Cadillac

Catera

Midsize Cars · model years 1997 to 2001

See all 5 Catera trims All Cadillac cars

The verdict

Best year: 2001. complaints: 30, below this model's typical 80; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 1997. complaints: 163, about 2x this model's typical 80; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Cadillac Catera
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Top complaints
1997	1Gas	19	$4,050	0	163	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 30%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%, SUSPENSION 8%
complaints: 163, about 2x this model's typical 80 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 8 complaints reporting a fire: 3 Score: 36 of 100, where higher is better.
1998	1Gas	18	$3,450	0	123	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 26%, SUSPENSION 10%, TIRES 9%
complaints: 123, about 1.5x this model's typical 80 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 55 of 100, where higher is better.
1999	1Gas	18	$4,300	0	80	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%, TIRES 9%
complaints: 80, in line with this model's typical 80 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints reporting a fire: 4 Score: 70 of 100, where higher is better.
2000	1Gas	18	$4,300	0	67	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%, AIR BAGS 8%
complaints: 67, below this model's typical 80 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 73 of 100, where higher is better.
2001	1Gas	18	$3,450	0	30	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 22%, TIRES 14%, AIR BAGS 8%
complaints: 30, below this model's typical 80 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 2 Score: 87 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median1997: 19 to 2001: 18

Owner complaints1997: 163 to 2001: 30

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Cadillac Catera to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.