1998 Cadillac Catera engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 60 complaints for the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 22% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 60 23% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 60,000 miles 26 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 9 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 26 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 60,000 miles, and 50% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
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…
Car ran hot. Towed back to dealer. Dealer stated cadillac had a recall on the water pump. Cadillac replaced the water pump. Dealer paid for belt, etc. Amounting to about $190. Less than a month following the water pump failure, the coolant began leaking. Cadillac dealer charged $950 to replace heater value and a few hoses. 1 week later, car leaked again. Returned to cadillac dealer. Dealer kept car for two days, re-seated a water hose. 1 week later, car began skipping.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Cadillac Catera
- Electrical system 28 complaints
- Suspension 25 complaints
- Brakes 23 complaints
- Tires 21 complaints