1999 Cadillac Catera
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.
- Complaints
- 80
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
None on file
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 80 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 163 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 80 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 2001 | 30 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
39% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
After the recall was performed, 30 days later the vehicle caught fire in the engine. Consumer put the fire out and took the vehicle back to the dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-25
Tires
15% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Electrical system
15% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing module and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Car shuts down when driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-10
Also filed under Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-02
Steering
14% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and anti-theft device.
Vehicle speed control
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
While pulling into a parking space and coming to a stop, vehicle lurched forward and hit another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-16
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Cadillac Catera — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1999 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 1999 Cadillac Catera?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Cadillac Catera have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.