1998 Cadillac Catera problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 267 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Catera year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 7 Catera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 69 reports (26% of the total).
267
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Catera years?
What are the most common 1998 Cadillac Catera problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 69 | 26% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 33 | 12% | — flat |
| Suspension | 25 | 9% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 24 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 23 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 10 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 10 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 10 | 4% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 10 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 9 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 9 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH 1998 CATERA. HAD TIMING BELT TENSIONER-PULLEYS/CAM DRIVE REPLACED LAST YEAR(3-2002) WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" WAS ISSUED BY CADILLAC IN SEPT 2002 FOR CATERA'S TO HAVE CAME DRIVE IDLER/TENSIONER PULLEY/WATER PUMP REPLACED WITH NEW VERSION. GOT VEHICLE SERVICED…”
“NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH 1998 CATERA. HAD TIMING BELT TENSIONER-PULLEYS/CAM DRIVE REPLACED LAST YEAR(3-2002) WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" WAS ISSUED BY CADILLAC IN SEPT 2002 FOR CATERA'S TO HAVE CAME DRIVE IDLER/TENSIONER PULLEY/WATER PUMP REPLACED WITH NEW VERSION. GOT VEHICLE SERVICED…”
“VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. DEALER CLAIMS THEY ARE GOING BY GMC SPECS. BUT ALIGNMENT IS OFF, CAUSING INNER EDGE OF TIRES TO WEAR DOWN TO STEEL.*AK THERE WAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP MORE THAN TEN TIMES FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. AL FOUR…”
“NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH 1998 CATERA. HAD TIMING BELT TENSIONER-PULLEYS/CAM DRIVE REPLACED LAST YEAR(3-2002) WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" WAS ISSUED BY CADILLAC IN SEPT 2002 FOR CATERA'S TO HAVE CAME DRIVE IDLER/TENSIONER PULLEY/WATER PUMP REPLACED WITH NEW VERSION. GOT VEHICLE SERVICED…”
“NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH 1998 CATERA. HAD TIMING BELT TENSIONER-PULLEYS/CAM DRIVE REPLACED LAST YEAR(3-2002) WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" WAS ISSUED BY CADILLAC IN SEPT 2002 FOR CATERA'S TO HAVE CAME DRIVE IDLER/TENSIONER PULLEY/WATER PUMP REPLACED WITH NEW VERSION. GOT VEHICLE SERVICED…”
1998 Cadillac Catera — common questions
Is the 1998 Cadillac Catera reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 267 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 7 Catera years. It is one of the Catera years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Catera problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (69 complaints), electrical system (33 complaints), suspension (25 complaints).
Does the 1998 Cadillac Catera have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Which Cadillac Catera years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Catera years to avoid are 1997, 1998. The cleanest record among Catera years belongs to 2002.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.