1997 Cadillac Catera: fire, smoke or burning smell

5 of the 163 complaints about the 1997 Cadillac Catera describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2001
2
2000
2
1999
4
1998
4
1997
5

What owners say

Filed May 3, 2007 · Engine · 58,600 miles · IL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 cadillac catera. While driving at any speed the vehicle overheated. The contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and antifreeze leaking from the vehicle. On may 2, 2007 the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was a hole in the antifreeze line, but the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage is 80,100, and failure mileage was 58,600.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Engine · 40,105 miles · PA

Lost all coolant, radiator light on, funny burning smell, car towed. Heater valve replaced, dex cool anti-freeze replaced. Cooling fan on car is now coming on while driving, air conditioning not working, funny motor noise, car has to go back to shop for diagnostic test. Cadillac 800# claims there is no recall on this. Some gauges not working properly. Car purchased -23,503 miles- now have 40,120 miles. Have had tires replaced twice.

Filed Sep 5, 2003 · Electrical · 49,343 miles · TX · fire

Electrical smoldering fire within the dash harness p/n90493373 of my 1997 cadillac catera VIN #[xxx]. No actual flames were seen before the 80 amp main fuse opened. I did see the actual harness at the cadillac dealership and most if not all the wires in the harness had their shielding melted clean away about 1/2". The exposed wires shorted together to cause the fuse to open. I was told the authorized dealership was the only people able to determine if this was a manufacturing failure but that they were not able to actually able to make the determination. They pointed out, its possible that anyone could have done something to contribute to this issue. They would not say if there was any evidence of tampering though, even when asked to look for it. Cadillac factory service rep [xxx] opened file #[xxx] on 8-14-03 and offered to look into any possible assistance, but said there would be little to none. When I asked if I should report this to the federal safety agency they then threatened to withdraw the file and any possible assistance. By talking to the manager [xxx], the file I was told would remain open but not available to anyone.*ak the consumer wanted to know the status of the complaint submitted. *jb *ph *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 13, 2001 · Seats · IL

Passenger turned on seat heater, and after about 10 minutes, consumer smelled something burning. Seat heating element had burned right through seat, 3/4 inch diameter.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Engine, Lights · MD · fire

1997 cadillac catera problems, vehicle was in the shop for repairs 4 times in the 6 weeks of ownership, right side front door would not open, left side front door would not open, tail light assembly out, engine caught on fire while driving on beltway (insurance estimate a total loss)