Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
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.
I would like to place a complaint on record about the poor quality of the Cadillac Catera. These vehicles should have all been bought back by GM to protect the American public from their poor quality. I have a 1998 Cadillac Catera ,well cared for. Over the past year though the car has begun to leak oil heavily,to the point of actually being an enviromental hazard. The other day I took it to a local Cadillac dealer only to be told the car has leaking valve cover gaskets,cam cover gaskets and an oil cooling line. They say $1200 will seal up most of the leaks. The car only has an original 65,000 miles on it. Upon hearing this I did an internet search on cateras and the horror stories are endless. It seems they all including mine have broken headlight aligners. This is apparently caused by heat and cheap manufacturing. …
Numerous issues with 1998 Catera. Had timing belt tensioner-pulleys/cam drive replaced last year(3-2002) while under warranty. "service campaign" was issued by Cadillac in sept 2002 for Catera's to have came drive idler/tensioner pulley/water pump replaced with new version. Got vehicle serviced today and was informed that car had another serious problem that needed to be corrected-out of pocket-coolant crossover leaking into oil cooler, and valve cover was leaking oil.....the car runs extremely hot, has poor performance, gets terrible gas millage, battery has low voltage when nothing is left on by mistake, replaced the battery 4 time in two years, A/C had new compressor replaced past summer 2002 still not able to cool car and while in use the car sounds like a tractor, boggs down the perfromance. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Catera years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (75), 1998 (56), 1999 (31), 2000 (20) and 2001 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 46% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Catera engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Cadillac Catera model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac Catera engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (63 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (47).
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.