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 2000 Cadillac Catera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Cadillac Catera. The vehicle stalled whenever he stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was informed about the failures that has occurred; however, they advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test which cost him $100. The failure continued to occur. The failure and current mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Cadillac Catera. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while stopped. The contact successfully restarted the vehicle and continued to drive. The failure recurred whether the vehicle was stopped or in motion at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
While driving down the interstate mt check engine light came on I then took my 2000 Cadillac Catera to the shop who gave the information on technical bulletin from your web site # 623422 it is the secondary air injection hose failure.
My engine light came on and dealer can't seem to resolve it. They have replaced the fuel tank, fuel filter, bg44k, module, and the car's computer system. To no avail. I now have a "check engine" light and "gas cap" light on.
The Cadillac Catera will suddenly stall out--there is no warning that it is going to happen. It typically happens when making a turn(right or left). It is potentially life threatening when it occurs. Please do something about this! Someone is going to be killed when this occurs. I should also mention there are many other problems with this vehicle but the stalling out of the vehicle is the most serious. I am sick and tired of going to the dealership and them telling me my problem "cannot be duplicated." obviously, it can't. . .because you can't predict when it will occur.please contact me for more information about it.
I have had problem with my 2000 Catera every since I bough it, first the seat would not heat ,put the key in and it would not turn,tires wore out in less than a year,driver side door is coming a part,glove compartment lock broken ,belt broke car ran hot had to get a new radiator,check engine light on ,secondary air injection hose failures,this car has been in the shop more times than out, junk,and g m does nothing to help,water pump went out ,heater coil hose leaking,vaule cover gasket replace , all before 60,000 miles.
The car keeps on over heating, the oil light keeps on coming on because of the over heating and also the car does not always want to start I have to jump it off alot. It is not the battery because I have gotten it checked plenty of time. But when I jump it off the wires get really hot and start to melt so I take them off. Also the dashboard light don't work very well I have to bang on the dash board for them to even barley come on at night.. There need to be big time recalls on this car!!!
2000 Catera has had a power failure and electrical defects, gasket and seals were replaced. The crank sensor was replaced. The hot water valve was leaking and was replaced. The side light was out. The front pads and rotors were replaced. The tires were out of balance. The windshield wiper was replaced and the ignition had to be lubed. There was a short in the heating system and the moonroof did not work properly and when it was used it caused power failures..
Engine complaints in other Catera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Cadillac Catera?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Cadillac Catera, 30% of the model year's 67 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Cadillac Catera engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 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 2000 Cadillac Catera engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.