1998 Cadillac Catera Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 18%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 18% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,500 miles.
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“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“Rear tire wore out prematurely, causing tire tread on the inside to show. Dealer notified. The rear tires wore on the inside because of too much negative camber. New tires were purchased and installed. The consumers case went to arbitration but was rejected because the problem would require a design change which was beyond the scope of arbitration. The consumer called Cadillac to but a retrofit kit to adjust the camber but no kit was available. A design change was made which was not interchangeable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033808, filed 2004-04, 21,083 miles“Both front tires are worn excessively on the insides due to improper allignment. Purchased vehicle used on 1-28-02, and have complained about the front end pulling to the left. Have had a new tie rod put on, but this did not help. New tires were on vehicle when purchased. Drivers side tire is worse, with steel cord coming thru, passenger side tire is worn bad. After looking into this, it seems that the control arm and/or control arm bushings are at fault and that general motors and the Cadillac division are aware of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10041561, filed 2003-10, 68,000 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 milesSuspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Cadillac Catera
56 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 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 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