1999 Cadillac Catera: problems, recalls and reliability

“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 72 mph, there was a subtle musty oily smell inside the cab of the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted, and was towed to a service dealer, who determined that the problem was due to a faulty pulley tensioner in the charging system. The part was ordered and replaced, but the problem persisted. The final determination from the dealer was that the entire motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2006

“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 cadillac catera. After a rainstorm, the contact would notice a large amount of water on the front and back passenger side floor panels. Depending on the precipitation, there would be approximately 3 to 4 inches of water on the floor. The water originated from the glove compartment. Also, the contact observed a small amount of mildew on the carpet and smelled a strong odor. The failures occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the windshield was replaced; however, the failures continued. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 79,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2006

“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start intermittently. The sunroof opened, the doors unlocked and the seat belts disconnected without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined the anti theft module needed to be replaced but the required code was not available.”Owner report · Equipment · Jul 2006

“Engine shut off without warning while traveling at highway speed causing loss of power steering and braking. Problem was diagnosed as defective crankshaft position sensor. Accident was avoided because of quick drivers reaction. Urgent attention requested. Engine would turn over but not start until after 10-15 minutes. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2006

“While I was driving I had my seat heater on to warm the leather seats and it caught fire and burned a place in my seat. Its not a large spot, but its there and now I fear if I turn it on the car will catch on fire. I've spoke to other people in the cadillac catera groups and they have had the same problem. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2006

“Dt: the contact stated the rear passenger seat caught on fire while using the heater within the seat. There were no warning signs indicating a problem with the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle has not been repaired. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2005

“Dt: there was a problem with the airbag warning light coming on. When the consumer took vehicle to the dealership they told him the airbag had to be replaced because it was defective. He had the airbag replaced by an authorized dealership. Another vehicle had hit the consumer's vehicle bumper and the airbags did not deploy. This occurred in august 2004. On september 21, 2005 the airbag warning light came on again and stayed on. When the consumer took vehicle to the dealership they told him that the airbag module was defective. The defective part was the replacement part. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2005