Owners have filed 107 complaints
about the 2000 Cadillac Catera with NHTSA between 2000 and 2018.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Cadillac Catera. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 68
13.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 compares with every other Cadillac Catera
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Gasoline
517.9%
Ignition
517.9%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
310.7%
Seat Heater/Cooler
310.7%
Cooling System
310.7%
Engine
310.7%
12V/24V/48V Battery
310.7%
Frontal
310.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
36.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
48.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
918.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1429.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
510.4%
150,000+ miles
12.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2000peak 6Sep 2018
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 53,000 milesColorado Springs, CO2 injured
AIR BAGS
I GOT IN MY CAR, 2000 CADILLAC CATERA WHICH WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT AND CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR AT THE SAME TIME REACHING BACK TO GET SEAT BELT AND "BANG" AN EXPLODING SOUND. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIR BACK EXPLODED, IN A PARKING SPOT. CAUSING, LESIONS, AND CONTUSIONS, ON THE LEFT ARM, AND A SPRAIN WRIST. ALSO, SCRAPE AND BRUISING OF SIDE, RIB AREA. ALSO, MY BOYFRIEND WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT AND HE SUFFERED AN ASTHMA ATTACK FROM THE DUST.
NHTSA complaint #10874812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,362 milesProctorville, OHFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
DT: THE CONTACT ACTIVATED BOTH FRONT SEAT WARMERS FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES. SHE AND THE PASSENGER GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AND FASTENED THE SEAT BELTS. SHORTLY AFTER, SHE NOTICED THE PASSENGER WAS SCOOTING TO THE EDGE OF HER SEAT. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE BACK REST PORTION OF THE PASSENGER SEAT THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND BOTH PARTIES QUICKLY ESCAPED THE VEHICLE FREE OF INJURY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER STOOD OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SAW SMOKE, BUT NO FLAMES. THEY WAITED ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND REENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS COOL TO THE TOUCH. THE CONTACT PLACED THE SEAT HEATER DIAL TO ZERO. THERE WAS SLIGHT DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. THE NEXT DAY SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER , WHO VISUALLY INSPECTED THE DAMAGE AND THE SEAT HEATER. HE DID NOT SERVICE THE VEHICLE, BUT SCHEDULED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. THE DEALER SUSPECTED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING OF THE SEAT HEATER. HE INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT NOT TO USE THE SEAT HEATER UNTIL REPAIRS WERE MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10145895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesTega CAY, SC1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HIM TO LOOSE A PORTION OF HIS HEARING. MANUFACTURER RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND MADE THE REPAIRS. SOME MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING THE SAME PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED .
NHTSA complaint #10119246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesKansas City, MOCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT CAUSE. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR DUE TO THE CAR STALL THE CAR SPUN OUT AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SEVERAL STALLOUTS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SINCE PURCHASED IN 2002. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS PROBLEMS WITH NOT STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH FUEL. AFTER BEING FILLED COMPLETELY, THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS.*AK THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKS ANTIFREEZE FROM THE OIL COOLER AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 GALLON PER WEEK. CADILLAC ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10058262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesKansas City, MOCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT CAUSE. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR DUE TO THE CAR STALL THE CAR SPUN OUT AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SEVERAL STALLOUTS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SINCE PURCHASED IN 2002. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS PROBLEMS WITH NOT STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH FUEL. AFTER BEING FILLED COMPLETELY, THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS.*AK THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKS ANTIFREEZE FROM THE OIL COOLER AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 GALLON PER WEEK. CADILLAC ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10058262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesKansas City, MOCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT CAUSE. WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE CAR DUE TO THE CAR STALL THE CAR SPUN OUT AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SEVERAL STALLOUTS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SINCE PURCHASED IN 2002. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAS PROBLEMS WITH NOT STARTING WHEN THE CAR IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH FUEL. AFTER BEING FILLED COMPLETELY, THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS.*AK THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKS ANTIFREEZE FROM THE OIL COOLER AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 GALLON PER WEEK. CADILLAC ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10058262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesMidlothian, VA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SIDE "CURTAIN" AIRBAG IN SEAT WENT OFF WHILE MY CAR WAS STOPPED AND ENGINE NOT RUNNING WITH NO CAUSE OR IMPACT WHILE NOT CLOSE TO ANYTHING IN A PARKING LOT.
NHTSA complaint #11128237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesColorado Springs, CO2 injured
AIR BAGS
I GOT IN MY CAR, 2000 CADILLAC CATERA WHICH WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT AND CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR AT THE SAME TIME REACHING BACK TO GET SEAT BELT AND "BANG" AN EXPLODING SOUND. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIR BACK EXPLODED, IN A PARKING SPOT. CAUSING, LESIONS, AND CONTUSIONS, ON THE LEFT ARM, AND A SPRAIN WRIST. ALSO, SCRAPE AND BRUISING OF SIDE, RIB AREA. ALSO, MY BOYFRIEND WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT AND HE SUFFERED AN ASTHMA ATTACK FROM THE DUST.
NHTSA complaint #10874812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesEL Mirage, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
OIL COOLER GAVE OUT CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL? IF YES, WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR A CLAIM?
NHTSA complaint #10583143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,592 milesEllenton, FL
STEERING
WHILE TRAVELING AN 8 MILE TRIP TO MY MOTHERS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 45 MILES PER HOUR THE SPEEDOMETER JUST STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING SEEMED TO TIGHTEN UP A LITTLE BIT THE NEXT TIME I DROVE THE CAR THE STEERING WAS HARD TO MANEUVER AND ITS ALMOST AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I HAD THE POWER STEERING LOOKED AT AND IT IS FINE THE OIL LIGHT IS NOW ON 24/7 BUT THE OIL LEVEL IS FINE AND WAS JUST RECENTLY CHANGED. THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN PRODUCED BY CADILLAC IT IS NOTHING BUT A DISGRACE TO THE NAME.
NHTSA complaint #10577831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,592 milesEllenton, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE TRAVELING AN 8 MILE TRIP TO MY MOTHERS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 45 MILES PER HOUR THE SPEEDOMETER JUST STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING SEEMED TO TIGHTEN UP A LITTLE BIT THE NEXT TIME I DROVE THE CAR THE STEERING WAS HARD TO MANEUVER AND ITS ALMOST AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I HAD THE POWER STEERING LOOKED AT AND IT IS FINE THE OIL LIGHT IS NOW ON 24/7 BUT THE OIL LEVEL IS FINE AND WAS JUST RECENTLY CHANGED. THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN PRODUCED BY CADILLAC IT IS NOTHING BUT A DISGRACE TO THE NAME.
NHTSA complaint #10577831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,200 milesJamestown, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE THE VEHICLE INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,300.
NHTSA complaint #10479482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesEL Reno, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED HE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE ODOMETER SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SOFTWARE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10465218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulfport, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR KEEPS ON OVER HEATING, THE OIL LIGHT KEEPS ON COMING ON BECAUSE OF THE OVER HEATING AND ALSO THE CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS WANT TO START I HAVE TO JUMP IT OFF ALOT. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE I HAVE GOTTEN IT CHECKED PLENTY OF TIME. BUT WHEN I JUMP IT OFF THE WIRES GET REALLY HOT AND START TO MELT SO I TAKE THEM OFF. ALSO THE DASHBOARD LIGHT DON'T WORK VERY WELL I HAVE TO BANG ON THE DASH BOARD FOR THEM TO EVEN BARLEY COME ON AT NIGHT.. THERE NEED TO BE BIG TIME RECALLS ON THIS CAR!!!
NHTSA complaint #10463481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulfport, MS
ENGINE
THE CAR KEEPS ON OVER HEATING, THE OIL LIGHT KEEPS ON COMING ON BECAUSE OF THE OVER HEATING AND ALSO THE CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS WANT TO START I HAVE TO JUMP IT OFF ALOT. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE I HAVE GOTTEN IT CHECKED PLENTY OF TIME. BUT WHEN I JUMP IT OFF THE WIRES GET REALLY HOT AND START TO MELT SO I TAKE THEM OFF. ALSO THE DASHBOARD LIGHT DON'T WORK VERY WELL I HAVE TO BANG ON THE DASH BOARD FOR THEM TO EVEN BARLEY COME ON AT NIGHT.. THERE NEED TO BE BIG TIME RECALLS ON THIS CAR!!!
NHTSA complaint #10463481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCrestview, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE STOPPED. THE CONTACT SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10459941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,994 milesSpringfield, MO
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURING WERE CONTACTED AND WERE EXPECTED THE PERFORM AN INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,994 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #10426820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesBelmont, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHENEVER HE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURES THAT HAS OCCURRED; HOWEVER, THEY ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH COST HIM $100. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10341874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WOULD DRIVE THE CATERA RIGHT ON THE MAIN BUSY ROAD MY CAR MADE A SUICIDAL STOP! I PANIC! IMMEDIATELY PUT THE EMERGENCY HAZARDOUS LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID HE IS READING THE SENSOR ARE BAD, SO I SPENT OVER $300.00 DOLLARS REPLACING THEM, I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. AGAIN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC A DIFFERENT PERSON THIS TIME. HE SAID; IT WAS THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND THEY CRACK OR BEND WHEN THE CAR ENGINE HEATS, THE MECHANIC AND I LOOKED FOR DIFFERENT JUNKYARDS TO OUR SURPRISE MOST OF THE CADILLAC OF THAT MADE THE VERY PIECE WE WERE LOOKING FOR WAS MISSING. (PLASTIC AIR TAKE AND THE HOSE) IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCK SCIENTIST TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH PUTTING A PLASTIC INTAKE INSIDE A ENGINE THAT HOLDS A LOT OF HEAT. SPECIALLY FOR ME I LIVE IN A YEAR AROUND HOT WEATHER. I WENT TO DIFFERENT AUTO PART STORES TO FIND THE PART BECAUSE THE JUNKYARD WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION WHAT I DID FIND ALL THE AUTO PARTS STORE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR. IT HAS A BAD REPUTATION THIS BEAUTIFUL DREAM CADILLAC CATEREA IS THE BAD APPLES OF THE CADILLAC, IT IS ASHAMED YOU DON'T HAVE A RECALL ON THESE CARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT CHEAPER TO STOP MAKING THEM THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM I SEE THEY ARE STILL OUT IN THE STREET. UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE ONE. I CALLED GM AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM OR HAVE I REPAIRED THE CAR WITH THEM. BUT IS THIER CAR MODEL. DON'T GET IT. THEY GAVE BIRTH TO DEFECTIVE CARS NOW THEY WANT US TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10325517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I WOULD DRIVE THE CATERA RIGHT ON THE MAIN BUSY ROAD MY CAR MADE A SUICIDAL STOP! I PANIC! IMMEDIATELY PUT THE EMERGENCY HAZARDOUS LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID HE IS READING THE SENSOR ARE BAD, SO I SPENT OVER $300.00 DOLLARS REPLACING THEM, I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. AGAIN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC A DIFFERENT PERSON THIS TIME. HE SAID; IT WAS THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND THEY CRACK OR BEND WHEN THE CAR ENGINE HEATS, THE MECHANIC AND I LOOKED FOR DIFFERENT JUNKYARDS TO OUR SURPRISE MOST OF THE CADILLAC OF THAT MADE THE VERY PIECE WE WERE LOOKING FOR WAS MISSING. (PLASTIC AIR TAKE AND THE HOSE) IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCK SCIENTIST TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH PUTTING A PLASTIC INTAKE INSIDE A ENGINE THAT HOLDS A LOT OF HEAT. SPECIALLY FOR ME I LIVE IN A YEAR AROUND HOT WEATHER. I WENT TO DIFFERENT AUTO PART STORES TO FIND THE PART BECAUSE THE JUNKYARD WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION WHAT I DID FIND ALL THE AUTO PARTS STORE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR. IT HAS A BAD REPUTATION THIS BEAUTIFUL DREAM CADILLAC CATEREA IS THE BAD APPLES OF THE CADILLAC, IT IS ASHAMED YOU DON'T HAVE A RECALL ON THESE CARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT CHEAPER TO STOP MAKING THEM THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM I SEE THEY ARE STILL OUT IN THE STREET. UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE ONE. I CALLED GM AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM OR HAVE I REPAIRED THE CAR WITH THEM. BUT IS THIER CAR MODEL. DON'T GET IT. THEY GAVE BIRTH TO DEFECTIVE CARS NOW THEY WANT US TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10325517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
I WOULD DRIVE THE CATERA RIGHT ON THE MAIN BUSY ROAD MY CAR MADE A SUICIDAL STOP! I PANIC! IMMEDIATELY PUT THE EMERGENCY HAZARDOUS LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID HE IS READING THE SENSOR ARE BAD, SO I SPENT OVER $300.00 DOLLARS REPLACING THEM, I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. AGAIN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC A DIFFERENT PERSON THIS TIME. HE SAID; IT WAS THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND THEY CRACK OR BEND WHEN THE CAR ENGINE HEATS, THE MECHANIC AND I LOOKED FOR DIFFERENT JUNKYARDS TO OUR SURPRISE MOST OF THE CADILLAC OF THAT MADE THE VERY PIECE WE WERE LOOKING FOR WAS MISSING. (PLASTIC AIR TAKE AND THE HOSE) IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCK SCIENTIST TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH PUTTING A PLASTIC INTAKE INSIDE A ENGINE THAT HOLDS A LOT OF HEAT. SPECIALLY FOR ME I LIVE IN A YEAR AROUND HOT WEATHER. I WENT TO DIFFERENT AUTO PART STORES TO FIND THE PART BECAUSE THE JUNKYARD WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION WHAT I DID FIND ALL THE AUTO PARTS STORE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR. IT HAS A BAD REPUTATION THIS BEAUTIFUL DREAM CADILLAC CATEREA IS THE BAD APPLES OF THE CADILLAC, IT IS ASHAMED YOU DON'T HAVE A RECALL ON THESE CARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT CHEAPER TO STOP MAKING THEM THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM I SEE THEY ARE STILL OUT IN THE STREET. UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE ONE. I CALLED GM AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM OR HAVE I REPAIRED THE CAR WITH THEM. BUT IS THIER CAR MODEL. DON'T GET IT. THEY GAVE BIRTH TO DEFECTIVE CARS NOW THEY WANT US TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10325517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WOULD DRIVE THE CATERA RIGHT ON THE MAIN BUSY ROAD MY CAR MADE A SUICIDAL STOP! I PANIC! IMMEDIATELY PUT THE EMERGENCY HAZARDOUS LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID HE IS READING THE SENSOR ARE BAD, SO I SPENT OVER $300.00 DOLLARS REPLACING THEM, I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. AGAIN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC A DIFFERENT PERSON THIS TIME. HE SAID; IT WAS THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND THEY CRACK OR BEND WHEN THE CAR ENGINE HEATS, THE MECHANIC AND I LOOKED FOR DIFFERENT JUNKYARDS TO OUR SURPRISE MOST OF THE CADILLAC OF THAT MADE THE VERY PIECE WE WERE LOOKING FOR WAS MISSING. (PLASTIC AIR TAKE AND THE HOSE) IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCK SCIENTIST TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH PUTTING A PLASTIC INTAKE INSIDE A ENGINE THAT HOLDS A LOT OF HEAT. SPECIALLY FOR ME I LIVE IN A YEAR AROUND HOT WEATHER. I WENT TO DIFFERENT AUTO PART STORES TO FIND THE PART BECAUSE THE JUNKYARD WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION WHAT I DID FIND ALL THE AUTO PARTS STORE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR. IT HAS A BAD REPUTATION THIS BEAUTIFUL DREAM CADILLAC CATEREA IS THE BAD APPLES OF THE CADILLAC, IT IS ASHAMED YOU DON'T HAVE A RECALL ON THESE CARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT CHEAPER TO STOP MAKING THEM THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM I SEE THEY ARE STILL OUT IN THE STREET. UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE ONE. I CALLED GM AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM OR HAVE I REPAIRED THE CAR WITH THEM. BUT IS THIER CAR MODEL. DON'T GET IT. THEY GAVE BIRTH TO DEFECTIVE CARS NOW THEY WANT US TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10325517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
I WOULD DRIVE THE CATERA RIGHT ON THE MAIN BUSY ROAD MY CAR MADE A SUICIDAL STOP! I PANIC! IMMEDIATELY PUT THE EMERGENCY HAZARDOUS LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID HE IS READING THE SENSOR ARE BAD, SO I SPENT OVER $300.00 DOLLARS REPLACING THEM, I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT OR IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. AGAIN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC A DIFFERENT PERSON THIS TIME. HE SAID; IT WAS THE MANIFOLD INTAKE, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND THEY CRACK OR BEND WHEN THE CAR ENGINE HEATS, THE MECHANIC AND I LOOKED FOR DIFFERENT JUNKYARDS TO OUR SURPRISE MOST OF THE CADILLAC OF THAT MADE THE VERY PIECE WE WERE LOOKING FOR WAS MISSING. (PLASTIC AIR TAKE AND THE HOSE) IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCK SCIENTIST TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH PUTTING A PLASTIC INTAKE INSIDE A ENGINE THAT HOLDS A LOT OF HEAT. SPECIALLY FOR ME I LIVE IN A YEAR AROUND HOT WEATHER. I WENT TO DIFFERENT AUTO PART STORES TO FIND THE PART BECAUSE THE JUNKYARD WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION WHAT I DID FIND ALL THE AUTO PARTS STORE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR. IT HAS A BAD REPUTATION THIS BEAUTIFUL DREAM CADILLAC CATEREA IS THE BAD APPLES OF THE CADILLAC, IT IS ASHAMED YOU DON'T HAVE A RECALL ON THESE CARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT CHEAPER TO STOP MAKING THEM THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM I SEE THEY ARE STILL OUT IN THE STREET. UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE ONE. I CALLED GM AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE CAR FROM THEM OR HAVE I REPAIRED THE CAR WITH THEM. BUT IS THIER CAR MODEL. DON'T GET IT. THEY GAVE BIRTH TO DEFECTIVE CARS NOW THEY WANT US TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10325517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,759 milesTacoma, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE MT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I THEN TOOK MY 2000 CADILLAC CATERA TO THE SHOP WHO GAVE THE INFORMATION ON TECHNICAL BULLETIN FROM YOUR WEB SITE # 623422 IT IS THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION HOSE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10284949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesPoint Blank, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE ABS LOCKING. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO MALFUNCTION. THE BRAKES WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS REPAIR WOULD COST $2,000. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,232 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT ACCURATE. UPDATED 08/06/09.
NHTSA complaint #10276962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesPoint Blank, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE ABS LOCKING. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO MALFUNCTION. THE BRAKES WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ABS REPAIR WOULD COST $2,000. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,232 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT ACCURATE. UPDATED 08/06/09.
NHTSA complaint #10276962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dobson, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 CADILLAC CATERA. STEREO CUTS OFF ON ITS OWN AND DOES NOT CUT ON SOMETIMES. TRUNK BUTTON DOES NOT WORK UNLESS THE CAR IN ON AND IN GEAR. FUEL BUTTON DOES NOT WORK UNLESS CAR IN ON AND IN GEAR. MAJOR ELECTRICAL WIRE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10262517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesHuber Heights, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL HAZARD: BOTH OF THE FRONT DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE WHILE UNLOCKED. WE HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH THE BACKSEAT TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CAR. THE CADILLAC SHOP STATES BOTH FRONT DOOR LATCHES MUST BE REPLACED FOR A TOTAL OF $890. THE CADILLAC SHOP STATES THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND COULD NOT BE PREVENTED BY THE CUSTOMER. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE AND NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT ON THE PHONE WITH CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-790-5700, CADILLAC DETERMINED (AFTER FOUR DAYS WITHOUT A CAR) THAT THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY RESOLUTION OR COST ASSISTANCE FOR US. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE SUPERVISOR AND WAS EVENTUALLY TRANSFERRED TO NICK OWENS. HE STATED THAT HE IS THE SUPERVISOR AND THERE IS NO RESOLUTION. I REQUESTED CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE TO BEGIN A RECALL OR BULLETIN TO REPLACE THE FRONT DOOR LATCHES AND FINANCIALLY ASSIST OTHER CADILLAC OWNERS THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS (FRONT DOOR LATCHES) THAT PRESENT BOTH SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL HAZARDS.
NHTSA complaint #10255063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesHuber Heights, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE FRONT DOORS FAIL TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE WHILE UNLOCKED. HE MUST CLIMB THROUGH THE BACK SEAT IN ORDER TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CADILLAC DEALER STATED THAT BOTH FRONT DOOR LATCHES MUST BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $890. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT ASSIST OR PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10255073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBlue Springs, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RADIATOR, OIL LEAKS, TRANSMISSION, TIRES..ALL BAD...WORST CAR MAKER IN THIS WORLD (CADILLAC) ALL PARTS HAVE HAD TO BEEN REPAIRED AND REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10207715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBlue Springs, MO
TIRES
RADIATOR, OIL LEAKS, TRANSMISSION, TIRES..ALL BAD...WORST CAR MAKER IN THIS WORLD (CADILLAC) ALL PARTS HAVE HAD TO BEEN REPAIRED AND REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10207715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.