1998 Cadillac Catera
1998 Cadillac Catera
The 1998 Cadillac Catera is a midsize sedan that was produced by Cadillac from 1997 to 2001. It was the first Cadillac to be built outside of the United States, and it was based on the Opel Omega platform. The Catera was available with two engine options: a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter V6 engine that produced 175 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Owners of the 1998 Cadillac Catera have reported a number of issues with their vehicles. These issues can be grouped into the following categories:
Engine
3.0-liter V6
- Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a loss of coolant and a decrease in engine performance. The gasket can be replaced for $200 - $400+.
- Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and damage the engine. The timing chain tensioner can be replaced for $500 - $1,000+.
2.5-liter V6
- No issues found
Transmission
5-speed automatic transmission
- Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip, causing a loss of power and acceleration. The transmission can be rebuilt or replaced for $1,500 - $3,000+.
- Torque converter failure: The torque converter may fail, causing the transmission to slip and shudder. The torque converter can be replaced for $500 - $1,000+.
Suspension
- Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce and handle poorly. The struts can be replaced for $400 - $800+.
- Rear suspension shock failure: The rear suspension shocks can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce and handle poorly. The shocks can be replaced for $200 - $400+.
Electrical
- Battery drain: The battery may drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to be difficult to start. The battery can be replaced for $100 - $200+.
- Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. The alternator can be replaced for $500 - $1,000+.
Exterior
- Headlight failure: The headlights may fail due to a faulty bulb or wiring. The bulb or wiring can be replaced for $50 - $200+.
- Taillight failure: The taillights may fail due to a faulty bulb or wiring. The bulb or wiring can be replaced for $50 - $200+.
Interior
- Sunroof leak: The sunroof may leak, allowing water to enter the vehicle. The sunroof seal can be replaced for $200 - $400+.
- Power window failure: The power windows may fail due to a faulty switch or motor. The switch or motor can be replaced for $100 - $300+.
Summary
The 1998 Cadillac Catera is a reliable vehicle, but it does have some common issues. The most severe and expensive issues are related to the engine and transmission. However, many of the other issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Catera is a good value for the money.