1998 Cadillac Catera problems
The 1998 Cadillac Catera has 267 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (22%) concerns engine. Next are electrical system (10%) and suspension (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 267 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 23% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 9 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 11 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 60,000 miles 90 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 16 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 14 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 35 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 13 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 6 |
| 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 90 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 60,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 60,000 miles (26 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 9 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 11 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 1st most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Cadillac Catera with enough data (163 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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…
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…
Car over heating, smoking, steaming. Took to mechanic, was told that engine blew, later to find out oil cooler went. Also just found out my transmissions needs over hauled, no warning, no leaks. Heat regulator has been replaced twice, ignition coil has been replaced, all wires have to be replaced. Engine has and still does run too hot, causing continuous problems with engine parts. Etc. I purchased the car in 2001, purchased extended warranty, that has since ware out.