Most common 1999 Cadillac Catera problems
Share of the 80 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 1999 Cadillac Catera owners say
Engine & cooling all 31 →
Our 1999 Cadillac Catera engine shelled out due to the defective serpentine bearing assembly that general motors elected to install on the 3.0 v-6 engine for this car. GM is well aware of the defect but refuses to do anything about the problem. When the defective bearings freeze up at highway speeds,it causes a complete engine failure; hence resulting in an expensive engine replacement. Because GM does no longer make the 3.0 v-6 motor for this car, you are stuck with purchasing one used from wherever you can find one. My used engine cost $3,460 to replace the one that was in my vehicle. The miles on the replacement motor was stated to me as 39,000 + miles. My original motor went out at 116,000. If not for the tracking system in my car, I would have been at the mercy of the public while I was 230 miles from home. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 72 MPH, there was a subtle musty oily smell inside the cab of the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted, and was towed to a service dealer, who determined that the problem was due to a faulty pulley tensioner in the charging system. The part was ordered and replaced, but the problem persisted. The final determination from the dealer was that the entire motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified.
Electrical system
Engine shut off without warning while traveling at highway speed causing loss of power steering and braking. Problem was diagnosed as defective crankshaft position sensor. Accident was avoided because of quick drivers reaction. Urgent attention requested. Engine would turn over but not start until after 10-15 minutes.
Windshield wipers only worked on the fast setting, and failed to disengage unless the vehicle was completely turned off. Windshield wiper motor was replaced, however the problem continued. The consumer believed the probelm was electrical.
Wheels & tires
I have a 1998 and 1999 Cadillac Catera. Both cars have Goodyear Eagle rs-a tires. The 1999 had to have all four tires replaced with less than 25,000 miles. Goodyear paid for the front two because the camber specs given to Cadillac were incorrect. The back two were blamed on the delaer switching tires from another car. The 1998 had both its front tires replaced under the same program but the rear two seemed all right. They were until last night when one of the rear tires went flat. And the other rear tire could go flat at any time. All eight tires have exhibited the same excessive wear on the inside edge of the tread. The steel belts show and all rubber is gone on the edge. The remainder of the tire has tread comparable to your expectations for the milage of the car. Something is wrong either the camber or the tire itself. The flat last night occurred at 75 MPH on I-12. …
I have reported the tire defect to your office in a letter dated April 8th, 2002 and have not heard from you. Bbb auto line and Cadillac have been contacted and are working on a resolution. I have over 30 documented complaints on this vehicle. The vehicles transmission failed on 3/22/02 leaving my college daughter and myself stranded in arkansas. I have not yet been reimbursed for trip interruption expenses. My first transmission complaint was at 7140 miles, 02/02/00. The problems with this vehicle have been on-going and dangerous at times. Can you help? I already mailed your office a detailed package. Will you help?
1999 Cadillac Catera engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Cadillac Catera a good car?
Based on 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Catera rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Catera at the same age. 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 1999 Cadillac Catera?
The engine & cooling — 31 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the electrical system (12) and wheels & tires (12).
How many recalls does the 1999 Cadillac Catera have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Cadillac Catera problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 20% 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.