1997 Cadillac Catera Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 46%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,074miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Cadillac Catera, 46% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,074 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle is a 97 Cadillac Catera and has had the starter replaced and still will not start. Two car lots have had the vehicle at the Cadillac dealership now and they are giving me the run around they say that its the mass airflow sensor but still have not replaced it yet I'm wondering why Cadillac has not notified people of this problem when I'm being told that it is a common problem with cateras of them not starting.”
NHTSA complaint #10130643, filed 2005-07, 88,000 miles“Their are to many problems and trips to the dealership to list!!! I experienced four recalls at once on july 25th, 2002. The technicians are obviously incompentent or have no clue how to fix this vehicle correctly in the first place. I called the GM customer service number given run around. I suffered a catrostrofic engine failure as a result of low coolant in my engine when failures occurred. Letters from GM state vehicles can suffer engine damaged or engine failure and that they will cover the losses and at no cost to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000804, filed 2003-01, 85,237 miles“I purchased a 1997 Cadillac Catera on jan 31, 2001 from united automax in memphis, tn. From the date of purchase I have had extensive problems with this car. Beginning with electrical problems with the lights. Since then I have had problems with tires wearing out prematurely, heater core replaced, rotors replaced and wearing out again within a year's time. Fuses have blown, radiator fan along with other problems. Numerous recalls and etc. On april 14, 2003 I took my car to bud davis Cadillac in memphis and reported that I could smell oil burning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10016925, filed 2003-05, 65,074 miles“While driving about 65 MPH on the highway and without warning the vehicle shut down due to a belt which held the pulley into the engine, melting. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic discovered what the problem was and informed the consumer the part was on recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10042196, filed 2003-11, 64,414 miles“Tensioner pulley locked up. The tensioner stopped turning. As a result of this, the drive belt shredded like spaghetti and then melted. I avoided an accident by applying brakes and then having the car towed. Total repair cost: $729.”
NHTSA complaint #10262354, filed 2009-03, 128,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10015002Mar 1, 2005Revised diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0335.
- 10013126Oct 11, 2004Cam drive idler tensioner pulley and water pump.
- 10013176Nov 21, 2002Tensioner kits on backorder.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Cadillac Catera
24 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTires
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Cadillac Catera
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology