Most common 2000 Cadillac Catera problems
Share of the 67 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 2000 Cadillac Catera owners say
Electrical system all 24 →
While driving the vehicle, the car stalled without cause. When we attempted to stop the car due to the car stall the car spun out and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. This car has been subject to several stallouts while driving at various speeds since purchased in 2002. This vehicle also has problems with not starting when the car is completely filled with fuel. After being filled completely, the car will not start for several days. The vehicle also leaks antifreeze from the oil cooler at a rate of about 1 gallon per week. Cadillac acknowledges the problem but will not fix it.
Dt: problem began in November. While driving experienced a full system failure. The car would slowly slow down, dashboard panel would illuminate, and then the vehicle would shut off. Both through the engine and electronically. Took vehicle to dealer, who did system checking. Diagnosed a need for a new battery and engine flush. Battery was replaced and engine flushed. After this repair, 5 miles down the road while traveling 60 MPH ,the same thing occurred. Back to dealer, who was shocked and unable to determine, but noted a crank shaft and a cam sensor that needed to be replaced. Had them replaced. Left dealership and again same thing. Called Cadillac and filed complaint. Back to dealership, this time catalytic convertor. Failed. Afterwards, this again happened. Took back to dealer ,had no remedy. Had to buy another car because this car was inoperable.
Engine & cooling all 20 →
While driving the vehicle, the car stalled without cause. When we attempted to stop the car due to the car stall the car spun out and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. This car has been subject to several stallouts while driving at various speeds since purchased in 2002. This vehicle also has problems with not starting when the car is completely filled with fuel. After being filled completely, the car will not start for several days. The vehicle also leaks antifreeze from the oil cooler at a rate of about 1 gallon per week. Cadillac acknowledges the problem but will not fix it.
Dt: problem began in November. While driving experienced a full system failure. The car would slowly slow down, dashboard panel would illuminate, and then the vehicle would shut off. Both through the engine and electronically. Took vehicle to dealer, who did system checking. Diagnosed a need for a new battery and engine flush. Battery was replaced and engine flushed. After this repair, 5 miles down the road while traveling 60 MPH ,the same thing occurred. Back to dealer, who was shocked and unable to determine, but noted a crank shaft and a cam sensor that needed to be replaced. Had them replaced. Left dealership and again same thing. Called Cadillac and filed complaint. Back to dealership, this time catalytic convertor. Failed. Afterwards, this again happened. Took back to dealer ,had no remedy. Had to buy another car because this car was inoperable.
Wheels & tires
The consumer stated that the tires wore out prematurely. The dealer confirmed that the tie rod was bent out of shape. As a result the consumer had to replace all four tires at 6,000 miles. The left front inside wire was showing.
Tires are wearing out from inside at 6,000 miles. Heard noises and saw premature inner wearing of tires. Reported failure to dealer and tire distributo who were shown old tires and new tires. New tires were purchase at 27, 383 miles.
2000 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 2000 Cadillac Catera a good car?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Catera rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Catera at the same age. It is one of the best Catera years by this measure. 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 2000 Cadillac Catera?
The electrical system — 24 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the engine & cooling (20) and wheels & tires (8).
How many recalls does the 2000 Cadillac Catera have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 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 2000 Cadillac Catera problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 32% 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.