Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Cadillac CATERA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

163 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

64,414 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 33 of 163 complaints (20.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2515.3%
Engine operation138.0%
Electrical and battery issues116.7%
Steering behavior116.7%
Transmission and shifting31.8%
Fuel system concerns21.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
33
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
16
Suspension:Front
16
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
8
Tires
8
Electrical System
7
Engine And Engine Cooling
7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
7
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine33
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline16
Suspension:Front16
Exterior Lighting:Headlights8
Tires8
Electrical System7
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System7

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 33; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 16; Suspension:Front: 16; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 8; Tires: 8; Electrical System: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 7

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
9
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9999
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9998
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 9; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 138 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
6
1998
12
1999
23
2000
21
2001
23
2002
42
2003
15
2004
14
2005
3
2006
1
2007
1
2009
1
2014
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19976
199812
199923
200021
200123
200242
200315
200414
20053
20061
20071
20091
20141

1997: 6; 1998: 12; 1999: 23; 2000: 21; 2001: 23; 2002: 42; 2003: 15; 2004: 14; 2005: 3; 2006: 1; 2007: 1; 2009: 1; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 25 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 13 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 11 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000804 · 2003-01-08 (January 8, 2003)

THEIR ARE TO MANY PROBLEMS AND TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LIST!!! I EXPERIENCED FOUR RECALLS AT ONCE ON JULY 25TH, 2002. THE TECHNICIANS ARE OBVIOUSLY INCOMPENTENT OR HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO FIX THIS VEHICLE CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. I CALLED THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER GIVEN RUN AROUND. I SUFFERED A CATROSTROFIC ENGINE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF LOW COOLANT IN MY ENGINE WHEN FAILURES OCCURRED. LETTERS FROM GM STATE VEHICLES CAN SUFFER ENGINE DAMAGED OR ENGINE FAILURE AND THAT THEY WILL COVER THE LOSSES AND AT NO COST TO ME. I HAVE TO PAY FOR T…

Owner-reported narrative. 85,237 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000804 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003913 · 2003-01-31 (January 31, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003913 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005525 · 2003-02-08 (February 8, 2003)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. 85,263 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005525 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016925 · 2003-05-02 (May 2, 2003)

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 B…

Owner-reported narrative. 65,074 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016925 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022053 · 2003-06-02 (June 2, 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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022053 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022438 · 2003-06-05 (June 5, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED, THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEATER VALVE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER THEN STATED THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022438 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10027337 · 2003-09-04 (September 4, 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

Owner-reported narrative. 46,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10027337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029402 · 2003-07-16 (July 16, 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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10029402 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

163 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

15.3%Usable mileage25 / 163 records
76.7%Valid incident date125 / 163 records
100.0%Valid filing date163 / 163 records
76.7%Ordered incident and filing dates125 / 163 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1997199819992000200120022003
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3320.2%
ODI 10000804 · 85,237 mi

THEIR ARE TO MANY PROBLEMS AND TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LIST!!! I EXPERIENCED FOUR RECALLS AT ONCE ON JULY 25TH, 2002. THE TECHNICIANS ARE OBVIOUSLY INCOMPENTENT OR HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO FIX THIS VEHICLE CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. I CALLED THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER GIVEN RUN AROUND. I SUFFERED A CATROSTROFIC ENGINE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF LOW COOLANT IN MY ENGINE WHEN FAILURES OCCURRED. LETTERS FROM GM STATE VEHICLES CAN SUFFER ENGINE DAMAGED OR ENGINE FAILURE AND THAT THEY WILL COVER THE LOSSES AND AT NO COST TO ME. I HAVE TO PAY FOR T…

Look up ODI 10000804 at NHTSA ↗

2016.3%
ODI 10010199 · 60,765 mi

COOLANT LEAKING CAUSE ENGINE HEAD NEEDS REPLACING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10010199 at NHTSA ↗

67.5%
ODI 10012453

AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, 30 DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE. CONSUMER PUT THE FIRE OUT AND TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE AGAIN A HALF MILE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *JB

Look up ODI 10012453 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 10009511

THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 8 OCCASIONS.*JB

Look up ODI 10009511 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10275683 · 92,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC CATERA. SINCE MAY OF 2009, THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR GREATER. INITIALLY, THE STALLING OCCURRED OCCASIONALLY. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JUNE 28, 2009, THE STALLING OCCURS EVERY OTHER DAY. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF THE MECHANIC STATED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. UPDATED 08/05/09.*JB

Look up ODI 10275683 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
169.8%
ODI 566232

CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SLC

Look up ODI 566232 at NHTSA ↗

108.1%
ODI 10187875 · 38,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10187875 at NHTSA ↗

1113.8%
ODI 10140293 · 67,000 mi

CAR'S "CHECK ENGINE" AND TRANSMISSION DASH LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY STAY ON AND THE CAR WON'T START. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL START AND MOVE WITH THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT ON BUT THE CAR IS SLUGGISH. TWO OR THREE HOURS LATER THE CAR WILL START AND RUN FINE. THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED A WEEK AFTER PURCHASE (SEP 2004) BUT THE DEALER COULDN'T IDENTIFY A PROBLEM. IT HAS GRADUALLY WORSENED, BUT NONE MORE THAN THIS EVENING WHEN MY FAMILY AND I WERE ALMOST KILLED! WE WERE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. NO ENGINE LIGHTS WERE ON. THE SPEEDOMETER AL…

Look up ODI 10140293 at NHTSA ↗

57.5%
ODI 568225

THE CONSUMER SAYS THAT SHE IS ON HER THIRD BATTERY, AND THE THREE YEAR LEASE DOES NOT EXPIRE UNTIL MARCH 2003. *SCC

Look up ODI 568225 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 8005577

WHILE TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STALLED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 8005577 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
84.9%
ODI 524116

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL/HYDROPLANING ON WET ROADS, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR TO TIRES.

Look up ODI 524116 at NHTSA ↗

1713.8%
ODI 10041592

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

Look up ODI 10041592 at NHTSA ↗

810.0%
ODI 10070309

I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE AT ENTERPRISE USED CAR SALES ON APRIL 30,2002. I WAS GUARANTEED A BUMBER-TO-BUMBER INSPECTION OF THE CAR AND WAS TO BE IN OPERATIONAL CONDITION. AFTER I LEFT THE LOT WITH THE CAR; I COULD ONLY GO APPROXIMATLY A 1/4 OF MILE BEFORE I NEEDED TO GET GAS IN THE CAR. THAT WAS THE BEGINING OF THE TROUBLE. SO FAR SINCE APRIL OF THIS YEAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE TIRES, BRAKES, AND OTHER REPAIRS THAT THANKFULLY WAS STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP. AS WE SPEAK THE CAR IS BEING REPAIR…

Look up ODI 10070309 at NHTSA ↗

69.0%
ODI 10099603

CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES WITH THE SAME BRAND, AND THE TIRES WORE DOWN TO THE WIRE. VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED AT 6000 MILES.*AK

Look up ODI 10099603 at NHTSA ↗

516.7%
ODI 10029815

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED GOODYEAR, EAGLE TIRES, SIZE# P255/55R16, DOT UNKNOWN BLEW OUT. DEALER HAS REPLACED TWO SET OF TIRES. *AK

Look up ODI 10029815 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
74.3%
ODI 10003913

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

Look up ODI 10003913 at NHTSA ↗

1613.0%
ODI 10036738

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 MI…

Look up ODI 10036738 at NHTSA ↗

78.8%
ODI 10002078

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 50MPH THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN CAUSING LOST OF POWER STEERING . PH

Look up ODI 10002078 at NHTSA ↗

710.4%
ODI 10058262 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT CAUSE. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR DUE TO THE CAR STALL THE CAR SPUN OUT AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SEVERAL STALLOUTS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SINCE PURCHASED IN 2002. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS PROBLEMS WITH NOT STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH FUEL. AFTER BEING FILLED COMPLETELY, THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS.*AK THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKS ANTIFREEZE FROM THE OIL COOLER AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 GALLON PER WEEK. CADILLAC AC…

Look up ODI 10058262 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10553358 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHERE THE ENGINE GASKETS, BELTS AND THE WATER PUMP WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 01/09/14*LJ

Look up ODI 10553358 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front
169.8%
ODI 10065044 · 75,400 mi

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

Look up ODI 10065044 at NHTSA ↗

1310.6%
ODI 10041561 · 68,000 mi

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 …

Look up ODI 10041561 at NHTSA ↗

56.3%
ODI 564987

CONSUMER STATES THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT GIVE POWER FROM A STOP POSITION UNLESS THE PEDAL IS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR.*JB

Look up ODI 564987 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 769196

WE HAVE HAD 4 COMPUTERIZED FRONT END ALIGMENTS AND 3 SETS OF TIRES BEFORE 18,611 MILES, AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM YET. DT

Look up ODI 769196 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
74.3%
ODI 10016925 · 65,074 mi

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 B…

Look up ODI 10016925 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 10068390 · 64,600 mi

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 OVE…

Look up ODI 10068390 at NHTSA ↗

67.5%
ODI 10027084

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SLOWING DOWN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE AN ERROR CODE.*AK THE DEALERSHIP WANTED THE CONSUMER TO INFORM THEM WHEN THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AGAIN. THEY WANTED HIM/HER TO LEAVE IT WHEREVER IT BROKE DOWN SO THEY COULD GET AND RESOLVE THE "ERROR CODE". ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CODE WAS DELETED. *PH *JB

Look up ODI 10027084 at NHTSA ↗

1319.4%
ODI 10058262 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT CAUSE. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR DUE TO THE CAR STALL THE CAR SPUN OUT AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SEVERAL STALLOUTS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SINCE PURCHASED IN 2002. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS PROBLEMS WITH NOT STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH FUEL. AFTER BEING FILLED COMPLETELY, THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS.*AK THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKS ANTIFREEZE FROM THE OIL COOLER AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 GALLON PER WEEK. CADILLAC AC…

Look up ODI 10058262 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10311805 · 70,484 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE GEARS THEN STARTED TO SHIFT VERY SLOWLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,484. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,486.

Look up ODI 10311805 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
74.3%
ODI 10189683 · 58,600 mi

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

Look up ODI 10189683 at NHTSA ↗

64.9%
ODI 10086240 · 105,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10086240 at NHTSA ↗

22.5%
ODI 10185407 · 101,946 mi

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON

Look up ODI 10185407 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 10191850

I HAVE HAD PROBLEM WITH MY 2000 CATERA EVERY SINCE I BOUGH IT, FIRST THE SEAT WOULD NOT HEAT ,PUT THE KEY IN AND IT WOULD NOT TURN,TIRES WORE OUT IN LESS THAN A YEAR,DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS COMING A PART,GLOVE COMPARTMENT LOCK BROKEN ,BELT BROKE CAR RAN HOT HAD TO GET A NEW RADIATOR,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON ,SECONDARY AIR INJECTION HOSE FAILURES,THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE TIMES THAN OUT, JUNK,AND G M DOES NOTHING TO HELP,WATER PUMP WENT OUT ,HEATER COIL HOSE LEAKING,VAULE COVER GASKET REPLACE , ALL BEFORE 60,000 MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10191850 at NHTSA ↗

413.3%
ODI 10135829 · 35,000 mi

ON 8/20/05, I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT (FILE # 1-357-445-124) WITH CADILLAC CUSTOMER RELATIONS, IN ORDER TO REQUEST FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR OF TWO SAFETY-RELATED ISSUES AND ONE SERVICE-RELATED ISSUE THAT HAVE COME TO MY KNOWLEDGE RECENTLY. I BELIEVE THESE ISSUES DID NOT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT AND HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING PRIOR TO THE EXPIRING OF THE WARRANTY IN DECEMBER 2004. CAR HAS ONLY 35K MILES AND IS DRIVEN AVG OF 4K MILES PER YEAR. COMPLAINT IS AS FOLLOWS: 1) DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL FACTORY CHROME RIMS: AS PER TIRES PLUS AND LINDSAY CADILLAC SE…

Look up ODI 10135829 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
74.3%
ODI 542463

DASH LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

Look up ODI 542463 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 10067764

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

Look up ODI 10067764 at NHTSA ↗

810.0%
ODI 10070309

I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE AT ENTERPRISE USED CAR SALES ON APRIL 30,2002. I WAS GUARANTEED A BUMBER-TO-BUMBER INSPECTION OF THE CAR AND WAS TO BE IN OPERATIONAL CONDITION. AFTER I LEFT THE LOT WITH THE CAR; I COULD ONLY GO APPROXIMATLY A 1/4 OF MILE BEFORE I NEEDED TO GET GAS IN THE CAR. THAT WAS THE BEGINING OF THE TROUBLE. SO FAR SINCE APRIL OF THIS YEAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE TIRES, BRAKES, AND OTHER REPAIRS THAT THANKFULLY WAS STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP. AS WE SPEAK THE CAR IS BEING REPAIR…

Look up ODI 10070309 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 729599

THIS HAS OCCURRED SERVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING OR DEALER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE TO RESOLVE.

Look up ODI 729599 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine46,050–76,652 mi61,637 mi6
ODI 10000804 · 85,237 mi

THEIR ARE TO MANY PROBLEMS AND TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LIST!!! I EXPERIENCED FOUR RECALLS AT ONCE ON JULY 25TH, 2002. THE TECHNICIANS ARE OBVIOUSLY INCOMPENTENT OR HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO FIX THIS VEHICLE CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. I CALLED THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER GIVEN RUN AROUND. I SUFFERED A CATROSTROFIC ENGINE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF LOW COOLANT IN MY ENGINE WHEN FAILURES OCCURRED. LETTERS FROM GM STATE VEHICLES CAN SUFFER ENGINE DAMAGED OR ENGINE FAILURE AND THAT THEY WILL COVER THE LOSSES AND AT NO COST TO ME. I HAVE TO PAY FOR T…

Look up ODI 10000804 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10016925 · 65,074 mi

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 B…

Look up ODI 10016925 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10032400 · 58,200 mi

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED SMOKING REALLY BAD. CONSUMER PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE ENGINE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MECHANIC WHO IN TURN INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ENGINE SENSOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL AND CAUSED THE HEAD GASKET TO BECOME DAMAGED. *PH

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Suspension:FrontToo few reports for a range75,400 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10065044 · 75,400 mi

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

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Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsToo few reports for a range34,879 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10078836 · 34,879 mi

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 MANA…

Look up ODI 10078836 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10079214 · 35,253 mi

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

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ODI 10080395 · 25,666 mi

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

Look up ODI 10080395 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range63,037 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10016925 · 65,074 mi

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 B…

Look up ODI 10016925 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10032814 · 61,000 mi

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 …

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range96,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10074571 · 40,105 mi

LOST ALL COOLANT, RADIATOR LIGHT ON, FUNNY BURNING SMELL, CAR TOWED. HEATER VALVE REPLACED, DEX COOL ANTI-FREEZE REPLACED. COOLING FAN ON CAR IS NOW COMING ON WHILE DRIVING, AIR CONDITIONING NOT WORKING, FUNNY MOTOR NOISE, CAR HAS TO GO BACK TO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST. CADILLAC 800# CLAIMS THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. SOME GAUGES NOT WORKING PROPERLY. CAR PURCHASED -23,503 MILES- NOW HAVE 40,120 MILES. HAVE HAD TIRES REPLACED TWICE.*AK

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ODI 10074892 · 96,000 mi

TIMING BELT, PULLEY AND WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT COST OVER $3700 TO FIX. BACK IN NOV. 2001, NOW THEIR IS COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE HEAD GASKET 6/04. CADILLAC HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THIS SITUATION AND INSISTS THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ENGINE PREVIOUS OVERHAUL.*AK

Look up ODI 10074892 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10262354 · 128,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10262354 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemToo few reports for a range58,600 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10189683 · 58,600 mi

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

Look up ODI 10189683 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2002: 1 complaints · 2003: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2002111
2003011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2002110
2003201

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineSuspension:FrontExterior Lighting:HeadlightsTiresElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine—
1
ODI 762260

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 DU…

Look up ODI 762260 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 743031

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, T…

Look up ODI 743031 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10078836 · 34,879 mi

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 MANA…

Look up ODI 10078836 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 762260

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 DU…

Look up ODI 762260 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10016925 · 65,074 mi

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 B…

Look up ODI 10016925 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
ODI 762260

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 DU…

Look up ODI 762260 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 762260

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 DU…

Look up ODI 762260 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

0
Suspension:Front
1
ODI 743031

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, T…

Look up ODI 743031 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
3
ODI 524116

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL/HYDROPLANING ON WET ROADS, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR TO TIRES.

Look up ODI 524116 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 543528

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

Look up ODI 543528 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 555745

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. *SLC

Look up ODI 555745 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 567108

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

Look up ODI 567108 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
ODI 10078836 · 34,879 mi

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 MANA…

Look up ODI 10078836 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 762260

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 DU…

Look up ODI 762260 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 762260

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 DU…

Look up ODI 762260 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 784377

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

Look up ODI 784377 at NHTSA ↗

000
Tires00
3
ODI 524116

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL/HYDROPLANING ON WET ROADS, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR TO TIRES.

Look up ODI 524116 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 543528

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

Look up ODI 543528 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 555745

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. *SLC

Look up ODI 555745 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 784377

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

Look up ODI 784377 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Electrical System
1
ODI 10016925 · 65,074 mi

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 B…

Look up ODI 10016925 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

000—
1
ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling0
1
ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System00
1
ODI 567108

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

Look up ODI 567108 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

15 mentions · 9.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,511 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10022053

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

Look up ODI 10022053 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10088743 · 80,511 mi

-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 RECA…

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ODI 567173

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 567173 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

3 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 743034

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…

Look up ODI 743034 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8012763

VEHICLE WILL NOT START ON A REGULAR BASIS, WAS TOWED TO DEALER, WHO STARTED VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. NEXT DAY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN.*AK

Look up ODI 8012763 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 829298

WHEN CONSUMER GETS INSIDE OF VEHICLE AND TRIES TO START IT, IT WON'T START. SO CONSUMER TRIED TO JUMP START IT, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. *AK

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 42,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10067039 · 42,000 mi

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

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ODI 826703

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

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ODI 832954

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

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 66,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 770738

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

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ODI 8014359

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ENGINE STALLED. DEALER DETERMINED THAT TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN AND DAMAGED ENGINE. ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK WHEN THE TIMING BELT BROKE, THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT ENGINE HAD STOP RUNNING EEXCEPT THAT THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. APPLYING BRAKES BECAME VERY HARD TO ACCOMPLISH. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JG

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ODI 8021534 · 66,000 mi

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

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,300 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10558736 · 82,300 mi

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

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ODI 761710

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 S…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b