Cadillac Catera problems
The Cadillac Catera is a four-door, five passenger, rear-wheel drive luxury sedan marketed from 1996 until 2001 by Cadillac over a single generation in the United States and Canada. As a rebadged variant of the Opel Omega B, the Catera was manufactured by Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and was underpinned by GM's V-body platform. Approximately 95,000 units were built and sold over five model years.
History
The Catera was previewed at the Detroit Auto Show in 1994 as the Cadillac LSE concept, proposed by Cadillac as an entry-level model that would compete with sedans from Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Jaguar, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz.
In 1996, an early-production model was shown at the Detroit, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto auto shows. Cadillac began marketing the Catera in the United States in the fall of 1996 as a 1997 model with a base price of $29,995 (equivalent to $58,300 in 2023).
Some of the standard features on the Catera included a cloth interior, front bucket seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player and eight-speaker sound system, airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, keyless entry, security system, alloy wheels, compact spare tire, and full instrumentation. Optional equipment included leather interior, heated seats, cassette player and CD player combination, Bose premium sound system, power sunroof, Homelink, OnStar, and chrome wheels.
A Sport model was offered beginning in 1999 with eight-way power adjustable seats, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels, driver's seat memory, audible theft-deterrent system, three-channel garage door opener, high-intensity discharge headlamps, and a rear spoiler.
The Catera received a facelift in 2000 with revised nose, tail, wheels, interior trim, mirrors, optional HID headlamps, stiffer suspension settings, and side airbags.
The model's engine was a 200 hp (149 kW) L81 54° DOHC V6 manufactured in England at GM's Ellesmere Port facility, using an FR layout. The GM 4L30-E automatic transmission was manufactured at GM's plant in Strasbourg, France.
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Cadillac Catera model years
Common Cadillac Catera problems
The Cadillac Catera, produced from 1997 to 2001, was plagued by a myriad of problems that significantly impacted its reputation and sales.
Another significant problem was engine performance issues due to crankshaft position sensor failure. The crankshaft position sensor is crucial for the engine's proper functioning, as it provides information about the engine's speed and position. When it fails, the engine may experience performance issues, such as difficulty starting, stalling, or misfiring.
The timing belt and water pump were also common sources of problems for the Cadillac Catera. The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the engine's camshaft and crankshaft, while the water pump circulates coolant to prevent engine overheating. If either of these components fails, it could lead to engine damage or even complete engine failure.
In addition to these mechanical issues, the Cadillac Catera was known for its poor handling and low fuel efficiency. The car's 3,800-pound weight and underpowered 3.0-liter V6 engine made it difficult to handle, especially on winding roads or in tight spaces. Furthermore, the car's fuel efficiency was significantly lower than that of its competitors, making it an unattractive option for many buyers.
The Cadillac Catera's interior was also criticized for its poor quality and outdated design. The car's dashboard and controls were often described as cheap and unintuitive, while the seats were criticized for their lack of comfort and support. Additionally, the car's interior materials were prone to wear and tear, making the car feel dated and unappealing even after a short period of ownership.
Finally, the Cadillac Catera's reputation was further damaged by its poor reliability and high maintenance costs. The car was known for its frequent breakdowns and expensive repair bills, which made it a poor choice for many buyers looking for a reliable and affordable luxury car.
In summary, the Cadillac Catera was plagued by a wide range of problems that significantly impacted its reputation and sales. From mechanical issues such as coolant and oil leaks, engine performance problems due to crankshaft position sensor failure, and timing belt and water pump issues, to poor handling, low fuel efficiency, poor interior quality, and high maintenance costs, the Cadillac Catera was a car that failed to meet the expectations of many buyers.
What engine did the Cadillac Catera have?
| Cadillac Catera | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0 L L81 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed GM 4L30-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in (2,730 mm) |
What is the top speed of the 1997 Cadillac Catera?
Cadillac also opted to limit the Catera's top speed to 125 mph so they could fit all-season rubber to the standard aluminum wheels. The result is a smoother, softer ride on America's often harsh pavement, and better wet-weather grip, at the expense of dry-weather handling.
What is the top speed of a 1999 Cadillac Catera?
Performance
| Horsepower | 200 @ 6000 RPM |
|---|---|
| Torque | 192 @ 3600 rpm |
| Engine | V6, 3.0 Liter |
| 0 to 60 | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
What does Catera touring sedan mean?
In the Cadillac lineup, “CTS” stands for Catera Touring Sedan. The name is a nod to the Cadillac Catera, a luxury sedan that was sold from 1996 to 2001.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Cadillac Catera years
We have researched Cadillac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Cadillac Catera cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Cadillac Catera model years:
- Cadillac Catera 1997
- Cadillac Catera 1998
- Cadillac Catera 1999
- Cadillac Catera 2000
- Cadillac Catera 2001
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Cadillac Catera model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Cadillac Catera years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Cadillac Catera car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Cadillac Catera , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Cadillac Catera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Catera model years
A total of 27 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Catera model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Catera model years
There were a total of 24 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 555 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Cadillac Catera . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Cadillac Catera vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-27
- Date Complaint: 2018-09-08
- VIN: W06VR54RXYR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE "CURTAIN" AIRBAG IN SEAT WENT OFF WHILE MY CAR WAS STOPPED AND ENGINE NOT RUNNING WITH NO CAUSE OR IMPACT WHILE NOT CLOSE TO ANYTHING IN A PARKING LOT.
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2016-06-17
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: W06VR54R4YR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I GOT IN MY CAR, 2000 CADILLAC CATERA WHICH WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT AND CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR AT THE SAME TIME REACHING BACK TO GET SEAT BELT AND "BANG" AN EXPLODING SOUND. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIR BACK EXPLODED, IN A PARKING SPOT. CAUSING, LESIONS, AND CONTUSIONS, ON THE LEFT ARM, AND A SPRAIN WRIST. ALSO, SCRAPE AND BRUISING OF SIDE, RIB AREA. ALSO, MY BOYFRIEND WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT AND HE SUFFERED AN ASTHMA ATTACK FROM THE DUST.
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2014-04-16
- VIN: W06VR54R1YR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL COOLER GAVE OUT CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL? IF YES, WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR A CLAIM? *TT
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-03
- Date Complaint: 2014-04-07
- VIN: W06VRS4R9YR
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AN 8 MILE TRIP TO MY MOTHERS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 45 MILES PER HOUR THE SPEEDOMETER JUST STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING SEEMED TO TIGHTEN UP A LITTLE BIT THE NEXT TIME I DROVE THE CAR THE STEERING WAS HARD TO MANEUVER AND ITS ALMOST AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I HAD THE POWER STEERING LOOKED AT AND IT IS FINE THE OIL LIGHT IS NOW ON 24/7 BUT THE OIL LEVEL IS FINE AND WAS JUST RECENTLY CHANGED. THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN PRODUCED BY CADILLAC IT IS NOTHING BUT A DISGRACE TO THE NAME. *TR
Cadillac Catera 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2014-01-07
- VIN: W06VR52R1VR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
Cadillac Catera 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2013-11-22
- VIN: W06VR54R01R
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* 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 APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 01/09/14*LJ
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2012-10-09
- VIN: W06VR54R0YR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE THE VEHICLE INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,300.
Cadillac Catera 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-14
- Date Complaint: 2012-09-10
- VIN: W06VR52ROXR
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Cadillac Catera 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-10
- Date Complaint: 2012-09-10
- VIN: W06VR52R0XR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURN OFF FOR A WHILE IN ORDER TO RESET THE SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2012-07-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED HE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE ODOMETER SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SOFTWARE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2012-06-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: THE CAR KEEPS ON OVER HEATING, THE OIL LIGHT KEEPS ON COMING ON BECAUSE OF THE OVER HEATING AND ALSO THE CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS WANT TO START I HAVE TO JUMP IT OFF ALOT. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE I HAVE GOTTEN IT CHECKED PLENTY OF TIME. BUT WHEN I JUMP IT OFF THE WIRES GET REALLY HOT AND START TO MELT SO I TAKE THEM OFF. ALSO THE DASHBOARD LIGHT DON'T WORK VERY WELL I HAVE TO BANG ON THE DASH BOARD FOR THEM TO EVEN BARLEY COME ON AT NIGHT.. THERE NEED TO BE BIG TIME RECALLS ON THIS CAR!!! *TR
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-29
- VIN: W06VR54R3YR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE STOPPED. THE CONTACT SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Cadillac Catera 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-02
- VIN: W06VR52R9XR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE RUNNING LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I WAS IN HARMS WAY IN THE RAIN AND HAD TO TAKE THE CARE 70 MORE MILES, WHILE I COULD GET OUT OF THE BUFFALO AREA TO A SAFE LOCATION FOR THE NIGHT. THE LIGHTS NEVER WENT OFF TILL THE BATTERY WAS EXHAUSTED. WHEN RECHARGED THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ON AGAIN, UNABLE TO BE TURNED OFF. WHEN I MANAGED TO EXCHANGE A RELAY, THE NEXT PROBLEM OCCURRED, THE PARKING LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I DID RESEARCH AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT NHTSA HAS DIRECTED TO BE FIXED WITHOUT COST, DUE TO IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE GM LINES HAVE NOT ADJUSTED AND STILL OFFER ON SEVERAL VEHICLES. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL VALLEY CADILLAC WHO DECLINED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE. I ALSO DECLINED TO FIX WITHOUT CHARGE. SHE WANTS TO CHARGE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE INSTEAD OF MAKING THE PERMANENT CORRECTION OF EXCHANGING THE CORRECT THE DEVICE, PROPERLY ONCE AND FOR ALL. I TOLD HER I WOULD CONTACT NHTSA. I ALSO ASKED HER TO SEND A MESSAGE TO CADILLAC/ GM'S LEGAL AND I AM INFORMING MY LAWYER THAT IF I SHOULD DIE, OPERATING THIS VEHICLE, THAT I MY CHILDREN SHOULD FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AGAINST ALL INVOLVED. THIS PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED A COUPLE OF MONTHS EARLIER, FRIENDLY FRED'S IN ERWIN, NY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CORRECTED ITSELF, UNTIL THIS PAST MONDAY, 4-30-12. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT DATE OF THE LAST OCCURRENCE BUT I ALSO HAD A OIL CHANGE WHICH I THINK IS THE LATE FALL OF 2011. I AM A DISABLED PERSON WHO CAN'T BE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS FOR VERY LONG. SINCE YOU, NHTSA HAS ALREADY CALLED FOR ALL OF THESE SYSTEMS TO BE REPLACED, I WANT NHTSA TO PROMPT AND PROVOKE GM'S CADILLAC TO MAKE THE REPAIR. I WORK IN THE ROCHESTER AND BUFFALO AREAS AS THERE IS NO WORK IN CORNING AREA. I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS CAR WHICH IS VITAL FOR MY SURVIVAL...UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF UPDATED 05/25/12 UPDATED 06/19/2012 *JS
Cadillac Catera 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2012-01-27
- VIN: W06VR52R6WR
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ENGINE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH OIL PRESSURE THAT STAY BELOW MINIMUM AT IDLE WHEN ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMP. FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING FAIL WITH LESS THEN 90000 MILES. AUTO TRANSMISSION FAIL WITH LESS THEN 90000 MILES. HAVE ENGAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND SHIFTING PROBLEM. *TR
Cadillac Catera 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2011-09-22
- VIN: W06VR54R2YR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CADILLAC CATERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURING WERE CONTACTED AND WERE EXPECTED THE PERFORM AN INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,994 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Latest negative Cadillac Catera car reviews
Latest positive Cadillac Catera car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1999
Your 3 year lease is up this month. It sounds like you really enjoyed driving the Catera, which provided a sporty drive from a solid car. During the lease, you drove 35,000 miles and the warranty covered everything except oil changes and tire rotations. It's great to hear that the tire that went bad was replaced at no cost. While you found the Catera to be better than the 300 series BMW, it didn't quite live up to the 500 series. It's understandable that you enjoyed the drive, but are not willing to pay the price GM is now asking to buy the car.
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Vehicle year: 1998
Hi there! I noticed that you mentioned having a bit of trouble with a coolant leak in your used vehicle. Other than that, it sounds like you're enjoying the ride! It's great to hear that the car has good pickup in traffic and is fun to drive. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Vehicle year: 2001
The car looks great, drives great and has given me excellent gas mileage. However, I do feel that the engine could use a bit more pep and could run a bit more quietly.
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Vehicle year: 1997
While everybody else hates this car, I love it!I bought last year for $2000.I immediately had to buy a new radiator for it for $200 that I installed.I was quoted up to $750 for one, so call around when buying parts.I abuse this car!The sport button is on half the time, I take corners at above twice the recommended speed.This car is glued to the road.It sails at 90 mph with no problem.If you can work on cars yourself and want cheap luxury then this is the car for you.For what I paid for it if a major repair comes up then its off to the junk yard, but until then, get out of my way!You can buy a Haynes repair manual for an Opel Omega from the UK.Same car.I did.
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Vehicle year: 2001
I bought a Cadillac almost a year ago with 86k miles. It came with a sport package, winter package, xenon headlights, Bose audio, 17-inch rims, and many more features. I have had absolutely no problems with the car!!! It is in great shape and didn't break the budget. It's the perfect car for luxury transportation every day. It's reliable and comfortable.
Are you having problems with your Cadillac Catera?
Brice Waelchi 2025-07-16
Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased this Cadillac at a very reasonable price with 112,000 miles on it, and it was almost perfect for a year. It's a fantastic car! It's definitely the nicest car I've ever owned, but it has also taught me how to be a mechanic. I encountered some issues with the Actuator motor on the AC, automatic levelers, and a ticking noise caused by me pinching a wire going to the hazard lights. It took me a while to figure that one out. Recently, the motor went bad at 137,000 miles after a timing belt broke. An interference motor is a terrible idea. However, I purchased an updated replacement motor and I'm hoping it will last a long time now. I still love the car and it has been worth the money. My biggest advice is to buy the DEALER manuals and work on it yourself.
Edd Eichmann 2025-07-01
Vehicle year: 2001
I am sorry to hear about your experience with the 2001 Catera. It seems like you have had a lot of issues with the car, especially with the cooling system and the engine. It must have been frustrating to have to deal with all of these problems. I hope that you were able to find a solution that worked for you. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Brendan Purdy 2025-06-27
Vehicle year: 1998
Although my husband and I initially believed that we had purchased a Cadillac, we have unfortunately experienced a number of issues with the car. Despite having a rebuilt engine only a few years ago, we have had to invest a significant amount of money in repairs. Regrettably, the cost of repairs has now exceeded the value of the car, and we have decided to dispose of it. While we are disappointed with our experience, we remain confident in the quality of Cadillac vehicles and would consider purchasing one in the future.
Norris Kohler 2025-06-25
Vehicle year: 2001
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car. When I first saw it, I was really drawn to its beauty and sporty look. I was so excited to own a Cadillac, but unfortunately, it hasn't been the best experience. It's been quite expensive to maintain and has had some issues with the transmission and heating. Despite these setbacks, I'm still trying to make the best of it and hope to find a solution soon. Thanks for listening!
Leonel Hauck 2025-06-22
Vehicle year: 1997
I purchased this car as a leftover in 4/98 and unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. I experienced several issues such as leaks, broken sensors, door locks, trunk locks, hoses, ignition, and more. Additionally, the service provided by Lindsay Cadillac in Virginia was not up to par, which made my ownership experience quite unpleasant. I believe that Cadillac needs to improve their quality and service to remain competitive in the market. Furthermore, the car had limited storage space and stereo options, although these issues were addressed in later models.