1997 Cadillac Catera engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 68 complaints for the 1997 Cadillac Catera, 25% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 68 25% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 68,000 miles 12 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 12 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 68,000 miles, and 33% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 fire.
What owners wrote
1997 cadillac catera problems, vehicle was in the shop for repairs 4 times in the 6 weeks of ownership, right side front door would not open, left side front door would not open, tail light assembly out, engine caught on fire while driving on beltway (insurance estimate a total loss)
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.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Cadillac Catera
- Electrical system 29 complaints
- Suspension 24 complaints
- Lighting 20 complaints
- Brakes 18 complaints
- Steering 16 complaints