1997 Cadillac Catera Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Cadillac Catera, 5% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: the contact stated after opening the trunk of the vehicle the trunk fell on him. The supports that were suppose to keep the trunk in the open position failed. The contact sustained minor injuries. The dealership said the failure was with the lift supports. There were no previous problems with the trunk or signs of rust. The vehicle will be taken to a body shop for repairs. Updated 01/11/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10145296, filed 2005-12, 45,000 miles“The consumer is experiencing the following: the engine is overheating/there's a loud tapping sound, the brakes are grinding on the right side, the power locks at times won't unlock/must play with the floor shifter, and the clock was repaired. The dealer suggested that nothing was wrong with the vehicle, in reference to the engine. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10003913, filed 2003-01“Door would intermittenley fail to unlock/open after turning off ignition switch. Sometimes consumer would have to wait 40-45 minute before vehicle releases the door lock. Consumer would have to climb out the window. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #855233, filed 2000-01“The dashboard and lower console lights are experiencing problems (intermittently activated), the lower console lights will become dim and takes ten minutes to become normal, dealership is not able to correct.”
NHTSA complaint #784377, filed 1999-12“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #707235, filed 1999-06Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Cadillac Catera
75 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTires
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 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