1999 Cadillac Catera

80 federal complaints (140 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 49 service bulletins
See all 7 model years of the Cadillac Catera →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
16 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
80
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Engine & cooling
33
Tires
13
Electrical system
13
Steering
11
Speed control
8
Other
8
Suspension
7
Body & structure
7
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

0 years old: 8 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 5 complaints4 years old: 9 complaints5 years old: 3 complaints56 years old: 4 complaints7 years old: 8 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 1 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 63 of 80 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

33 complaint records1 fire report
"1999 CADILLAC CATERA WITH 34,000 ORIGINAL MILES COMPLETLY FAILS ON THE HIGHWAY. YOU LOSE ENGINE, BRAKES AND STEERING. *TR..."- 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 →

Tires

13 complaint records
"TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES WERE SHOWING TREAD SEPARATION. METAL WAS SHOWING ON INSIDE OF TIRES. ALL TIRES WERE SHOWING WEAR AND TEAR. *AK (DOT NUMBER: M6T4 TIRESIZE: P225/55R16)..."- 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 tires parts in the directory →

Electrical system

13 complaint records
"WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORKED ON THE FAST SETTING, AND FAILED TO DISENGAGE UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY TURNED OFF.*AK WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *TS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBELM WAS ELECTRICAL. *JB..."- 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 →

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis 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
EquipmentThis 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.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis 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.
PIC4696C
May 2018
EquipmentThis 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.
Show 44 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
Fuel SystemThis 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...
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis 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...
16NA260
Aug 2016
EquipmentTHIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis 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.
PIP5346
Nov 2015
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis 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
EquipmentVehicle Recalls
05-06-04-035D
May 2014
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
99-08-51-007F
Feb 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityRefinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining.
PI0281D
Jan 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityUnderbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion.
PIC5913
Sep 2013
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
08089-B
Nov 2008
Electrical SystemGENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE
08-089
Jun 2008
EquipmentBUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION.
050842003
Mar 2005
Exterior LightingHIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS - DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. *TTT
030844005B
Jan 2005
VisibilityPOOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT
04015
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT FIELD ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL CADILLAC DEALERS REGARDING SPECIAL POLICY 04015 - ENGINE CONTROL OXYGEN SENSORS - REPLACE.
04162004
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP AND POSSIBLY DRIVABILITY CONCERNS SUCH AS ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. SPECIAL POLICY PROGRAM 04015. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT
01554
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemREPEAT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0411. SIT BULLETIN 1410431. *TT
02038
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1000. *MR
3001
Jan 2004
EquipmentVOLUME IS ONLY CONTROLLED USING STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. *TT
3047
Jan 2004
Equipment99 THROUGH 05 YEAR VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH THREE-BUTTON ONSTAR SYSTEMS. *TT
01317
Nov 2003
EquipmentRADIO 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 CoolingCUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM - CAM DRIVE IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEYS AND WATER PUMP - BACK ORDER. *TT
11212002
Nov 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingTENSIONER KITS ON BACKORDER. *EH
02041A
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02041 - CAM DRIVE IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEYS, AND WATER PUMP. KIT INFORMATION. *TT
10042002
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingCAM DRIVE IDLER AND TENSIONER PULLEY AND WATER PUMP INSPECT REPLACE PROGRAM. *EH
010730033A
Dec 2001
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING THE 4L30-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE POLICY PROCEDURE. *SLC
010866010
Oct 2001
SuspensionINFORMATION REGARDING ITCHING TYPE NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *YH
010602009
Sep 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A LOSS OF COOLANT, LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON, AND / OR ENGINE OVERHEATING. *TT
010602005
Jul 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingA 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
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING REVISED THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT
200601
Jun 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING COOLANT LEAKS AT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER COVER. *TT
01122
Jun 2001
Fuel SystemCAMPAIGN PARTS BULLETIN REGARDING SECONDARY AIR INJECTION (SAI) HOSE FAILURES - INSPECT / REPLACE HOSE. *TT
01037
Jun 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HOLE IN THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION HOSE BETWEEN THE CHECK VALVE AND SHUT OFF VALVE. *SLC
010235005
May 2001
SteeringEXPERIENCING A SQUEAK TYPE NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT
010235002
Mar 2001
SteeringSOME CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THE IGNITION KEY MAY BE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AT TIMES. *TT
220201
Feb 2001
EquipmentTHIS 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 SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE KEY CANNOT BE EASILY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *TT
181200
Dec 2000
Unknown Or OtherDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0411 HAVING A FAILED AIR HOSE. *TT
00042A
Aug 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingCERTAIN 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
CAG19990029
Jun 1999
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0602 AFTER AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) OR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) REPLACEMENT. *TT
3636
Engine And Engine CoolingDTC P0411 SET FOR LOW FLOW DETECTED FROM THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION (SAI) SYSTEM (AIR PUMP).
4573
Air BagsAIR 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 →