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 1998 Cadillac Catera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Both front tires are worn excessively on the insides due to improper allignment. Purchased vehicle used on 1-28-02, and have complained about the front end pulling to the left. Have had a new tie rod put on, but this did not help. New tires were on vehicle when purchased. Drivers side tire is worse, with steel cord coming thru, passenger side tire is worn bad. After looking into this, it seems that the control arm and/or control arm bushings are at fault and that general motors and the Cadillac division are aware of this problem. At this time I have an appointment with GM dealer to have new tires installed and have a 4 wheel allignment done. Tires have approximately 25000 miles on them, rear tires seem fine for this mileage. This vehicle has 68000 miles on it, I am currently looking into finding past owners for more information on this problem.
Car over heating, smoking, steaming. Took to mechanic, was told that engine blew, later to find out oil cooler went. Also just found out my transmissions needs over hauled, no warning, no leaks. Heat regulator has been replaced twice, ignition coil has been replaced, all wires have to be replaced. Engine has and still does run too hot, causing continuous problems with engine parts. Etc. I purchased the car in 2001, purchased extended warranty, that has since ware out. My sun roof does not work, my keyless entry does not work, here it is 2005 and the car only has or around 65,000 miles on it, when purchased only had 23,000, I only drive the car to work and back, and too run errands. Why am I having so many problems with it, I can't even get a dealer to take it as trade in.
Rear tire wore out prematurely, causing tire tread on the inside to show. Dealer notified. The rear tires wore on the inside because of too much negative camber. New tires were purchased and installed. The consumers case went to arbitration but was rejected because the problem would require a design change which was beyond the scope of arbitration. The consumer called Cadillac to but a retrofit kit to adjust the camber but no kit was available. A design change was made which was not interchangeable. The manufacturer made a design change and the consumer believes they should retrofit all 1998 Catera's.
1998 Catera problems: transmission failed 3 times caused by electronic part mal function; alternator failure; battery has been replaced 3 times; heater and A/C inoperative-burned harness and electronic component; door hinges failed; engine oil leak; vehicle cranks but will not start; premature tire wear; vehicle wanders; front end aligned 3 times in one year; warped disc rotors twice in two year period; differential seals leak; vaoltage meter ambiguos reading; sidemarkers inoperative and corroded; high underhood temperature; remote keys filed; rear view mirrors do not adjust to night driving.
Cadillac cater 1998 experienced multiple failure that caused engine damage. The trunk light bulbs failed. The trunk light bar failed. The key fob failed. The cd player failed. The window washer hose failed. The switch for heating and cooling system had to be replaced. The bottom gear of the crankshaft broke causing engine damage. The front and rear end had to be aligned due to the vehicle pulling to the right. The center link was also replaced.
Due to a defect in front aligment tires wore excessively. The rotors were turned and resurfaced several times. The brakes pulsate, squeak and go too low to the floor. The third set of tires that were on the vehicle were wearing out due to an alignment problem, also another tire was leaking air. The passenger rear door handle broke and the driver's rear door hinge was unstable, also the driver's door lock sticks. The wipers scrub. The steering column makes noise. The right side head light shines too high.
A service bulletin was received in February of 1999 that ront end alignment was causing tire wear. Auto should be taken to dealer for service. If tires are worn due to alignment, replace tires. My tires were worn and replaced at 17800 miles. The replacement tires now need replacing after 18000 additional miles. Alignment is out frequently, front tires are wearing, car is rear wheel drive. I believe a front end problem exist creating the tire wear.
Tire failure addmitttedly due to front end alignment problems. Service bulletin did not correct the problem as tires were unusable at 30,000 dealer adjusted alignment as per sb. The replaced tires were in identical condition at 60,000. Good year would not help because the belts had worn thru inside of tires due to alignment problems (identical problem)...( dot number: )
Vehicle will not stay in alignment. Dealer claims they are going by GMC specs. But alignment is off, causing inner edge of tires to wear down to steel. There was intermittent problem of shifting out of park. The vehicle had been in and out of shop more than ten times for warranty repair. Al four tires had be to teplaced due to factory related alignment problem.
Suspension will not stay in alignment. Have replaced all four tires at 13,000 miles with realignment and currently is in the shop to replace all tires and have aligned again. There has to be something wrong with the specs or the vehicle. Numerous other complaints on this vehicle for same problem. (tiresize: p225/55r16)
Suspension complaints in other Catera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Cadillac Catera?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 18% of the model year's 123 complaints. The component named most often is front (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Cadillac Catera suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1998 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 1998 Cadillac Catera suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.