1997 Cadillac Catera Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 6%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,632miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Cadillac Catera, 6% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,632 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.
“The ABS and traction control system failed on my 1997 Cadillac Catera in kingsport, tn during a snowstorm. This resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle and un-drivability of the car during inclement weather. Dealer attempts to correct with replacement of computer module and valve/pump have not solved the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10054381, filed 2004-01, 82,000 miles“At 85,263 miles the car would not shift out of 1st gear. Dealership analysis was transmission coming apart internally . No parts available for repair. Required a new transmission at a cost of $2997.86. There is no way a transmission should come apart with only 85,000 miles on it. 2nd major event for this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10005525, filed 2003-02, 85,263 miles“Abs system and traction control systems fail numerous times. Always when applying the brakes at any speed on any surface. Failure also occurs when vehicle is not moving (when depressing the brake to shift from park). The dealer has not solved the problem permanently, simply fixing it for a few weeks at a time. The ABS and traction control always fail at precisely the same time.”
NHTSA complaint #747619, filed 2001-06“Car was making a grinding sound under hood. Was told timing chain tensioner was almost broken. Dlr replaced tensioner, timing chain, and idler pulley. Car has had 6 alignments since 10/13/00. Car still pulls to left and wears out tires prematurely. Car has 47,000 miles on itand has 3rd set of tires on it. Car had a oil leak on valve cover gaskets. Dlr repaired and replaced. Car hesitates and surges forward. Dlr has not found problem. Car has abnormal shift patterns. …”
NHTSA complaint #743031, filed 2001-03“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 1999-06Transmission and drivetrain: 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 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 31, 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