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 1999 Cadillac Catera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Cadillac Catera. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without any warnings. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had to be turn off for a while in order to reset the system. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer in order to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 53,000.
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.
After the recall was performed, 30 days later the vehicle caught fire in the engine. Consumer put the fire out and took the vehicle back to the dealership. After the mechanic repaired the vehicle, it caught fire again a half mile from the dealership.
Car's "check engine" and transmission dash lights intermittently stay on and the car won't start. Sometimes the car will start and move with the transmission light on but the car is sluggish. Two or three hours later the car will start and run fine. This problem was identified a week after purchase (sep 2004) but the dealer couldn't identify a problem. It has gradually worsened, but none more than this evening when my family and I were almost killed! We were driving on an interstate at 70 MPH. No engine lights were on. The speedometer all of a sudden went to zero and I lost all power. An eighteen wheeler missed us by inches as I tried to get the car off to the side of the road. My daughter slammed her head against the side window. GM and Cadillac should be ashamed of putting this product out. They have all but washed and turned their back on Catera owners. I am retiring from the U.S. …
I purchased a 99 Catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels. The alarm system as gone loopy in the sense that I couldn't start my vehicle unless I cranked it once left it for 15-30 min and then cranked it again. After disabling the alarm system it would only happen on occasion. The ac/heater went out due to the compressor having to much compression. The sunroof opens and closes by itself or not at all. The vacuum hoses had holes in it which was a recall but not to ken batchleor. The mass air flow sensor hs gone out three times and costs 300 to replace everytime. My upper radiator hose leaks continuously by the clamp. The leveling light will stay on for days at a time. The arm that keeps my drivers door open broke through the door weldings and is dangling in the door. The seals all had to be replaced due to water in the engine. …
When driving on several occasions rear doors were not fully closed at a time when children were rear of vehicle. Consumer provided no indication that the doors were open. Consumer has contacted the dealer. There are no indications of the doors being opened, the doors are supposed to automatically lock once the vehicle is shifted into drive, however the doors remain open and unlocked. Consumer hears a clicking noise from the center dash. The sunroof stays stuck in the open position and makes a loud cracking noise, it's taken 3 times to repair the problem. When vehicle is first driven, it sticks in first gear. The steering wheel is hard to keep under control allowing the vehicle to wander while driving. The front door handle sticks, the dealer can not remedy the problem. The windshield wipers wore out prematurely. …
All four tires were showing tread separation. Metal was showing in front of tires. Also, rear tires were showing wear and tear on inner side of vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem. Dealer replaced two tires, however would not and hasnot replaced the other two, consumer is requesting that the other two tires be replaced, no specific tire information given. Hot water valve leaking coolant, dealer replaced
My stopped working I took it to a mechanic and he said you need to call the dealer as soon the mechanic told them the problem they said it was a recall on that car I am angry because I was never notified and now my engine is gone and they fixed my car three are four times here and in texas and never breath a word on the recall I feel they should offer me another car at the same purchase price.
Engine complaints in other Catera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Cadillac Catera?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Cadillac Catera, 39% of the model year's 80 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Cadillac Catera engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 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 1999 Cadillac Catera engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.