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Electrical systemPart report

1999 Cadillac Catera Electrical system Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
15%of 80 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Cadillac Catera, 15% of the 80 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.

“The running lights would not turn off. I was in harms way in the rain and had to take the care 70 more miles, while I could get out of the buffalo area to a safe location for the night. The lights never went off till the battery was exhausted. When recharged the headlights remained on again, unable to be turned off. When I managed to exchange a relay, the next problem occurred, the parking lights would not turn off. …”

NHTSA complaint #10457147, filed 2012-05, 98,000 miles

“I purchased a 99 Catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels. The alarm system as gone loopy in the sense that I couldn't start my vehicle unless I cranked it once left it for 15-30 min and then cranked it again. After disabling the alarm system it would only happen on occasion. The AC/heater went out due to the compressor having to much compression. The sunroof opens and closes by itself or not at all. The vacuum hoses had holes in it which was a recall but not to ken batchleor. …”

NHTSA complaint #10247392, filed 2008-10, 60,000 miles

“Windshield wipers only worked on the fast setting, and failed to disengage unless the vehicle was completely turned off. Windshield wiper motor was replaced, however the problem continued. . The consumer believed the probelm was electrical.”

NHTSA complaint #10027086, filed 2003-08, 49,000 miles

“Intermittently while slowing down, the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealership was unable to locate an error code. The dealership wanted the consumer to inform them when the vehicle cut off again. They wanted him/her to leave it wherever it broke down so they could get and resolve the error code . Once the vehicle was started, the code was deleted.”

NHTSA complaint #10027084, filed 2003-08

“Consumer states it's hard to take the key out the ignition and start the car at times.consumer stated it was towed to the dealership and they didn't fix the problem. Consumer states she would like the problem fixed or get her money back. Ph consumer stated the vehicle would stall at times.”

NHTSA complaint #568471, filed 2002-12

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

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

Other parts of the 1999 Cadillac Catera

Engine cooling
30 complaints
Tires
12 complaints
Steering
11 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Equipment
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1999 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