1998 Cadillac Catera
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › Catera › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Cadillac Catera. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
123 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Suspension
Engine have a problem with oil pressure that stay below minimum at idle when engine IS at operating temp. front control arm bushing fail with less then 90000 miles. auto transmission fail with less then 90000 miles. Have engagement problems and shifting problem. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The water pump gave out. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
My wife was driving our 1998 cadillac catera when another car ran a stop sign forcing my wife's car into a collision t-boning the other car. The approximate speed of our car during the impact was at least thirty miles per hour. Our cadillac was written off in the accident however even though this…
My wife was driving our 1998 cadillac catera when another car ran a stop sign forcing my wife's car into a collision t-boning the other car. The approximate speed of our car during the impact was at least thirty miles per hour. Our cadillac was written off in the accident however even though this was a hard front end collision there was no airbag deployment in our car. My wife sustained some injuries however because she was wearing her seat belt she was released from the hospital 4 days later! *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac catera. The contact was driving approximately 55 mph. The warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. there was smoke coming from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac catera. The contact was driving approximately 55 mph. The warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. there was smoke coming from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the engine was in satisfactory condition. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a separate occasion for electrical diagnostic testing in which the manufacturer was responsible for the cost. The failures were related to the pcs light and other electrical components. The failure mileage was 100,000. The current mileage was 121,000. Updated 06/03/10 *bf the consumer wanted to know the status of his complaint. Updated 06/07/10*jb
- Service brakes, electric
Faulty braking. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
The tensioner pulley & timing belt was a know defect for vehicle and was recalled but I was never notified, at the time of failure I lost all power & control of the vehicle on an decline in a high traffic location in a server rain storm. Vehicle IS now doa and gm refuses to remedy tues evening…
The tensioner pulley & timing belt was a know defect for vehicle and was recalled but I was never notified, at the time of failure I lost all power & control of the vehicle on an decline in a high traffic location in a server rain storm. Vehicle IS now doa and gm refuses to remedy tues evening 6/23 the check engine light goes on, in 30-45 seconds the car stopped running, earlier in the day I heard a knock and thought I ran over something as all gauges indicated everything was running normal. had aaa tow it to my home and next day (wed.) to the caddy dealer. They charge me $109 to assess the problem, then tell me the timing belt broke! It will cost another $600 labor for 5 hours of inspection to check the problem and depending what they find $$$$$$ to fix, daaaaa! I call the service manager he tells me he'll check it out and call me back. Ok so now he calls me and tell me the rep miss-quoted what they were going to do. Now it's the tension pulley that failed casing the timing belt to snap, to replace the whole set IS $699 + labor and suggested I invest another $150 to change the coolant pump as it's showing signs of leakage at the same time so it doesn't run me additional costs later as it's in the same part of the engine as the pulley and belt. Grand total of $1207 + tax. "But" depending on what happens after they replace the tensioner pulley & timing belt there might be additional cost if the car still will not start. Ok so I tell him to go ahead. I decided to goggle the problem to see what it IS I am paying for, hellllllo! What do I find but a major recall back in 9/2002 on the tensioner pulley failure causing the timing belt to snap!!!!!!!!! & the replacement of the coolant pump. I was never notified or advised of this recall. they never told me anything every time I brought the car in for service. I only have only 20,654 miles on the car, as it's my 2ND vehicle and use it locally for shopping. normal replacement for the timing belt & tensioner pulley IS 70K mi. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac catera. while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle shut off. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the tension timing belt pulley failed. the entire system needed to be replaced at the estimated cost of $1,200.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac catera. while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle shut off. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the tension timing belt pulley failed. the entire system needed to be replaced at the estimated cost of $1,200. after the dealer replaced the parts, they found that the component was not the cause of the failure. the dealer will re-examine the vehicle in a three part order at the estimated cost of $6,000. a report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the vin was included in the recall, but the recall was for specific manufacturing plants; therefore, they would not assist. the nhtsa campaign ID number was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 20,000. updated 08/04/09. *lj the windshield wiper did not clean the window, the vehicle had 4 batteries, the oxygen sensor was replaced
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The motor in the car started cutting out and slowing down when I would try to accelerate. There was never a knocking sound. There was no engine light and the car was overheating. From reading about this car online it sounds like a timing issue. I took it to a mechanic and was told he did not want…
The motor in the car started cutting out and slowing down when I would try to accelerate. There was never a knocking sound. There was no engine light and the car was overheating. From reading about this car online it sounds like a timing issue. I took it to a mechanic and was told he did not want to work on the car because of the complexity of the job. From what im told this has happened to alot of these cars and no recall has been issued!! why not! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, electric
1998 cad. Catera - no incident started the problems - a mechanic knew it had a bad head gasket before opening the hood or being told why I was there because he said 9 out of 10 cateras have this problem. Consumer reports lists this year and model as a must to avoid car. At 60K miles had a bad head…
1998 cad. Catera - no incident started the problems - a mechanic knew it had a bad head gasket before opening the hood or being told why I was there because he said 9 out of 10 cateras have this problem. Consumer reports lists this year and model as a must to avoid car. At 60K miles had a bad head gasket, oil had gone through the system, car overheats, the hoses had to be replaced, it has to be flushed regularly, now at 80K miles, the power steering fluid IS leaking, the coolant IS leaking, the bearings and brakes are failing, the oil cannot be changed because the pan will break because the cap IS welded on because of the heat in the engine. why wasn't there a recall. This IS too young a car to be failing like this. I would like compensation! *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Tires
Fuel line behind passenger front tire was damaged by an object in the road that the driver ran over. the fuel line IS not protected in anyway on the inside of the tire well. this incident lead to a major gas leak and the engine shutting down on a busy highway. this could have been a very serious situation. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Service brakes, hydraulic
A/c compressor leaking and a/c compressor not cycling and leaking from the chase valve system. Compressor had to be replaced. *jb updated 01/11/08. *lj the heater coolant valve had to be replaced. The front brake pads and sensor were replaced and the rotors had to be resurfaced. Updated.
- Electrical system › Ignition
I own a 1998 catera. While driving at 45 mph on a curved road the engine and power cut off . I lost power steering and had to struggle to stop. the car on the side of the road. It happened in a matter of seconds. I had the car towed to the caddy dealer, and they said the crack sensor went bad.…
I own a 1998 catera. While driving at 45 mph on a curved road the engine and power cut off . I lost power steering and had to struggle to stop. the car on the side of the road. It happened in a matter of seconds. I had the car towed to the caddy dealer, and they said the crack sensor went bad. I reviewed the internet and saw this was a common problem. I was not hurt, but I was very concerned. If my son was driving I believe we both would not be hear and no one would know why we crashed head on. this was the second time I had trouble with this car. The first time the car started to sputter and smoke came out from under the hood. I pulled over and had it towed. The valve cover was leaking into the spark plug hole and burning the rubber boot. It got so hot the plug melted, causing the smoke to come out. Also, I found out it was a common problem. This car needed some immediate attention before someone was seriously hurt or killed. I wa trying to get rid of the car. it drove it to the dealer, who told me they didn't want to help. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Automatic transmission
I'm repairing the blown head gasket on the same engine for the third time in less than 50000 miles, 100000 total miles. these cars were lemons! Cadillac knows it, but does not feel the need to respond to the thousands of catera owners who have suffered the expense of repeated repairs, totaling…
I'm repairing the blown head gasket on the same engine for the third time in less than 50000 miles, 100000 total miles. these cars were lemons! Cadillac knows it, but does not feel the need to respond to the thousands of catera owners who have suffered the expense of repeated repairs, totaling $10,000 with transmission replacement, major engine repair, timing belts, cooling systems, water pumps,and oh yeah...electrical system failure!!! Give me a break! And any advice besides the obvious. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While I was making a wide turn, the timing belt of my 1998 catera broke and damaged the engine head of my car. The pulley was bent in the process. This IS a manufacturer's defect associated with the catera. Now the manufacturer has refused to fix my car. It will cost $5000.00. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph on the highway, the engine stalled and there was a loss of all vehicle power without warning. the contact managed to pull the vehicle over without incident. the engine would not restart. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the timing…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph on the highway, the engine stalled and there was a loss of all vehicle power without warning. the contact managed to pull the vehicle over without incident. the engine would not restart. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the timing belt separated into and damaged the engine. due to the belt separation, the engine needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Engine and engine cooling
Faulty head gasket faulty warning lights. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Dt*: the contact stated before pulling out of the driveway the air bag warning light illuminated. upon inspection the dealership determined that the air bag module needed to be replaced. after the air bag module was replaced the airbag warning light no longer illuminated. updated 7/3/2006 - *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My recent problem IS I can't take the car out of park. I try for more than 30 time and yes, I have my foot on the brake. this car has been in the shop more than 35+ time since 1999 and its nothing but problems. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension › Front · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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…
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. my sun roof does not work, my keyless entry does not work, here it IS 2005 and the car only has or around 65,000 miles on it, when purchased only had 23,000, I only drive the car to work and back, and too run errands. why am I having so many problems with it, I can't even get a dealer to take it as trade in. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Mid-june ABS tc warning lights appear in 1998 cadillac catera. ebtcm diagnosed as failed. dealer ordered new ebtcm, not available. Cadillac customer service confirms "national backorder" not a single one of these parts in gm warehouse systems, dealer system, etc. took car to chevy (gm) dealer…
Mid-june ABS tc warning lights appear in 1998 cadillac catera. ebtcm diagnosed as failed. dealer ordered new ebtcm, not available. Cadillac customer service confirms "national backorder" not a single one of these parts in gm warehouse systems, dealer system, etc. took car to chevy (gm) dealer (7/9/05) to diagnose. confirm failure of ebtcm; part not available. called cadillac customer service, e-mailed multiple times. response remains constant...national back order, no knowledge when part will be available. we must drive car with no ABS, tc, or speedometer (which doesn't work when ABS tc are nonfunctional) and stiff power steering which IS also a result of no ABS tc. neither cadillac nor gm can specify when such part will be available, nor have they proposed a loaner car to drive until part arrives. we are driving a car that, in my opinion, IS unsafe should we find ourselves in a situation that requires the ABS or traction control. the speedometer IS non-functional and steering becomes stiff due to the failure of this module. gm needs to remedy this situation. how can they sell cars that they cannot provide parts for. safety seems to be my problem, not theirs as it IS "my" ebtcm that has failed now that it IS out of warranty. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
I would like to place a complaint on record about the poor quality of the cadillac catera. These vehicles should have all been bought back by gm to protect the american public from their poor quality. I have a 1998 cadillac catera ,well cared for. Over the past year though the car has begun to leak…
I would like to place a complaint on record about the poor quality of the cadillac catera. These vehicles should have all been bought back by gm to protect the american public from their poor quality. I have a 1998 cadillac catera ,well cared for. Over the past year though the car has begun to leak oil heavily,to the point of actually being an enviromental hazard. The other day I took it to a local cadillac dealer only to be told the car has leaking valve cover gaskets,cam cover gaskets and an oil cooling line. They say $1200 will seal up most of the leaks. The car only has an original 65,000 miles on it. Upon hearing this I did an internet search on cateras and the horror stories are endless. It seems they all including mine have broken headlight aligners. This IS apparently caused by heat and cheap manufacturing. This off course makes the headlights impossible to align and aim.it also seems that all cateras wear out tires in a very rapid time frame due to poor front end design. My 1998 has all these problems plus all four radio speakers have blown although they were never played loudly. The headlight lenses have heavily yellowed over thus reducing greatly the headlight power. I would strongly suggest you review accidents involving cateras as they could easily relate to the all to common headlight adjustment problem on these cars not to mention the oil blow by from the engine onto the front brake rotors. Please help get these cars off the road.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Equipment · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Water heater · Latches/locks/linkages · Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft · Service brakes, air › Disc · Suspension › Front › Control arm
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…
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 temperature; remote keys filed; rear view mirrors do not adjust to night driving.
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure · Tires
Cadillac catera 1998, driver seat became extremely hot that consumer back was burned. *bf the consumer first had a problem with the seat not heating was back in december of 2000 which was repaired. on previous occasion the consumer had work done. The molding around the windshield was loose…
Cadillac catera 1998, driver seat became extremely hot that consumer back was burned. *bf the consumer first had a problem with the seat not heating was back in december of 2000 which was repaired. on previous occasion the consumer had work done. The molding around the windshield was loose, the consumer reported a wobble in the tire, one month later the consumer had a flat tire, he was then told the tires needed to replaced, there was static from the radio, the front pads were replaced and the brake sensor was replaced twice. *Jb
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Suspension
Cadillac cater 1998 experienced multiple failure that caused engine damage. *bf the trunk light bulbs failed. the trunk light bar failed. the key fob failed. the cd player failed. the window washer hose failed. the switch for heating and cooling system had to be replaced. the bottom gear of…
Cadillac cater 1998 experienced multiple failure that caused engine damage. *bf the trunk light bulbs failed. the trunk light bar failed. the key fob failed. the cd player failed. the window washer hose failed. the switch for heating and cooling system had to be replaced. the bottom gear of the crankshaft broke causing engine damage. the front and rear end had to be aligned due to the vehicle pulling to the right. the center link was also replaced. *nm
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
No description given. *ak *nm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. Updated 2/17/09.
- 10026586Buick\cadillac\chevrolet\gmc\hummer\oldsmobile\pontiac\saab\saturn service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment-analog onstar deactivation. Fcc ruled in 2002 wireless carriers would no longer re required to support analog wireless network starting in 2008. Csc letter was received. Updated 12/1/08.
- 10022481Air bag indicator IS on dtc 52 in sdm.
- 10015013High intensity discharge (hid) headlamps - disposal instructions. *Ttt
- 10015002Revised diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0335.
- 10013176Tensioner kits on backorder.
- 10013126Cam drive idler tensioner pulley and water pump.
- 10009503Timing belt marks special policy program used on three liter engines.
- 10008847Volume IS only controlled using steering wheel controls.
- 10008634The cam drive timing belt idler pulleys and tensioner pulley and water pump may fail.
- 10007617Engine replacement IS only availble from gmspo as a short block.
- 10006946Diagnostic trouble code b1000.
- 10005588Poor radio reception or radio static/ increased interference with rear window defogger on or some rear window defogger grids may be inoperative.
- 10004097Radio inoperative with key on, auto door lock feature disabled, air conditioning compressor does not engage and diagnostic trouble code u1255 stored in the radio. Radio may work in rap or accessory until the door IS opened.
- 10000470Customer satisfaction program - cam drive idler and tensioner pulleys and water pump - back order.
- 10000187Dealer information regarding customer satisfaction program 02041 - cam drive idler and tensioner pulleys, and water pump.
- 10000186Cam drive idler and tensioner pulleys and water pump.
- 10000177This message IS to help dealers with frequently asked questions about customer satisfaction program 02041 - cam drive idler and tensioner pulleys and water pump replacement.
- 6091417Subject regarding crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley failure - inspect / replace.
- 6091415Some vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the adhesive bond between the rubber hub and metal rim of the engine crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley may fail.
- 636711Special policy adjustment program - some owners may experience failures of the cam drive timing belt, idler and tension pulleys and / or the water pump.
- 635814The cam drive timing belt idler pulleys and tensioner pulley, and water pump may fail.
- 634253Some vehicles may experience failures of the cam drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys and / or water pump.
- 634246Special policy adjustment bulletin regarding vehicles experiencing failures of the cam drive timing belt, idler and tensioner pulleys and / or water pump.
- 631903Information regarding the 4l30-e automatic transmission service policy procedure. *Slc
- 627538Information regarding itching type noise from rear of vehicle.
- 624588Subject regarding revised thermostat replacement and installation procedures.
- 623880Some owners may comment on a loss of coolant, low coolant light on, and / or engine overheating.
- 623743Subject regarding coolant leaks at the engine oil cooler cover.
Every Cadillac Catera model year
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