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Electrical systemPart report

1998 Cadillac Catera Electrical system Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
14%of 123 total for the year
Median mileage
75,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 14% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,500 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.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10139607, filed 2005-10, 59,000 miles

“I own a 1998 Catera. While driving at 45 MPH on a curved road the engine and power cut off . I lost power steering and had to struggle to stop. The car on the side of the road. It happened in a matter of seconds. I had the car towed to the caddy dealer, and they said the crack sensor went bad. I reviewed the internet and saw this was a common problem. I was not hurt, but I was very concerned. If my son was driving I believe we both would not be hear and no one would know why we crashed head on. This was the second time I had trouble with this car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10193765, filed 2007-06, 84,000 miles

“Like all Cadillac Catera owners we know, we have had and are continuing to have endless major repair bills on the Catera (98 model). The water pump has failed and caused the engine to run hot. The water pump was on recall. Cadillac replaced the pump but charged for belts and other parts damaged by the failure. We have spend over $1,900 trying to solve a morning cold start skipping problem. The problem comes and goes. Cadillac dealer replaced the heater control valve and charged $953. Problem still occurs. Then a repair shop charged over $600 to replace the spark plugs and spark plug wires. …”

NHTSA complaint #10068390, filed 2004-05, 64,600 miles

“Cadillac cater 1998 experienced multiple failure that caused engine damage. The trunk light bulbs failed. The trunk light bar failed. The key fob failed. The cd player failed. The window washer hose failed. The switch for heating and cooling system had to be replaced. The bottom gear of the crankshaft broke causing engine damage. The front and rear end had to be aligned due to the vehicle pulling to the right. The center link was also replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10113275, filed 2005-02, 67,000 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 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2001310%
20002436%
19991215%
19981714%
19972415%

Other parts of the 1998 Cadillac Catera

Engine cooling
56 complaints
Suspension
22 complaints
Tires
19 complaints
Brakes
17 complaints
Air bags
9 complaints
Fuel system
9 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Seats
7 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Exterior 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 29, 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