10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,857 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Cadillac Catera electrical problems

electrical problem

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1998 Cadillac Catera Owner Comments

problem #7

Jan 202000

Catera 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Burton, MI, USA

problem #6

Apr 252004

Catera 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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?

- Laurel, MD, USA

problem #5

Aug 272003

Catera 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #4

Dec 152000

Catera

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Battery failed resulting in no start condition. Nlm

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #3

Dec 152000

Catera

  • miles
Battery failed resulting in no start condition. Nlm

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #2

Jul 061999

Catera

  • miles
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

- Indian Wells, CA, USA

problem #1

Aug 031998

Catera

  • miles
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.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

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