1997 Cadillac Catera: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Cadillac Catera: 0 recalls, 163 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (75): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (15), noise or vibration (12), leaks (11).
- Electrical (24): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (3).
- Suspension (21): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), steering problems (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (18): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5).
The 1997 Cadillac Catera has 163 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 Catera model years for complaints (2.4× the average Catera year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (43 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 64,414 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (123 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Cadillac Catera have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Cadillac Catera. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Cadillac Catera problems?
Owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (75), electrical (24), suspension (21).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Cadillac Catera get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Cadillac Catera repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.