Cadillac Catera Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Cadillac Catera? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Cadillac Catera — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001Best | Good | — | 18 | 1 | — | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
| 2000 | Caution | — | 57 | 4 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 1999 | Caution | — | 78 | 3 | 3 | — | Tires | Full report → |
| 1998 | Avoid | — | 128 | 2 | 6 | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
| 1997Worst | Avoid | — | 152 | 14 | 13 | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
5 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Cadillac Catera Problems
Based on 433 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Catera Years to Avoid
Best Catera Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Cadillac Catera Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Cadillac Catera Reliability
What year Catera has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 1997 Cadillac Catera had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 152 complaints and 0 safety recalls. See the full 1997 report for specific defects.
Is the Cadillac Catera reliable?
The Cadillac Catera has accumulated 433 owner-filed complaints and 0 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2001 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Catera.
What are the most common Catera problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Engine And Engine Cooling (110 reports), Electrical System (53 reports), Suspension (33 reports), Service Brakes / Hydraulic (30 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Catera has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Cadillac Catera VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Cadillac Catera VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily