1997 Cadillac Catera: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 163 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (36% of complaints); the 1999 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
163
owner complaints
3
fire reports
64,414
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about Catera years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (36%)3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)36% · 58 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)9% · 15 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)8% · 13 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)7% · 11 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)7% · 11 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)6% · 9 complaints
“I was leaving my house and driving out of my complex when the steering wheel locked up on me. I have been unable to turn it for two days. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2014
“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. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2009
“1997-1999 cadillac catera door latch failures. Per the yahoo group web site I belong to, catera owners, this vehicle suffers chronic door latch failures, trapping occupants inside or not latching. This can be an extremely dangerous situation. My own vehicle has suffered this defect. The latches have plastic that breaks and jams the mechanism. Or simply fail to latch or unlatch. I have had both situations. The doors will not open or will not close (latch). I feel this defect has by pure luck not caused (any known) fatalities, but, only a matter of time and warrants a look. *nm”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt: the contact stated after opening the trunk of the vehicle the trunk fell on him. The supports that were suppose to keep the trunk in the open position failed. The contact sustained minor injuries. The dealership said the failure was with the lift supports. There were no previous problems with the trunk or signs of rust. The vehicle will be taken to a body shop for repairs. *ak updated 01/11/06. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2005
“My vehicle is a 97 cadillac catera and has had the starter replaced and still will not start. Two car lots have had the vehicle at the cadillac dealership now and they are giving me the run around they say that its the mass airflow sensor but still have not replaced it yet I'm wondering why cadillac has not notified people of this problem when I'm being told that it is a common problem with cateras of them not starting. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“Dt: contact complained about electrical problems. When the hazard lights were on, all the gauges started jumping around, when the headlight switch was pushed forward the headlights stayed on for about an hour or longer. Also, when the key was out of the ignition. After the vehicle was restarted and the control is pulled back the headlights functioned normally, the air condition controls did not work, and the o2 sensor did not respond. The spark plugs and wires havd been replaced. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2005
“Vehicle shuts down and pulls to the right. Vehicle has been serviced numerous times, and performance is still unsatisfactory. Currently, vehicle is in the repair shop since smoke is coming from the engine and the rear tail pipe.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac catera. While driving at any speed the vehicle overheated. The contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and antifreeze leaking from the vehicle. On may 2, 2007 the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was a hole in the antifreeze line, but the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage is 80,100, and failure mileage was 58,600.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2004
“While starting passenger's air bag deployed. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic refused to inspect the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2004
“Timing belt, pulley and water pump replacement cost over $3700 to fix. Back in nov. 2001, now their is coolant leaking from the head gasket 6/04. Cadillac has been made aware of this situation and insists this had nothing to do with the engine previous overhaul.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 1997 Cadillac Catera reliable?
NHTSA has 163 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Cadillac Catera. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Catera problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,414 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.