Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
The steering system lacks equilibrium, lacks on-center feel and has a tendency to wander. A lack of a stable steering system causes the driver to have to apply torque to the steering sheel to keep the car on the road. The car does not steer in a straight line, a neutral steer condition does not exist. The vehicle rools in a circle unless the driver steers the front wheels by applying a torque to the steering wheel. The vehicle pulls to the left and will leave the lane within five - eight seconds at highway speeds in excess of 60 MPH. The alignment is within the GM specification and the tires and wheels have been checked for defects. Three other brand new 1999 cateras from other dealer inventories do the same or worse. GM has said that this is the way the car is expected to operate, it is a two handed steered car.
Both front tires are worn excessively on the insides due to improper allignment. Purchased vehicle used on 1-28-02, and have complained about the front end pulling to the left. Have had a new tie rod put on, but this did not help. New tires were on vehicle when purchased. Drivers side tire is worse, with steel cord coming thru, passenger side tire is worn bad. After looking into this, it seems that the control arm and/or control arm bushings are at fault and that general motors and the Cadillac division are aware of this problem. At this time I have an appointment with GM dealer to have new tires installed and have a 4 wheel allignment done. Tires have approximately 25000 miles on them, rear tires seem fine for this mileage. This vehicle has 68000 miles on it, I am currently looking into finding past owners for more information on this problem.
Car over heating, smoking, steaming. Took to mechanic, was told that engine blew, later to find out oil cooler went. Also just found out my transmissions needs over hauled, no warning, no leaks. Heat regulator has been replaced twice, ignition coil has been replaced, all wires have to be replaced. Engine has and still does run too hot, causing continuous problems with engine parts. Etc. I purchased the car in 2001, purchased extended warranty, that has since ware out. My sun roof does not work, my keyless entry does not work, here it is 2005 and the car only has or around 65,000 miles on it, when purchased only had 23,000, I only drive the car to work and back, and too run errands. Why am I having so many problems with it, I can't even get a dealer to take it as trade in.
While driving steering wheel had to be steered to the left to avoid vehicle from going automatically to the right. Took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer determined that something in the front end was bent.
This car has had ongoing problems with various electrical components. The dealer is often unable to replicate the problem while in the repair shop. The car has been serviced for electrical malfunctions of various nature 19 times, and in the repair shop 44 days. It has been out of the shop 2 days and again the door locks will not let us in the vehicle. This started with the rear door lock not letting us out of or into the car. The problem now affects all four doors. They cannot be locked or unlocked using the remote, the key, or manually. We therefore must exit and enter using the windows. The windows (all4) have also malfunctioned. The dash lights ABS, traction control, replace wiper fluid, illuminate when there is not a problem. The o2 sensor has been replaced. The alignment on the wheels has also caused repeated problems and I have replace 4 tires. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Catera years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (22), 1997 (21) and 1999 (6) model years. Suspension complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Catera suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (39 mentions), followed by the front › control arm (3).
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.