Cadillac Catera door locks problems

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Locks · 98,000 miles · OH

Safety and operational hazard: both of the front doors do not open from the outside or inside while unlocked. We have to climb through the backseat to get in and out of the car. The cadillac shop states both front door latches must be replaced for a total of $890. The cadillac shop states this is a defective part and could not be prevented by the customer. After speaking with several people and numerous amount of time spent on the phone with cadillac customer service at 866‑790‑5700, cadillac determined (after four days without a car) that they could not provide any resolution or cost assistance for us. I asked to speak to the supervisor and was eventually transferred to nick owens. He stated that he is the supervisor and there is no resolution. I requested cadillac customer service to begin a recall or bulletin to replace the front door latches and financially assist other cadillac owners that have already had to pay to replace these defective parts (front door latches) that present both safety and operational hazards.

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Locks · 98,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 cadillac catera. The contact stated that both of the front doors fail to open from the inside or outside while unlocked. He must climb through the back seat in order to enter and exit the vehicle. The cadillac dealer stated that both front door latches must be replaced at the cost of $890. The dealer also stated that the part was defective and could not have been prevented by the contact. The manufacturer could not assist or provide reimbursement. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

I purchased a 99 catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels. The alarm system as gone loopy in the sense that I couldn't start my vehicle unless I cranked it once left it for 15-30 min and then cranked it again. After disabling the alarm system it would only happen on occasion. The AC/heater went out due to the compressor having to much compression. The sunroof opens and closes by itself or not at all. The vacuum hoses had holes in it which was a recall but not to ken batchleor. The mass air flow sensor hs gone out three times and costs 300 to replace everytime. My upper radiator hose leaks continuously by the clamp. The leveling light will stay on for days at a time. The arm that keeps my drivers door open broke through the door weldings and is dangling in the door. The seals all had to be replaced due to water in the engine. I paid more in repairs for this vehicle then what it originally cost. The drivers front and rear window gets stuck and opens by their selves. The door locks do not lock fully or open fully. The horn will go out all together in the rain. Everytime I take it in they can never read any err codes and it takes me several attempts to explain the issue causing me to get repairs that aren't part of the main problem. There is no camber adjustments in this car so if u hit a curb your screwed. Gas full stop randomly does not work and causes loss of money and gas. Me and my family of 5 have been stranded for hours due to many issues with this car and here in texas with a car that has no AC or heater is a major pain. Anyone who hasn't bought one... Don't!!!! Cadillac themselves took the ducks off the emblem after 99 because they themselves didn't think of this car as a cadillac standard car. When I called ken batchlore they stated there where only two recalls for this vehicle but had already expired and stated there was nothing they could do. I feel something needs to be done about this ignorance. Problems since 06-present.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Locks · OH

1997-1999 cadillac catera door latch failures. Per the yahoo group web site I belong to, catera owners, this vehicle suffers chronic door latch failures, trapping occupants inside or not latching. This can be an extremely dangerous situation. My own vehicle has suffered this defect. The latches have plastic that breaks and jams the mechanism. Or simply fail to latch or unlatch. I have had both situations. The doors will not open or will not close (latch). I feel this defect has by pure luck not caused (any known) fatalities, but, only a matter of time and warrants a look.

Filed May 6, 2002 · Body, Brakes · AL

Due to a defect in front aligment tires wore excessively.*ak the rotors were turned and resurfaced several times. The brakes pulsate, squeak and go too low to the floor. The third set of tires that were on the vehicle were wearing out due to an alignment problem, also another tire was leaking air. The passenger rear door handle broke and the driver's rear door hinge was unstable, also the driver's door lock sticks. The wipers scrub. The steering column makes noise. The right side head light shines too high.

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)

Filed May 3, 2000 · Body, Engine · VA

When driving on several occasions rear doors were not fully closed at a time when children were rear of vehicle. Consumer provided no indication that the doors were open. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak there are no indications of the doors being opened, the doors are supposed to automatically lock once the vehicle is shifted into drive, however the doors remain open and unlocked. Consumer hears a clicking noise from the center dash. The sunroof stays stuck in the open position and makes a loud cracking noise, it's taken 3 times to repair the problem. When vehicle is first driven, it sticks in first gear. The steering wheel is hard to keep under control allowing the vehicle to wander while driving. The front door handle sticks, the dealer can not remedy the problem. The windshield wipers wore out prematurely. The engine races while coasting downhill, the dealer stated that this was normal. The interior flooded, the dealer stated the the hood drains are clogged with debris.

Filed Apr 17, 2000 · Engine, Locks · AR

The rear door locks do not work intermittently. Nlm

Filed Jan 20, 2000 · Body · LA

Door would intermittenley fail to unlock/open after turning off ignition switch. Sometimes consumer would have to wait 40-45 minute before vehicle releases the door lock. Consumer would have to climb out the window. Dealer notified.

Filed Jan 9, 2000 · Locks · CA

Upon arriving at the bank, I attempted to open the door. Using quite a bit of force, I managed to open the door and close it. Upon returning to the car, I was unable to close the door again. Upon inspection, I noticed the latch assembly was stuck in the closed position. I contacted on star and was informed this was a common problem. The lady from on star then got a road side service technician on the phone with us. The technician advised me that "this is a common problem" and it happens to him "at least two times per year". The technician then instructed me to "use a screwdriver to try and force the latch into the proper position". While attempting this, the screwdriver slipped and scratched the rear passenger door. The technician then told me he would come out and attempt to repair the door. After an hour, the technician showed up and tried to open the door latch assembly with a screwdriver for the next hour. He finally removed the rubber molding from around the latch assembly and was able to get the door to close. He then informed me that I should "take the car in to the dealer and have the door latch assembly replaced. I took the car in to ronald moran cadillac and explained to them what happened. The service technician explained this was a common problem and placed an order for the new part. When asked about wether there was a recall for such a serious problem, the technician said no. I then spoke to the service manager, mr. David boyd, who informed me there was no recall. I am appalled at the fact that such a serious problem, which could result in death in case of a fire or submerssion in water, that nothing is being done to correct this situation. I hope the federal government can see my point of view and resolve this serious and potentially fatal defect.