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2001 Cadillac Catera Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Cadillac Catera, most often about the engine (27% of complaints, typically around 62,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Catera model year since 2000.

Complaints30
Recalls0
Crashes reported4
Fires reported0
Injuries reported2

Most common 2001 Cadillac Catera problems

  1. Engine

    8 complaints · 27%

    Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine.

    Chronic failure of gm pn# 90566947 causing loss of coolant and possible fire damage due to proximity of exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. There have been 3 replacements in 62,580 miles. The first @ 16,586 miles, second @ 34,503 miles, and the latest at 62,580 miles. The leaks begin as an odor of coolant, then…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 62,580 miles
    The contact owns a 2001 Cadillac Catera. The contact stated that the engine was leaking oil prematurely. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where the engine gaskets, belts and the water pump were replaced. However, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 60,000 miles

  2. Wheels and tires

    7 complaints · 23%

    Half of these problems showed up before 22,000 miles. Parts named most often: rim, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.

    I am the original owner of a 2001 cetera. My car now has 42,000 miles. At approximately 22000 miles , having rotated the tires faithfully every 3000 miles, I went to a tire dealer to have them rotated, and was told not to drive on them anymore as the edges were totally worn out, exposing the canvas. I had been told…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 22,000 miles
    The design of the front wheels was causing premature wear of the tires because the tires came in contact with the road at an angle while driving. Based from invoice from dealer, the front wheels of the Catera are designed to pitched slightly inward, which may cause the front tires to wear faster. Also, it was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 21,000 miles

  3. Speed control

    3 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.

    My husband was driving home from work when the accelerator "took over" and went all the way to the floor. He applied the brakes but they did not work. At some point the front wheel of the vehicle sheared off and flew off the car causing complete loss of control. My husband, a former navy seal, managed to "manhandle"…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 70,000 miles

  4. Electrical

    3 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: ignition.

    Tl contact owns a 2001 Cadillac Catera. The contact stated that the odometer stopped working when the traction control light and the ABS light was illuminated. The vehicle also lost power when the warning lights came on. The gears then started to shift very slowly. The failure mileage was 70,484. The current mileage…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 70,484 miles

  5. Air bags

    3 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: frontal.

    Tl contact owns a 2001 Cadillac Catera. While driving 20 MPH , the contact was making a turn when the passenger side air bag deployed without a crash occurring. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that it was an electrical problem and to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and they would not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 26,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2001 Cadillac Catera. While traveling 15 MPH and attempting a right turn, the front driver air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 26,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 26,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2001 Cadillac Catera recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2001 Cadillac Catera

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Cadillac Catera?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (8 complaints, typically around 62,500 miles); wheels and tires (7 complaints, typically around 22,000 miles); speed control (3 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2001 Cadillac Catera have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Cadillac Catera. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2001 a bad year for the Cadillac Catera?
It is the 2nd most complained-about Catera model year since 2000, with 30 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Cadillac Catera years

Cadillac Catera problems by year