Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Cadillac Catera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
My vehicle is a 97 Cadillac Catera and has had the starter replaced and still will not start. Two car lots have had the vehicle at the Cadillac dealership now and they are giving me the run around they say that its the mass airflow sensor but still have not replaced it yet I'm wondering why Cadillac has not notified people of this problem when I'm being told that it is a common problem with cateras of them not starting.
While driving about 65 MPH on the highway and without warning the vehicle shut down due to a belt which held the pulley into the engine, melting. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic discovered what the problem was and informed the consumer the part was on recall.
Consumer stated while driving on the highway at 50 MPH, the engine light came on and started smoking really bad. Consumer pulled onto the shoulder where the engine died. Vehicle was taken to mechanic who in turn informed the consumer that the engine sensor was not functional and caused the head gasket to become damaged.
At highway speed vehicle accelerated. Consumer pressed the brake pedal to the floor, but there was no reaction. Then, consumer down shifted to stop the vehicle. Consumer had vehicle towed, and dealer determined that engine and accelerator control switch needed to be replaced.
1997 Cadillac Catera problems, vehicle was in the shop for repairs 4 times in the 6 weeks of ownership, right side front door would not open, left side front door would not open, tail light assembly out, engine caught on fire while driving on beltway (insurance estimate a total loss)
Timing belt, pulley and water pump replacement cost over $3700 to fix. Back in nov. 2001, now their is coolant leaking from the head gasket 6/04. Cadillac has been made aware of this situation and insists this had nothing to do with the engine previous overhaul.
Tensioner pulley locked up. The tensioner stopped turning. As a result of this, the drive belt shredded like spaghetti and then melted. I avoided an accident by applying brakes and then having the car towed. Total repair cost: $729.
Vehicle shuts down and pulls to the right. Vehicle has been serviced numerous times, and performance is still unsatisfactory. Currently, vehicle is in the repair shop since smoke is coming from the engine and the rear tail pipe.
Engine complaints in other Catera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Cadillac Catera?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Cadillac Catera, 46% of the model year's 163 complaints. The component named most often is engine (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Cadillac Catera engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Cadillac Catera. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Cadillac Catera engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.