Most common 1997 Cadillac Catera problems
Share of the 163 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Catera complaints by model year
Best Catera years: 2001, 2000. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
What 1997 Cadillac Catera owners say
Engine & cooling all 75 →
Tl contact owns a 1997 Cadillac Catera. While driving at any speed the vehicle overheated. The contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and antifreeze leaking from the vehicle. On May 2, 2007 the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was a hole in the antifreeze line, but the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage is 80,100, and failure mileage was 58,600.
Lost all coolant, radiator light on, funny burning smell, car towed. Heater valve replaced, dex cool anti-freeze replaced. Cooling fan on car is now coming on while driving, air conditioning not working, funny motor noise, car has to go back to shop for diagnostic test. Cadillac 800# claims there is no recall on this. Some gauges not working properly. Car purchased -23,503 miles- now have 40,120 miles. Have had tires replaced twice.
Electrical system all 24 →
Vehicle failed to start even with ample cranking power. Towed to Cadillac dealership. Problem diagnosed as onboard computer containing emissions control unit. I was advised by my extended svc warranty company that because ECU was involved, repair should be covered under mandatory 8/80 federal emissions warranty required of manufacturers by the fed. Clean air act. (veh. Is six years old and has 61,000 miles).GM takes the position that repair is not covered under the fed emissions warranty but will not provide me a written explanation. I've had the car repaired at my own expense and would like recompense either underthe fed emissions warranty program or thru my extended warranty company.
While vehicle was at a complete stop and consumer shifted gears to move ahead slowly, but the vehicle acclerated and would not stop. Defect caused vehicle to run into a cement pole which resulted in vehicle stopping. Consumer hit pole to avoid hitting pedestrians and other vehicles. Vehicle hit pole head-on, and airbags did not deploy. Consumer was injured in accident, consumer states vehicle accelerated as if the cruise control was turned on, Cadillac refused to accept responsibility of the air bag failing to deploy. Battery has been replaced 3 times. Brakes have been repaired. Consumer states key would not turn the igntion on numerious occasions.
Suspension all 21 →
While driving steering wheel had to be steered to the left to avoid vehicle from going automatically to the right. Took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer determined that something in the front end was bent.
This car has had ongoing problems with various electrical components. The dealer is often unable to replicate the problem while in the repair shop. The car has been serviced for electrical malfunctions of various nature 19 times, and in the repair shop 44 days. It has been out of the shop 2 days and again the door locks will not let us in the vehicle. This started with the rear door lock not letting us out of or into the car. The problem now affects all four doors. They cannot be locked or unlocked using the remote, the key, or manually. We therefore must exit and enter using the windows. The windows (all4) have also malfunctioned. The dash lights ABS, traction control, replace wiper fluid, illuminate when there is not a problem. The o2 sensor has been replaced. The alignment on the wheels has also caused repeated problems and I have replace 4 tires. …
1997 Cadillac Catera engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Cadillac Catera a good car?
Based on 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Catera rates avoid: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Catera at the same age. It is one of the Catera years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Cadillac Catera?
The engine & cooling — 75 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (24) and suspension (21).
How many recalls does the 1997 Cadillac Catera have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Cadillac Catera. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Catera?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997 and 1998. See the full Cadillac Catera years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Catera problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.