Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 125 of 163 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
78 complaint records2 fire reports
"TIMING BELT BOLTS HAVE WORN OUT PREMATURELY. *AK A NEW TENSIONER WAS INSALLED, HOWEVER THE RESULTS ARE STILL THE SAME. *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
29 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER HAS REPLACED IT TWICE, AND PROBLEM STILL RECURRING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
24 complaint records
"FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND SUSPENSION PROBLEM CAUSED EXTREMELY PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIRES (FLAT SPOTS AND CUPPING) AND VIBRATIONS WHICH AT TIMES ARE VIOLENT. NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997191 1997-11-05 | Seats And Restraints | 18 | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONAL REAR CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHOR MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF C.M.V.S.S 210.1 - TETHER ANCHORAGES FOR CHILD RESTRAINTS. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 50 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 050604018 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0335. *TT | |
| 050842003 Mar 2005 | Exterior Lighting | HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS - DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. *TTT | |
| 030844005B Jan 2005 | Visibility | POOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 10112002 Oct 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CAM DRIVE IDLER TENSIONER PULLEY AND WATER PUMP. *EH | |
| 00294 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS ONLY AVAILBLE FROM GMSPO AS A SHORT BLOCK. *MJ | |
| 01317 Nov 2003 | Equipment | RADIO INOPERATIVE WITH KEY ON, AUTO DOOR LOCK FEATURE DISABLED, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR DOES NOT ENGAGE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1255 STORED IN THE RADIO. RADIO MAY WORK IN RAP OR ACCESSORY UNTIL THE DOOR IS OPENED. *TT | |
| 02041A Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM - CAM DRIVE IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEYS AND WATER PUMP - BACK ORDER. *TT | |
| 11212002 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TENSIONER KITS ON BACKORDER. *EH | |
| 02041A Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DEALER INFORMATION REGARDING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02041 - CAM DRIVE IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEYS, AND WATER PUMP. *TT | |
| 10232002 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMING BELT MARKS SPECIAL POLICY PROGRAM USED ON THREE LITER ENGINES. *TT | |
| 02041 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS MESSAGE IS TO HELP DEALERS WITH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02041 - CAM DRIVE IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEYS AND WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 09272002 Sep 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THE CAM DRIVE TIMING BELT IDLER PULLEYS AND TENSIONER PULLEY AND WATER PUMP MAY FAIL. *TT | |
| 02041 Sep 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THE CAM DRIVE TIMING BELT IDLER PULLEYS AND TENSIONER PULLEY, AND WATER PUMP MAY FAIL. *TT | |
| 02018 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FAILURES OF THE CAM DRIVE TIMING BELT, IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEYS AND / OR WATER PUMP. *TT | |
| 053102 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM - SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE FAILURES OF THE CAM DRIVE TIMING BELT, IDLER AND TENSION PULLEYS AND / OR THE WATER PUMP. *TT | |
| 010730033A Dec 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE 4L30-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE POLICY PROCEDURE. *SLC | |
| 010866010 Oct 2001 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING ITCHING TYPE NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *YH | |
| 010602009 Sep 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A LOSS OF COOLANT, LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON, AND / OR ENGINE OVERHEATING. *TT | |
| 010602005 Jul 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS IN THE RED ZONE AND / OR THE OVERHEAT LIGHT IS ON. THE VEHICLES DOES NOT OVERHEAT. *TT | |
| 010602004 Jul 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT ON REGARDING: REVISED THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *ET | |
| 200601 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING COOLANT LEAKS AT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER COVER. *TT | |
| 01122 Jun 2001 | Fuel System | CAMPAIGN PARTS BULLETIN REGARDING SECONDARY AIR INJECTION (SAI) HOSE FAILURES - INSPECT / REPLACE HOSE. *TT | |
| 01037 Jun 2001 | Fuel System | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HOLE IN THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION HOSE BETWEEN THE CHECK VALVE AND SHUT OFF VALVE. *SLC | |
| 010235005 May 2001 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A SQUEAK TYPE NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 010235002 Mar 2001 | Steering | SOME CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THE IGNITION KEY MAY BE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AT TIMES. *TT | |
| 220201 Feb 2001 | Equipment | THIS BULLETIN STATES THAT DUE TO A TECH II SOFTWARE PROGRAM, TECHNICANS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROGRAM SOME OF THE KEYWORD 82 DATA MODULES USING ANY RELEASE VERSION 20.010 OR GREATER. *TT | |
| 220101 Jan 2001 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE KEY CANNOT BE EASILY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *TT | |
| 181200 Dec 2000 | Unknown Or Other | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0411 HAVING A FAILED AIR HOSE. *TT | |
| 010900 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING RUPTURED AIR HOSE REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 00042A Aug 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE RUBBER HUB AND METAL RIM OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY MAY FAIL. *TT | |
| 00042 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE RUBBER HUB AND METAL RIM OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY (TORSIONAL DAMPNER) MAY FAIL. *TT | |
| 120299 Feb 1999 | Suspension | REPAIR GUIDELINES FOR THE CATERA CUSTOMER LETTER REGARDING TIRE WEAR / LEAD RIGHT (SERVICE BULLETIN 81-31-02). *TT | |
| 98819614 Oct 1998 | Equipment | CONCERNS OF POOR RADIO RECEPTION. *YC | |
| 818311 Sep 1998 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION OF THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL (ECC) HEAD BECOMING BLANK AND INOPERATIVE ON AN INTEMITTENT BASIS. *YC | |
| 813102 Jul 1998 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO VIN 195189 MAY EXHIBIT VEHICLE DRIFTS / LEADS TO THE RIGHT AND / OR FRONT TIRE INNER SHOULDER WEAR. *TT | |
| 970701755004 Jul 1997 | Service Brakes | EXPERIENCING SQUEAL NOISE FROM REAR BRAKES ONLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *YC | |
| 716114 Jun 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL LEAK FROM ENGINE TIMING COVER (FRONT ENGINE AREA) (SERVICE PROCEDURE). *TW | |
| 970501718106 May 1997 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH SLAPPING OR FLOPPING NOISES FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. *YC | |
| 97050179601 May 1997 | Electrical System | VARIOUS NOISES ON LOWER FREQUENCIES OF THE AM BAND OF THE RADIO. *YC | |
| 719005 Apr 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | CLUNK NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS DISENGAGED WITH BRAKE PEDAL (RECALIBRATE CRUISE CONTROL). *TW | |
| 4573 | Air Bags | AIR BAG INDICATOR IS ON DTC 52 IN SDM. *KB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Cadillac Catera →