1998 Cadillac Catera Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Cadillac Catera, 7% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“I'm repairing the blown head gasket on the same engine for the third time in less than 50000 miles, 100000 total miles. These cars were lemons! Cadillac knows it, but does not feel the need to respond to the thousands of Catera owners who have suffered the expense of repeated repairs, totaling $10,000 with transmission replacement, major engine repair, timing belts, cooling systems, water pumps,and oh yeah...electrical system failure!!! Give me a break! And any advice besides the obvious.”
NHTSA complaint #10187875, filed 2007-04, 38,000 miles“My recent problem is I can't take the car out of park. I try for more than 30 time and yes, I have my foot on the brake. This car has been in the shop more than 35+ time since 1999 and its nothing but problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10147882, filed 2006-01, 105,880 miles“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“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“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 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Cadillac Catera
56 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsTires
19 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
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