. NOW THIS VEHICLE HAS DIED ON ONE OF THE MOST BUSIEST INTERSECTIONS IN MINNESOTA. *LA

Oct 10, 2003

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES

1 complaint

NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH 1998 CATERA. HAD TIMING BELT TENSIONER-PULLEYS/CAM DRIVE REPLACED LAST YEAR(3-2002) WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" WAS ISSUED BY CADILLAC IN SEPT 2002 FOR CATERA'S TO HAVE CAME DRIVE IDLER/TENSIONER PULLEY/WATER PUMP REPLACED WITH NEW VERSION. GOT VEHICLE SERVICED TODAY AND WAS INFORMED THAT CAR HAD ANOTHER SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDED TO BE CORRECTED-OUT OF POCKET-COOLANT CROSSOVER LEAKING INTO OIL COOLER, AND VALVE COVER WAS LEAKING OIL.....THE CAR RUNS EXTREMELY HOT, HAS POOR PERFORMANCE, GETS TERRIBLE GAS MILLAGE, BATTERY HAS LOW VOLTAGE WHEN NOTHING IS LEFT ON BY MISTAKE, REPLACED THE BATTERY 4 TIME IN TWO YEARS, A/C HAD NEW COMPRESSOR REPLACED PAST SUMMER 2002 STILL NOT ABLE TO COOL CAR AND WHILE IN USE THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE A TRACTOR, BOGGS DOWN THE PERFROMANCE. HAD TO HAVE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED (COST OVER 800.00) AT 34,000, PURCHASED 4 SETS OF MICHELLAN MXV4 TIRES IN LAST 2 YEARS-INSIDE TREAD SEPERATION ON FRONT TIRES CAUSED BLOW OUT TWICE.

Aug 28, 2003

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED AND THE VEHICLES ENGINE TREMBLED BECAUSE WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO ONE OF THE CYLINDERS. PH *NLM

Mar 26, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLS AND SURGES, INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND CRANK SENSOR AS THE PROBLEMS. *YD

Jun 12, 2002

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

DUE TO A DEFECT IN FRONT ALIGMENT TIRES WORE EXCESSIVELY.*AK THE ROTORS WERE TURNED AND RESURFACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE BRAKES PULSATE, SQUEAK AND GO TOO LOW TO THE FLOOR. THE THIRD SET OF TIRES THAT WERE ON THE VEHICLE WERE WEARING OUT DUE TO AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, ALSO ANOTHER TIRE WAS LEAKING AIR. THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR HINGE WAS UNSTABLE, ALSO THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK STICKS. THE WIPERS SCRUB. THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES NOISE. THE RIGHT SIDE HEAD LIGHT SHINES TOO HIGH. *YH

May 06, 2002

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

BRAKE INSP.BRAKE REPLACED3/9/00;CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON 5/12/00-FUEL INJECTOR DIRTY, REPLACE SENSOR; LEFT WINDOW SLOW IN OPERATION - 6/23/00;INGINTION REMOTE KEY NOT WORKING- TWO REPLACEMENT 6/23/00;CAR JERKING IN SPORT MODE, PRBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS, SUNROOF SLIDES BACK AN FORTH WITHOUT TURNING DIAL,RECALL ON ENGINE CHECK PULLEY 7/05/000; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CAR STALLS7/31/00; VIBRATION ON ACCELERATION TOLD NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR BUT TIRES, REPLACE TWO FRONT TIRES, I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE TIRE RODS. I ASK FOR A REA SUSP. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT NECESSARY AND THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME TO DO IT THAT DAY. RIGHT FRONT HEADLAMP OUT 3/01/01; LEFT HEAD LIGHT OUT 4/13/01;CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, SUNROOF OPENS WHILE DRIVING W/O TURNING DIAL,5/24/01; REMOTE KEY NOT WORKING REPLACE KEY , CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, 6/21/01; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON , SLOW PICKUP, REAR SUS. ROUGH RIDE HELP-RECALL EMISSION 7/26/01; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CONTACT DEALER ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TO ADJUST THE KNOB ON THE GAS TANK BY TURNING IT SEVERAL TIMES. 8/6/01; CAR WILL NOT START BATTERY DEAD, SUNROOF NOT WORKING. CONTACT TOW SERVICE THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER. TOW SERVICE BOOST CAR BATTERY AND LEFT. SUNROOF REFUSE TO OPERATE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON 8/13/01-CAR PARKED GOING ON VACATION; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON RETURN FROM VACATION 8/23/01-HELP- DOING THE FIRST YEAR OF 1999 I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BREAKS THOSES DOCUMENTS WERE DESTROYED IN A HOUSE FIRE. MY HOUSE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 11/24/99.*AK (TIRESIZE: 14RHS)

Aug 24, 2001

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. DEALER CLAIMS THEY ARE GOING BY GMC SPECS. BUT ALIGNMENT IS OFF, CAUSING INNER EDGE OF TIRES TO WEAR DOWN TO STEEL.*AK THERE WAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP MORE THAN TEN TIMES FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. AL FOUR TIRES HAD BE TO TEPLACED DUE TO FACTORY RELATED ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. *YH

Apr 23, 2001

TIRES,SEATS

1 complaint

TWO TIRES LOST PRESSURE IN LAST TWO MONTHS. GOODYEAR, RSA TIRES, MTS P225/55R16 94H. FIRST TIRE WAS 2 MONTHS AGO, FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. SECOND TIRE WAS A WEEK AGO, REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK HEATED SEAT IS INOPERABLE, DEALER REPLACED HEATING ELEMENT. *SLC

Mar 07, 2001

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES

1 complaint

A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE: FOG LIGHTS BURNED OUT FAST/ RADIATOR LIGHTS CAME ON/STEERING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONED, AND TIRES HAVE BEEN CHANGED A FEW TIMES. TREAD SEPARATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE TRYING TO REMEDY PROBLEM. CONSUMER WANTED DEALER/MANUFACTURWER TO BUY BACK VEHICLE. *AK

Feb 15, 2001

TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

TIRES WERE CHECKED DURING 3000 MILE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE WEAR WAS REPORTED AS NORMAL. 900 MILES LATER WE EXPERIENCED A SHIMMING WHEN DRIVING AT AROUND 70 MILES AN HOUR. STOPPED TO HAVE TIRES CHECKED AT GOODYEAR DEALER AND THE TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO WEARBARS APPROXIMATELY 4 INCH STRIP ON EACH OF THE FRONT TIRES. GOODYEAR DEALER STATED AND CADILLAC CONFIRMED THAT CADILLAC CATERA IS NOTED FOR ALIGNMNENT PROBLEMS CAUSING UNUSUAL TIRE WEAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IN LESS THAN 900 MILES A TIRE CAN WEAR TO A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS LEVEL. RESEARCH VIA VARIOUS WEB SITES INDICATES MANY CATERA OWNERS EXPERIENCING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH DANGEROUS TIRE WEAR AND WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. (TIRESIZE: P225/55R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/55R16 )

Nov 18, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

CONTACTED DEALER IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF RECALL NOTICE FOR ENGIINE PROBLEM-WAS NOT ADVISED OF ANY IMMINENT DANGER-LOST POWER STEERING-CAR OVERHEATED & ENGINE FAILURE, BRAKES CONTINUE TO SQUEAL INTERMITTENTLY, STEERING PULLS TO SIDE. *AK

Sep 13, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHENEVER VEHICLE IS PARKED OVERNIGHT IT WOULD FAIL TO RESTART AGAIN. WOULD HAVE TOW VEHICLE TO DEALER EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED, 8 TIMES SO FAR. MECHANIC WOULD REPROGRAM KEY; REPLACED BATTERY/FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE. GMC EPURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER, 1999 FOR THE FULL PURCHASE PRICE LESS $400.OO *AK

Nov 24, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

WINDSHIELD WIPERS. SQUEAKY BRAKES.

Sep 08, 1999

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

THIS IS A NEW CAR. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE AIRBAG MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ELECTICAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR REPAIRS OVER AND OVER. I HAVE ASK CADILLAC TO REPLACE THIS CAR,BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED. PLEASE HELP ME.

Nov 10, 1998

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK DUE TO A SOUND THAT HAPPENS TO THE SEAT BELTS. THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE THE SEAT BELT EXPLODED. ONCE THIS HAPPENS, THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENS AROUND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT THE DRIVER APPLYING THE BRAKES OR ANY SUDDEN IMPACT. THE SEAT BELTS TIGHTEN AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGERS, CAUSING THE PASSENGERS TO BE UNSAFE. IF THIS HAPPENS NOW, WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THERE WAS AN IMPACT AND THE SEAT BELT WOULD TIGHTEN WHAT WOULD AROUND THE PASSENGER. *AK

Aug 10, 1998

1998 CADILLAC Catera Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

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