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EquipmentPart report

1998 Cadillac Catera Equipment Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
4%of 123 total for the year
Median mileage
27,191miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 4% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,191 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.

“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

“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 miles

“This car has been in the dealership more than 30 times for numerous problems. Too many to list. Now this vehicle has died on one of the most busiest intersections in minnesota.”

NHTSA complaint #10041592, filed 2003-10

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200113%
200011%
199945%
199854%
199764%

Other parts of the 1998 Cadillac Catera

Engine cooling
56 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsTires
19 complaintsBrakes
17 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 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Cadillac Catera

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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