Cadillac Catera engine failure problems

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Engine · 116,000 miles · MO

Our 1999 cadillac catera engine shelled out due to the defective serpentine bearing assembly that general motors elected to install on the 3.0 v-6 engine for this car. Gm is well aware of the defect but refuses to do anything about the problem. When the defective bearings freeze up at highway speeds,it causes a complete engine failure; hence resulting in an expensive engine replacement. Because gm does no longer make the 3.0 v-6 motor for this car, you are stuck with purchasing one used from wherever you can find one. My used engine cost $3,460 to replace the one that was in my vehicle. The miles on the replacement motor was stated to me as 39,000 + miles. My original motor went out at 116,000. If not for the tracking system in my car, I would have been at the mercy of the public while I was 230 miles from home. The only clue that I had that something was amiss was from a faint oily burnt smell just prior to the engine failure. This was explained to me by the dealer that was from the bearing seizure and the serpentine belt. The engine had no known problems prior to the breakdown.

Filed Oct 13, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 59,000 miles · OH

Car over heating, smoking, steaming. Took to mechanic, was told that engine blew, later to find out oil cooler went. Also just found out my transmissions needs over hauled, no warning, no leaks. Heat regulator has been replaced twice, ignition coil has been replaced, all wires have to be replaced. Engine has and still does run too hot, causing continuous problems with engine parts. Etc. I purchased the car in 2001, purchased extended warranty, that has since ware out. My sun roof does not work, my keyless entry does not work, here it is 2005 and the car only has or around 65,000 miles on it, when purchased only had 23,000, I only drive the car to work and back, and too run errands. Why am I having so many problems with it, I can't even get a dealer to take it as trade in.

Filed Mar 10, 2004 · Engine · MS

Engine oil is pouring into coolant. Replaced engine oil cooler-ended up not being the problem. Sunroof will open and close by itself, and will not work when you try to do it yourself.

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Engine · 58,200 miles · CA

Consumer stated while driving on the highway at 50 MPH, the engine light came on and started smoking really bad. Consumer pulled onto the shoulder where the engine died. Vehicle was taken to mechanic who in turn informed the consumer that the engine sensor was not functional and caused the head gasket to become damaged.

Filed Jan 8, 2003 · Engine · 85,237 miles · MA

Their are to many problems and trips to the dealership to list!!! I experienced four recalls at once on july 25th, 2002. The technicians are obviously incompentent or have no clue how to fix this vehicle correctly in the first place. I called the gm customer service number given run around. I suffered a catrostrofic engine failure as a result of low coolant in my engine when failures occurred. Letters from gm state vehicles can suffer engine damaged or engine failure and that they will cover the losses and at no cost to me. I have to pay for the cost, total $1,700.71 for the engine cooler to be replaced!! Gm refuses to cover the engine cooler damage!! Car still is not running right and engine sounds horrible. The service manager gets on the phone and starts yelling at me because I have a filed a local lawsuit against the dealership and gm. He told me he refuses to honor my warrantys both from the recall work performed and the repairs I had to pay for 12 month/12,000 miles warranty. I have no cooperation from the dealership or gm and I'm stuck with a lemon no one wants because the value is so low compared to what I paid for the car and the known problems (lemon) for this make and model. The bbb refuses to help. This agency is everyone's last hope that owns a catera because gm treats us like dirt and refuses to cover the engine damages and related damages that occur when these failures that they acknowledge finally. Please help us as consumers and inforce a mandatory recall on this entire vehicle. We are all paying for cars that have little to no value with loans that we are unable to get out of because the trade in value is so poor. It's not right and is absoloutely un american!!!!! I wish some attorneys would file a class action lawsuit against gm to make them do just that or help us get out of these lemons. Please help us.

Filed Oct 10, 2002 · Engine · MA

Consumer stated that the engine was replaced due to both tension bearings and timing belt failure, consumer has since sold the vehicle.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Engine · AZ

Consumer received letter from manufacturer warning him that camshaft/timing belt idler ,and pulley could fail, resulting in engine failure.

Filed Jun 11, 2002 · Engine · NJ

Vehicle stalled at 60-65 MPH. Towed to dealer. Dealer, who determined that engine needed to be replaced. Vehicle had been at dealership for 4 months. New engine ordered for vehicle will not fit.

Filed May 25, 2002 · Engine, Lights · MI

Engine failed going abouy 70 miles an hour timing belt broke, causing complete engine failure, dealer stated that this is a common problem car repaired but still has problems, dealer caused additonal problems when making repair broke bolt in engine cost to repair 800 dealer refuse to repair oil leak on valve cover gasket again dealer refuses to repair all though covered under warrenty. Cadillac refuses to acknowledge problems given the run around on customer service line car was out for 5 weeks at dealer, car has severe vibrations when idled due to repair new dealer unable to determine problem or make repair, headlamps also failed at about 50,000 miles replacement cost $1,000 to many problems to list

Filed May 14, 2002 · Engine · OH

Engine stalled at 5 MPH. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Dealer determined timing belt pulley had seized.