1998 Cadillac Catera problems
Owners have filed 267 complaints about the 1998 Cadillac Catera with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 25.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 10.5%.
Complaints267
Crashes9
Fires1
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 25.8% · 69
Electrical system 10.5% · 28
Suspension 9.4% · 25
Tires 7.9% · 21
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.1% · 19
Air bags 3.7% · 10
Power train 3.7% · 10
Visibility 3.7% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Cadillac Catera in this data, 1998 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1997 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 19 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving at 65mph and with no warning vehicle shuts off. Consumer is unable to get vehicle started back up. Dealer notified, the dealer found that the timing belt broke, the manufacturer had a program to repair 1998 Catera's but since the consumers vehicle had a salvaged title the dealership was released from any responsiblity to repair the vehicle at no cost.*Ak *nlm Engine and engine cooling
I have talked with a person a cole valley and he said that my car and other like mine had the same thing go wrong with it in one case some one had to buy a new engine for a 1997 and a 1998 don't know how people he's talking about but my guess its up there . *Ak (tiresize: 23540zr18)( dot number: tire size: 23540zr18 ) Engine and engine cooling
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. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 14,145 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…