TroubleAtlas Score
CADILLAC CATERA (1997–2001) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 1997–2001 · all production years covered on this single page
3.0L V6 • Gasoline
2001
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Cadillac Catera (1997–2001) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability6.8
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Cadillac Catera (1997–2001) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Cadillac Catera (1997–2001) is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (0)
No official recall verified for this vehicle in the NHTSA database.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
253 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Cadillac Catera across model years 1997–2001. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
12 crash reports 8 fires 14 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199860
Model year 200059
Model year 199755
Model year 199949
Model year 200130
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling107
Electrical System51
Tires32
Service Brakes21
Air Bags20
Power Train18
Sample reports
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS BENT OUT OF SHAPE. AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES AT 6,000 MILES. *AK THE LEFT FRONT INSIDE WIRE WAS SHOWING… (MY 2000)
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, AND PERFORMANCE IS STILL UNSATISFACTORY. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE REAR TAIL PIPE.*AK (MY 1997)
SEVERE INSIDE TIRE WEAR. CAR IS ON 3RD SET OF FRONT TIRES AT 30,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS ALIGNMENT WILL HELP BUT CANNOT GUARANTEE. CAR HAS BEEN ALIGNED 3 TIMES IN PAST 6 MONTHS. ISSUE IS WITH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ACCORDING TO OTHERS BUT… (MY 2000)
DT: THE CONTACT ACTIVATED BOTH FRONT SEAT WARMERS FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES. SHE AND THE PASSENGER GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AND FASTENED THE SEAT BELTS. SHORTLY AFTER, SHE NOTICED THE PASSENGER WAS SCOOTING TO THE EDGE OF HER S… (MY 2000)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1997–2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Cadillac Catera?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Cadillac Catera?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Cadillac Catera?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are steering problems common on the Cadillac Catera?
Yes — 35 of 240 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE AND DRIVING OUT OF MY COMPLEX WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO TURN IT FOR TWO DAYS. *TR…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Cadillac Catera?
Yes — 69 of 240 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “DT: CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHEN THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ON, ALL THE GAUGES STARTED JUMPING AROUND, WHEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS PUSHED FORWARD THE HEADLIGHTS STAYED ON FOR …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Cadillac Catera?
Yes — 103 of 240 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, AND PERFORMANCE IS STILL UNSATISFACTORY. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Cadillac Catera (1997–2001)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Cadillac Catera (1997–2001) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Cadillac Catera (1997–2001) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Cadillac Catera (1997–2001).