2002 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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Common 2002 Cadillac Catera problems
The Cadillac Catera, produced from 1997 to 2001, was plagued with various issues that negatively affected its reputation among car owners. Some of the most common problems include:
- Water pump problems: The water pump was another problematic component in the Catera. Many owners reported issues with the water pump, which could lead to engine failure.
- Lack of reimbursement for repairs made outside a Cadillac dealership: Although GM's special service policy covers repairs made outside a Cadillac dealership, this may not necessarily be the case. The policy is handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Gauge lights failure: Some Catera owners reported that the gauge lights stopped working after around 60,000 miles.
- Poor handling and control: The Catera's handling and control were criticized for not being up to par, especially when compared to the competition. The car was marketed as a sport-oriented vehicle, but it lacked the necessary tools to compete effectively.
- Inadequate power: The Catera's 3.0-liter V6 engine struggled with the car's 3,800-pound weight, leading to poor performance.
- Reputation damage: The Catera's numerous problems significantly damaged Cadillac's reputation, making it difficult for the brand to recover.
These issues, combined with the car's poor marketing and targeting of the wrong demographic, led to the Catera's failure in the market. Despite Cadillac's attempts to improve its image with the Catera, the car ultimately missed its target and contributed to the brand's struggles during this period.
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) |
Is a Cadillac Catera RWD?
Introduced for 1997, Cadillac's entry-level Catera was derived from the European Opel Omega. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V6, this rear-drive sports sedan accelerates smoothly and handles with agility.
What replaced the Catera?
The replacement for the unloved Catera would be the CTS in 2002.
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.
What kind of car is a Catera?
luxury sedan
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.
Is a Cadillac Catera RWD?
Introduced for 1997, Cadillac's entry-level Catera was derived from the European Opel Omega. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V6, this rear-drive sports sedan accelerates smoothly and handles with agility.
What replaced the Catera?
The replacement for the unloved Catera would be the CTS in 2002.
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.
2002 Cadillac Catera car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Catera problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Equipment problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Cadillac Catera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Cadillac Catera complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Cadillac Catera.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-26
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: SEALED HEADLIGHTS THAT HAVE RESIDUE ON THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHTS THAT YOU CAN NOT REPLACE JUST THE BULBS. YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, THAT COST OVER 600.00 EACH. THIS WOULD BE ON A 2002 CADALLAC CATERA. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: W06VR54R31R
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL ARE SO CLOSE TOGETHER THAT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES COULD ALSO PRESS GAS AND VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT CURB. THIS HAPPENED 4 TIMES. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Cadillac Catera problems:
What's wrong with the Cadillac Catera? | Come for the cars, stay for ...
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Aug 14, 2000 ... Home › Cadillac › Cadillac Catera. Edmunds ... many Catera had issues ... When you put these problems with a car along with the apathy of Cadillac ...
2001 Catera Myriad of Issues | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jul 11, 2011 ... 2001 Catera Myriad of Issues · 1) Car would not start 5% of the time, waiting ~20min would resolve the issue. Research (thanks to this forum ...
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Apr 13, 2009 ... I have a 2001 Cadillac Cetera, recently my radio has started working only intermitently, and my trunk and fuel hatch - Answered by a ...
2001 Sport: My Problems, And How I Fixed Them! | Cadillac Owners ...
Nov 7, 2012 ... About 20 months ago I bought a 2001 Cadillac Catera Sport with all of the upgrades (except the rear CD changer). Below is the list of issues and ...
Other years of Cadillac Catera
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