1999 Cadillac Catera recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1999 Cadillac Catera owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (32), Electrical system (13), Wheels / tires (13), Steering (11), Unknown Or Other (8).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/10/2012 · Steering
CAR SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. *TR
09/10/2012 · Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURN OFF FOR A WHILE IN ORDER TO RESET THE SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE…
05/02/2012 · Electrical system
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 N…
03/05/2010 · Lights
MY HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES (SEALED BEAM) ON 1999 CADILLAC CATERA ARE BROKEN. THESE PARTS CAN NOT BE REPAIRED - BULBS WILL BURN OUT IN SEVERAL MONTHS DUE TO JARRING/BOUNCING. WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR THE PREVIOUS 5.5 YEARS AND IT HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
10/31/2008 · Engine
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 COMPRESS…
09/11/2008 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC CATERA. AFTER A RAINSTORM, THE CONTACT WOULD NOTICE A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE FRONT AND BACK PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANELS. DEPENDING ON THE PRECIPITATION, THERE WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 INCHES OF WATER ON THE FLOOR. THE WATER ORIGINATED FROM THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. ALSO, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF…
06/01/2008 · Engine
1999 CADILLAC CATERA WITH 34,000 ORIGINAL MILES COMPLETLY FAILS ON THE HIGHWAY. YOU LOSE ENGINE, BRAKES AND STEERING. *TR
04/07/2008 · Engine
OUR 1999 CADILLAC CATERA ENGINE SHELLED OUT DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE SERPENTINE BEARING ASSEMBLY THAT GENERAL MOTORS ELECTED TO INSTALL ON THE 3.0 V-6 ENGINE FOR THIS CAR. GM IS WELL AWARE OF THE DEFECT BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE DEFECTIVE BEARINGS FREEZE UP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS,IT CAUSES A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE; HENCE RESULTING IN AN…