Most common 2001 Cadillac Catera problems
Share of the 30 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 2001 Cadillac Catera owners say
Engine & cooling
Chronic failure of GM pn# 90566947 causing loss of coolant and possible fire damage due to proximity of exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. There have been 3 replacements in 62,580 miles. The first @ 16,586 miles, second @ 34,503 miles, and the latest at 62,580 miles. The leaks begin as an odor of coolant, then spots begin on the pavement, then finally the coolant reservoir empties itself. The valve is located at the rear of the engine block up against the firewall, and adjacent to the exhaust pipe on the passenger side. The part has been replaced all 3 times, once under warranty and twice at my expense. GM refuses to acknowledge a design problem, even though this is not a maintenance part. It is constructed from plastic and does not withstand the hot environment of the application. It is used on the 3 litre 6 cylinder engine of the Cadillac Catera and cts, and the Saab 9-5. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Cadillac Catera. Since May of 2009, the vehicle stalls while driving 45 MPH or greater. Initially, the stalling occurred occasionally. Ever since the vehicle was repaired on June 28, 2009, the stalling occurs every other day. The contact feels that this is a serious safety issue. The failure mileage was 92,000. Updated 08/04/09 the mechanic stated the crankshaft sensor was causing the vehicle to shut down. Updated 08/05/09.
Wheels & tires
While driving down the highway at approx. 55 MPH, came upon driver moving slow, had to brake, then began to pass, front end made a loud, horrible noise, and within seconds the front wheel flew off the vehicle, Catera struck another person's trailer and the Catera was a total loss. Dealer had car for repairs about 3 of the 5 months I've owned the car.
Purchased 2001 Catera new from sioux falls cad., sioux falls, sd. With less than 12,000 miles on car, tires were completely worn. Cad. Replaced tires, aligned the wheels which were within cad. Guide. With less than 15,000 miles on the replaced tires, tires were irregularly worn out, replaced at hamil motors of sheldon, ia. Which I paid for. Car aligned and alignment was within cad. Guide. Both alignments were completed by cad. Dealers. Replaced tires wore out within 15,000 miles and were replaced by me from OK one stop in hospers, ia. Car taken to sioux falls cad for another alignment which was within cad. Guide. With less than 10,000 miles tires were again irregularly worn, replaced at morgan tire co. And with less than 15,000 miles blowout while my wife was driving causing much emotional stress for my wife. …
Speed control & acceleration
My husband was driving home from work when the accelerator "took over" and went all the way to the floor. He applied the brakes but they did not work. At some point the front wheel of the vehicle sheared off and flew off the car causing complete loss of control. My husband, a former navy seal, managed to "manhandle" the steering wheel enough to avoid a long line of oncoming traffic, but clipped the tail end of a trailer being pulled by a truck. He survived. We had only bought the car 5 months prior to this incident where it was totaled. It had been in the shop for 3 of the 5 months of ownership for computer problems. No one would take responsibility. Geico paid off the loan and we got nothing.
While driving gas pedal got stuck twice. When it happened the first time pedal was hard. Second time gas pedal would not come back up, and car continued to gain speed. Consumer tried pressing brake at same time, vehicle finally slowed down, and consumer was able to put car in neutral and turn it off. Also, stated engine was racing out of control. Took to dealer, and they were not able to duplicate problem. Consumer felt they were forced back into an unsafe car.
2001 Cadillac Catera engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Cadillac Catera a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Catera rates better than average: 69% 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 2001 Cadillac Catera?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the wheels & tires (7) and speed control & acceleration (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 Cadillac Catera have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Cadillac Catera problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 47% 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.