2001 Cadillac Catera: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
30
owner complaints
0
fire reports
60,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Catera years (#5 of 5 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)17% · 5 complaints
Tires17% · 5 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 3 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)10% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts3% · 1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. The contact stated that the engine was leaking oil prematurely. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where the engine gaskets, belts and the water pump were replaced. However, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 89,000. Updated 01/09/14*lj”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. While driving 20 mph , the contact was making a turn when the passenger side air bag deployed without a crash occurring. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that it was an electrical problem and to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and they would not offer her any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the failure diagnosed by cadillac. The failure and current mileages were 26000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. While traveling 15 mph and attempting a right turn, the front driver air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 26,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. The contact stated that the odometer stopped working when the traction control light and the ABS light was illuminated. The vehicle also lost power when the warning lights came on. The gears then started to shift very slowly. The failure mileage was 70,484. The current mileage was 70,486.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 cadillac catera. Since may of 2009, the vehicle stalls while driving 45 mph or greater. Initially, the stalling occurred occasionally. Ever since the vehicle was repaired on june 28, 2009, the stalling occurs every other day. The contact feels that this is a serious safety issue. The failure mileage was 92,000. Updated 08/04/09 *bf the mechanic stated the crankshaft sensor was causing the vehicle to shut down. Updated 08/05/09.*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2009
“While driving down the highway at approx. 55 mph, came upon driver moving slow, had to brake, then began to pass, front end made a loud, horrible noise, and within seconds the front wheel flew off the vehicle, catera struck another person's trailer and the catera was a total loss. Dealer had car for repairs about 3 of the 5 months I've owned the car. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2007
“Tl*- while driving the 2001 cadillac catera with 76000 miles failure for 15 miles he turned the seat heater on. The contact had been driving for a half hour when he turned the seat heater off because it felt hot and he smelled something burning. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed the back of the passenger's coat was burned, and that there was a hole in the back. The front passenger seat had a black burn mark in the middle of the seat, near the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it had not been diagnosed. The current mileage was 76882. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2007
“Purchased 4 pirellie tires (pr00523457v) - pir p6 four seasons p235/45r17 on 2/18/05 with lifetime road hazard warranty. Replaced 2 tres 04/08/05 - impact buldge on outer edge of tires. Replaced another tire (tire was ripped/cut completely around the tire while traveling out of state, with two small children) on 11/27/05. Again on 08/19/06 had to have another tire replaced rip completely around the tire. On 12-05-07 another rip in tire was told that tires were worn, needed to be replaced (all 4). *tr”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2005
“Front tires wore out prematurely. Consumer had to replace the front tires on 3 occasions. Vehicle only had 40,501miles. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the 1% negative camber which involved the alignment was causing the premature wear of the inner tires. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2004
“Consumer states while driving at any speed goodyear, eagle tires, size# p255/55r16, dot unknown blew out. Dealer has replaced two set of tires. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2001 Cadillac Catera reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Cadillac Catera. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Cadillac Catera problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.