2001 Cadillac Catera
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 Cadillac Catera. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
30 complaints4 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Vehicle speed control
My husband was driving home from work when the accelerator "took over" and went all the way to the floor. he applied the brakes but they did not work. at some point the front wheel of the vehicle sheared off and flew off the car causing complete loss of control. my husband, a former navy seal…
My husband was driving home from work when the accelerator "took over" and went all the way to the floor. he applied the brakes but they did not work. at some point the front wheel of the vehicle sheared off and flew off the car causing complete loss of control. my husband, a former navy seal, managed to "manhandle" the steering wheel enough to avoid a long line of oncoming traffic, but clipped the tail end of a trailer being pulled by a truck. he survived. we had only bought the car 5 months prior to this incident where it was totaled. it had been in the shop for 3 of the 5 months of ownership for computer problems. no one would take responsibility. geico paid off the loan and we got nothing. *Tr
- Electrical system
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Chronic failure of gm pn# 90566947 causing loss of coolant and possible fire damage due to proximity of exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. There have been 3 replacements in 62,580 miles. The first @ 16,586 miles, second @ 34,503 miles, and the latest at 62,580 miles. The leaks begin as an…
Chronic failure of gm pn# 90566947 causing loss of coolant and possible fire damage due to proximity of exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. There have been 3 replacements in 62,580 miles. The first @ 16,586 miles, second @ 34,503 miles, and the latest at 62,580 miles. The leaks begin as an odor of coolant, then spots begin on the pavement, then finally the coolant reservoir empties itself. The valve IS located at the rear of the engine block up against the firewall, and adjacent to the exhaust pipe on the passenger side. The part has been replaced all 3 times, once under warranty and twice at my expense. Gm refuses to acknowledge a design problem, even though this IS not a maintenance part. It IS constructed from plastic and does not withstand the hot environment of the application. It IS used on the 3 litre 6 cylinder engine of the cadillac catera and CTS, and the saab 9-5. Dealer use records show a very high incidence of failure even though there are not that many vehicles using this engine. There IS a possibility of fire due to the coolant spraying on the catalytic converter when moving, as well as disabling the engine due to the loss of coolant. *Tr
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
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
- Tires
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…
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
- Tires
I am the original owner of a 2001 cetera. my car now has 42,000 miles. at approximately 22000 miles , having rotated the tires faithfully every 3000 miles, I went to a tire dealer to have them rotated, and was told not to drive on them anymore as the edges were totally worn out, exposing the…
I am the original owner of a 2001 cetera. my car now has 42,000 miles. at approximately 22000 miles , having rotated the tires faithfully every 3000 miles, I went to a tire dealer to have them rotated, and was told not to drive on them anymore as the edges were totally worn out, exposing the canvas. I had been told all along that they were wearing unevenly, but chalked it up to the original tires ,sometimes not being as good as they should be. Replaced with original , very expensive tires. Now at 42,000 miles, having faithfully rotated every 2 to 3000 miles , I am told that they need replacement again, having been told at every rotation that they were wearing unevenly every mile that I drive, I felt as if I was leaving money on the pavement. the dealer said that it' was the tires themselves , $160 each, and became very irritated and indignant when I told him that the tire dealer said that every one of the cateras ate tires. one of the service advisors at the dealership told me that it was a problem on cateras, but the service manager quickly jumped in and told me again that it was the tires themselves and not the car. he was very unhappy that one of his employees told me the truth. now that I saw that others were having the same problems, just as the tire dealer had told me, I was very irritated that the car dealership has been covering it up all of this time. I spoke to gm headquarters, but they also denied knowing anything about there being a design defect. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The purpose of this memo IS to request nhtsa to evaluate and take appropriate action to have the manufacturer correct design defect in the hot water valve of the 2001 cadillac catera cooling system. *ak recently the hot water valve, fp number 90566947, in the cooling system of my 2001 catera…
The purpose of this memo IS to request nhtsa to evaluate and take appropriate action to have the manufacturer correct design defect in the hot water valve of the 2001 cadillac catera cooling system. *ak recently the hot water valve, fp number 90566947, in the cooling system of my 2001 catera failed for the second time. the first failure occurred in 2005 with less than 50,000 miles on the car and was repaired under warranty. the second failure occurred last month with less than 75,000 miles on the car and was repaired at my expense. both repairs were performed by val ward cadillac, fort myers, florida, where I purchased the vehicle. I have owned many cars, including four general motors (gm) cars, and this cooling system problem has never occurred on any of them. on june 5, 2007 I sent a letter to gm asking that they issue a recall of the 2001 catera to correct this design defect. I was advised, via a telephone call from ms. Jolene blazukiewicz, in their executive office, that gm does not believe this IS a design defect or safety hazard and no recall has been issued. she went on to say the failed part IS made of plastic, as though this was a reason for the failure. I suggested they may want to consider making the part from a stronger material, she said she would forward my letter to the design department. I live in a relatively rural part of central florida and sudden loss of cooling fluid on a road far from a town or service station, could present a very real and significant safety hazard and result in severe engine damage. the fact that this valve has now failed twice indicates it IS a design defect. it would seem appropriate for general motors to issue a recall and replace the valve with a more robust part. I therefore request the nhtsa to evaluate the problem and, if appropriate, direct gm to issue a recall for the replacement of the defective part. sincerely, torsten rothman
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
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…
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
- Tires
Purchased 2001 catera new from sioux falls cad., sioux falls, sd. with less than 12,000 miles on car, tires were completely worn. cad. Replaced tires, aligned the wheels which were within cad. Guide. with less than 15,000 miles on the replaced tires, tires were irregularly worn out, replaced at…
Purchased 2001 catera new from sioux falls cad., sioux falls, sd. with less than 12,000 miles on car, tires were completely worn. cad. Replaced tires, aligned the wheels which were within cad. Guide. with less than 15,000 miles on the replaced tires, tires were irregularly worn out, replaced at hamil motors of sheldon, ia. Which I paid for. car aligned and alignment was within cad. Guide. both alignments were completed by cad. Dealers. replaced tires wore out within 15,000 miles and were replaced by me from ok one stop in hospers, ia. car taken to sioux falls cad for another alignment which was within cad. Guide. with less than 10,000 miles tires were again irregularly worn, replaced at morgan tire co. And with less than 15,000 miles blowout while my wife was driving causing much emotional stress for my wife. tires replaced at morgan tire, alignment completed with morgan calling cad for correction. stated that it was a design flaw in the catera and nothing could be done to correct this situation. filed a complaint with gmac - 800-458-8006 4 weeks ago, was assigned file #1-431277521, was instructed to have tires brought to cad dealer which was completed by morgan tire co. To hamill motors of sheldon. dealer was to call cad. With result of tire inspection and I have heard nothing from cad. Since.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift · Wheels › Rim
On 8/20/05, I have filed a complaint (file # 1-357-445-124) with cadillac customer relations, in order to request full reimbursement for repair of two safety-related issues and one service-related issue that have come to my knowledge recently. I believe these issues did not happened overnight and…
On 8/20/05, I have filed a complaint (file # 1-357-445-124) with cadillac customer relations, in order to request full reimbursement for repair of two safety-related issues and one service-related issue that have come to my knowledge recently. I believe these issues did not happened overnight and have been developing prior to the expiring of the warranty in december 2004. car has only 35K miles and IS driven avg of 4K miles per year. Complaint IS as follows: 1) defective original factory chrome rims: as per tires plus and lindsay cadillac service shop technicians, the chrome IS peeling from inside rim, causing tires to constantly lose air (deflate), which at any time may be a hazard to my safety, as well as for other passengers). I have asked cadillac to repair/replace 4 rims; 2) defective car jack: although not previously used, on 8/19/05 the new jack slid and bended when I used it according to instructions to replace a flat tire, almost causing personal injury and car damage). I have asked cadillac to replace defective jack; and, 3) leaking engine coolant: according to lindsay's cadillac dealership diagnosis, engine coolant IS leaking through water heater control valve (as per archives from www.cadillacforums.com, this seems to be a known and recurring issue reported by cadillac catera owners, and should be addressed under cadillac's warranty and they should assume the cost of repairs). cadillac pressured me over the phone to take 50% cost assistance on repairs (approx $3,500.00 estimated), and when I refused, offer was withdrawn from the table. I complained that process was not transparent, and when I requested that cadillac's offer and claim information be in writing, representative refused to provide me with copies of case file. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My vehicle's sport shifting indicator light came on about a week before the transmission failure. my car would refuse to shift out of first gear until I drove it for a few miles and/or turned the car off and restarted it. I was in a local town when the front end started to shudder and make noise.…
My vehicle's sport shifting indicator light came on about a week before the transmission failure. my car would refuse to shift out of first gear until I drove it for a few miles and/or turned the car off and restarted it. I was in a local town when the front end started to shudder and make noise. I took it to a auto transmission shop who stated the sending unit for the fluid failed and it had burned out the first gear. he stated that this was most likely a manufacture defect. I contacted gm headquarters and was refused any help in fixing the issue or resolving the issue. they stated that the problem was because it had not had a sufficient history with gm dealerships getting maintenance, and that I was the third owner. keep in mind, this transmission went out after my owning the vehicle for only 9 mos, paid 14,000.00 for the car and only has 73,000 miles on it. I now am unable to drive my car until it IS fixed, which I am quoted 1500.00 for a rebuild and a year warranty that I cannot afford at this time and having to drive a very unreliable and very unsafe vehicle in the meantime. I just want my car back.
- Suspension
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
No money has changed hands yet. 2001 cadillac caterra IS under waranty. Fuel line ruptured from highway debris. Parts were difficult to get. I am a mechanical engineer by schooling and profession. The location of the fuel line IS of a bad design, exposed to highway debris. It IS not completely…
No money has changed hands yet. 2001 cadillac caterra IS under waranty. Fuel line ruptured from highway debris. Parts were difficult to get. I am a mechanical engineer by schooling and profession. The location of the fuel line IS of a bad design, exposed to highway debris. It IS not completely armored or shielded. My wife was driving, I was out of town on business. She was not sure what she hit, but smelled gasoline immediately, pulled over and stopped. Approx. 1/2 tank full of gas was quickly pumped to atmosphere and to the ground, due to the tubing failure. I have also contacted the cadillac corporation, spoke with a ms. Stacy adams, manager customer relations, she stated that the waranty will not cover this damage. I disagree. The cadillac file number IS 1-255444062. The root cause of the damage was due to faulty design placement of the gasoline supply lines, 3-lines, supply, return and vapor. The supply line ruptured. I am reporting this due to the safety implications involved. Had my wife not been aware of the gasoline smell, the vehicle would have burst into flames if it continued running. This was also evidenced by the mechanic who came to tow the vehicle to demontrond cadillac. I am also reporting this incident to the texas attorney general's office. the vehicle IS currently at demontrond cadillac, 888 I-45 south, conroe, tx 77304. as of this date it IS still not repaired. this vehicle was purchased new on 9/8/01. My wife IS the primary driver, I drive it sometimes. I reviewed the incidents / complaints you have listed on this make/model vehicle. My wife's vehicle has suffered most of the problems listed, the majority.*ak
- Tires · Wheels
The design of the front wheels was causing premature wear of the tires because the tires came in contact with the road at an angle while driving. *Ak based from invoice from dealer, the front wheels of the catera are designed to pitched slightly inward, which may cause the front tires to wear faster. also, it was recommended that tires have to be rotated regularly. *la
- Tires
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
There was a recall regarding a defective water pump, timing belt and engine pulley, however the dealer only replaced the water pump.*jb *jb
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Consumer states that in a frontal collison the driver side seat belt did not retractand driver was thrown through the windshield causing injuries. mr
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer states that in a frontal collison the air bags did not deploy on impact. Causing injuries driver. mr
- Visibility › Windshield
Windshield has an orange peel pattern and IS distorting driver's eye sight while driving. Dealer has been notified, however unable to remedy the problem.*ak *yh
- Structure › Body › Door
Front drivers and passenger door swings open with so much force that it knocked driver unconscious. doors are very dangerous. Please provive any further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
While traveling and without any indication vehicle stalled. vehicle was serviced by dealer, and technician noticed computer chip needed to be replaced. Please provide further information. *Ak
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.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222839This service bulletin provides information on Handling Requests for Modifications to Permanently Import/Export Vehicles Between the U.S. and Canada.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10220319This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the engine or transmission.
- 10219266This bulletin provides information on tools available to find an intake vacuum leak or exhaust leak to correct a condition of MIL Illuminated with Multiple Fuel Trim and/or Oxygen Sensor Codes Set.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10212625This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10209980This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10201115OnStar Voice Fallback Number Update
- 10200151This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Every Cadillac Catera model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.