1997 Cadillac Catera: sudden loss of power

Filed Jun 2, 2003 · Electrical · VA

Consumer purchased vehicle on 3/9/03 ,and in april started to experience problems. Vehicle begun to smoke, she took it to the dealer, where she purchased it, and they could not tell her what was wrong. They sent the vehicle to a cadillac dealership. Currently, vehicle has been cutting off while being driven, vehicle lost power and almost got into an accident because it cut off, and could not get out of oncoming traffic.

Filed Apr 2, 2002 · Engine · FL

Engine damage was due to a bad timing belt tensioner that caused timing belt to come off causing the car to suddenly stop in the left lane on I-75 going going 75 MPH. The results of this was bent intake valves, therefore making the heads not replaceable. I had to replace the engine. I've also have found out that cadillac is well aware of this problem becasue thay now have a kit to take care of this problem. What I don't understand is that if they knew thay had a problem whay didn't they issue a recall. Going 75 miles per hour and suddenly losing all power on a very busy interstate could be very dangerous. My father and I were very fortunate not to have had a serious wreck in the left lane. I have filed a complaint against cadillac on this issue. The cost of this faulty part of gm/\cadillac has cost me $5826. Plus a week without a vehicle.c00.

Filed Mar 3, 2002 · Engine · TN

Was driving in the left lane climbing a mountain on interstate 24 about 60 MPH when I noticed the car felt funny. Proceeded to get back into right lane just as I lost all power. Was able to get on the shoulder safely. Had to have my car towed 45 miles away to a cadillac dealership only to be given an estimate of $12,000. They told me the timing chain had broke and caused the entire engine to blow. The service advisor also told me there had been numerous reports to cadillac for the same problem on the catera. Cadillac customer service has refused to make the necessary repairs even though the owner's manual says the timing belt shouldn't have to be changed for 100,000 miles or 96 mos whichever comes first. This is definitely a safety hazard! If I had been going down this mountain instead of up there is no doubt in my mind I would have been in a serious accident. Please help! Cadillac needs to do something before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Filed Feb 8, 2002 · Engine · KY

While driving at highway speeds engine check light illuminated. Driver lost power of engine, making it hard to brakes and steer vehicle. Driver had vehicle towed to dealer, and dealer stated timing belt tensioner had failed. Please provide any further information.

Filed Nov 8, 2001 · Engine · MA

Faulty timing belt caused massive engine damage resulting in loss of power on the road.

Filed Mar 26, 2001 · Engine, Suspension · NC

Car was making a grinding sound under hood. Was told timing chain tensioner was almost broken. Dlr replaced tensioner, timing chain, and idler pulley. Car has had 6 alignments since 10/13/00. Car still pulls to left and wears out tires prematurely. Car has 47,000 miles on itand has 3rd set of tires on it. Car had a oil leak on valve cover gaskets. Dlr repaired and replaced. Car hesitates and surges forward. Dlr has not found problem. Car has abnormal shift patterns. Sometimes shift down to a lower gear causing car to lose power and speed, then shifts back to overdrive without depressing accelerator. Dlr has not found a problem. There is a sound from rear of car. Sounds like bad shocks. Dlr replaced frame support bushings and lower control arms. Noise still there. There are too many problems to report here. Car has serious problems and has been to dealership for extensive warranty work 9 times within our 7 months of ownership. The last visit, the sealership had the car for 15 days trying to repair the car, and now, most of the same things that were suppose to be repaired are still faulty. Today, the heating system went out. There is no heat in the car now. We will be returning back to dealership this morning. We have written the manufacturer and will be sending that letter off today also.

Filed Oct 26, 1999 · Engine · MI

While driving engine crankshaft/pulley came off, causing the vehicle to lose all power.ause unknown. Please give any further details.