Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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. …
Car was making a grinding sound under hood. Was told timing chain tensioner was almost broken. Dlr replaced tensioner, timing chain, and idler pulley. Car has had 6 alignments since 10/13/00. Car still pulls to left and wears out tires prematurely. Car has 47,000 miles on itand has 3rd set of tires on it. Car had a oil leak on valve cover gaskets. Dlr repaired and replaced. Car hesitates and surges forward. Dlr has not found problem. Car has abnormal shift patterns. Sometimes shift down to a lower gear causing car to lose power and speed, then shifts back to overdrive without depressing accelerator. Dlr has not found a problem. There is a sound from rear of car. Sounds like bad shocks. Dlr replaced frame support bushings and lower control arms. Noise still there. There are too many problems to report here. …
On January 30, 2001 napoli motors had to replaced left & right outer tie rod ends, inner tie rod end,center link and both outer stabilzer end, on August 20, 2001 as I was driving on interstate i95 south the steering wheel locked on me while on the middle lane almost hit several vehicles been that I could not turned either way, vehicle had to be towed in by roger's in milford technicians there at napoli motors could not figure what was wrong with vehicle when I called the technicians told me that the timing chain caused the engine to blow. On September 10, 2001 vehicle was taken back for same problems, they had replaced the engine but the vehicle kept running ruff. …
I purchased a 1997 Cadillac Catera on jan 31, 2001 from united automax in memphis, tn. From the date of purchase I have had extensive problems with this car. Beginning with electrical problems with the lights. Since then I have had problems with tires wearing out prematurely, heater core replaced, rotors replaced and wearing out again within a year's time. Fuses have blown, radiator fan along with other problems. Numerous recalls and etc. On April 14, 2003 I took my car to bud davis Cadillac in memphis and reported that I could smell oil burning. They stated that I needed valve covers resealed and to replace rear main seal. (the work was done thru my extended warranty company). I returned to the dealer and told them about noise coming from the right front end. They in return replaced right and left lower control arm. …
This car was taken to dealer on 2/8/04 for recall 2041, 1037. Two days after picking up the car, the low coolant light came on my way home from work. My husband checked the coolant reservoir and it was over one inch below full, he also checked the driveway for any antifreeze and checked where you put oil in the engine but could not find any signs of external leaks, but a white milky substance under the oil cap. The car has been sitting in my driveway since. I emailed GM about this. This was their response! We have contacted the service manager for dan hemm Cadillac, mr. Charlie caroll. He is aware of your concerns with the coolant level for the 1997 Cadillac Catera. He is willing to make arrangements to have the vehicle towed in. Depending on the nature of the concern it May or May not be related to the recall 02041, and they will need to diagnose the vehicle to verify. …
Purshased car with 69961 miles for $9935. Second day of purshase in shop for overheating. 32 days after purshase in shop for waterpump at a cost of $420. 3 month after purshase in shop for $1400 for front control arms and rear wheel bearings to get line up. After driving 14300 miles timing belt tensioner broke, an estimate of $8000 for repair. Now a lawn ornament. Can not afford to repair. The dealer (ferris auto center), Cadillac, and GM which is in conjunction with the better business burear don't care!
Excessive wear of tires due to poor alignment from manufacturer. Manufacturer is aware of problem , nothing is being done to correct it. Steel belts were showing through, and could cause greater damage. The manufacturer's service representative acknowledges that the vehicle had engineering design flaw.
Constantly out of alignment. Steering pulls left, now notified on 1/1o/200 that "tires are bad" due to car being out of alignment ! Dealer manager contacted. States he has no power to replace tires or to guarantee I will not be charged excessive wear at lease termination in 4 monthsmg acted and.
Would be driving and tires would feelunevenly. All tires were wearing out excessively. Was having trouble with alignment. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and twice to an independent mechanic.also, had other problems with vehicle.
Suspension complaints in other Catera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Cadillac Catera?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Cadillac Catera, 13% of the model year's 163 complaints. The component named most often is front (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Cadillac Catera suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 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.