1999 Cadillac Catera problems
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 1999 Cadillac Catera with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 22.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of tires at 9.3%.
Complaints140
Crashes5
Fires4
Injuries6
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 22.9% · 32
Tires 9.3% · 13
Electrical system 9.3% · 13
Steering 7.9% · 11
Vehicle speed control 5.7% · 8
Unknown or other 5.7% · 8
Structure 5.0% · 7
Suspension 5.0% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 6 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Cadillac Catera in this data, 1999 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1997 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 13 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My stopped working I took it to a mechanic and he said you need to call the dealer as soon the mechanic told them the problem they said it was a recall on that car I am angry because I was never notified and now my engine is gone and they fixed my car three are four times here and in texas and never breath a word on the recall I feel they should offer me another car at the same purchase price. Engine and engine cooling
Engine shut off without warning while traveling at highway speed causing loss of power steering and braking. Problem was diagnosed as defective crankshaft position sensor. Accident was avoided because of quick drivers reaction. Urgent attention requested. Engine would turn over but not start until after 10-15 minutes. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 86,900 miles
Consumer states it's hard to take the key out the ignition and start the car at times.Consumer stated it was towed to the dealership and they didn't fix the problem. Consumer states she would like the problem fixed or get her money back. Ph consumer stated the vehicle would stall at times. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…