Cadillac Catera Problems by Year

We compared every Cadillac Catera model year from 1997–2001 using 463 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1997 and 1998, which drew far more complaints than other Catera years at the same age. The best years are 2001 and 2000.

5model years
463complaints
0recalls
1997, 1998worst years
2001, 2000best years

Complaints by model year

19971998199920002001163123806730
Owner complaints per model year, Cadillac Catera. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200130−69%—EngineGood
200067−41%—ElectricalGood
199980typical—EngineAverage
19981231.7×—EngineCaution
19971632.4×—EngineAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Catera year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Cadillac Catera problems

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Cadillac Catera should you avoid?

1997 and 1998 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Catera years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1997.

What is the best year for the Cadillac Catera?

2001 has the fewest complaints compared with other Catera years at the same age, followed by 2000. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Cadillac Catera problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (190), electrical system (80) and wheels & tires (57). Engine complaints peak in the 1997 model year.

How many recalls has the Cadillac Catera had?

0 recalls across 1997–2001.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.