MYRModel Year Report

1997 Cadillac Catera

○ Not enough data
1997 Cadillac Catera
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:38:27.825Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Cadillac Catera Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1997: 163 complaints 1997 1998: 123 complaints 1998 1999: 80 complaints 1999 2000: 67 complaints 2000 2001: 30 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 3 complaints 2003
1997: 163 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1997163
1998123
199980
200067
200130
20022
20033

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 47%

47% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 77 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SMOLDERING FIRE WITHIN THE DASH HARNESS P/N90493373 OF MY 1997 CADILLAC CATERA VIN #[XXX]. NO ACTUAL FLAMES WERE SEEN BEFORE THE 80 AMP MAIN FUSE OPENED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030814

SUSPENSION 14%

14% of complaints: suspension — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and control arm.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 12%

12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and switch.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Cadillac Catera — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (77 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (23 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Cadillac Catera reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Cadillac Catera?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Cadillac Catera have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.