1998 Cadillac Catera Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 14%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 14% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1998 cad. Catera - no incident started the problems - a mechanic knew it had a bad head gasket before opening the hood or being told why I was there because he said 9 out of 10 cateras have this problem. Consumer reports lists this year and model as a must to avoid car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10231880, filed 2008-06, 60,000 miles“A/c compressor leaking and A/C compressor not cycling and leaking from the chase valve system. Compressor had to be replaced. Updated 01/11/08. The heater coolant valve had to be replaced. The front brake pads and sensor were replaced and the rotors had to be resurfaced. Updated.”
NHTSA complaint #10205106, filed 2007-10, 14,145 miles“Mid-june ABS tc warning lights appear in 1998 Cadillac Catera. Ebtcm diagnosed as failed. Dealer ordered new ebtcm, not available. Cadillac customer service confirms national backorder not a single one of these parts in GM warehouse systems, dealer system, etc. Took car to chevy (GM) dealer (7/9/05) to diagnose. Confirm failure of ebtcm; part not available. Called Cadillac customer service, e-mailed multiple times. Response remains constant...national back order, no knowledge when part will be available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132163, filed 2005-08, 69,140 miles“Cadillac Catera 1998, driver seat became extremely hot that consumer back was burned. The consumer first had a problem with the seat not heating was back in december of 2000 which was repaired. On previous occasion the consumer had work done. The molding around the windshield was loose, the consumer reported a wobble in the tire, one month later the consumer had a flat tire, he was then told the tires needed to replaced, there was static from the radio, the front pads were replaced and the brake sensor was replaced twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10115604, filed 2005-03, 27,191 miles“1998 Catera problems: transmission failed 3 times caused by electronic part mal function; alternator failure; battery has been replaced 3 times; heater and A/C inoperative-burned harness and electronic component; door hinges failed; engine oil leak; vehicle cranks but will not start; premature tire wear; vehicle wanders; front end aligned 3 times in one year; warped disc rotors twice in two year period; differential seals leak; vaoltage meter ambiguos reading; sidemarkers inoperative and corroded; high underhood temperature; remote keys filed; rear view mirrors do not adjust to night driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10126748, filed 2005-06, 90,000 milesBrakes: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Cadillac Catera
56 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsTires
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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