Cadillac Catera fire or smoke problems

Filed Mar 11, 2010 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 cadillac catera. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH. The warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. There was smoke coming from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the engine was in satisfactory condition. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a separate occasion for electrical diagnostic testing in which the manufacturer was responsible for the cost. The failures were related to the pcs light and other electrical components. The failure mileage was 100,000. The current mileage was 121,000. Updated 06/03/10 *bf the consumer wanted to know the status of his complaint. Updated 06/07/10

Filed Jun 19, 2007 · Electrical · 84,000 miles · IL

I own a 1998 catera. While driving at 45 MPH on a curved road the engine and power cut off . I lost power steering and had to struggle to stop. The car on the side of the road. It happened in a matter of seconds. I had the car towed to the caddy dealer, and they said the crack sensor went bad. I reviewed the internet and saw this was a common problem. I was not hurt, but I was very concerned. If my son was driving I believe we both would not be hear and no one would know why we crashed head on. This was the second time I had trouble with this car. The first time the car started to sputter and smoke came out from under the hood. I pulled over and had it towed. The valve cover was leaking into the spark plug hole and burning the rubber boot. It got so hot the plug melted, causing the smoke to come out. Also, I found out it was a common problem. This car needed some immediate attention before someone was seriously hurt or killed. I wa trying to get rid of the car. It drove it to the dealer, who told me they didn't want to help.

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 Feb 8, 2007 · Seats · 76,000 miles · NE

Tl*- while driving the 2001 cadillac catera with 76000 miles failure for 15 miles he turned the seat heater on. The contact had been driving for a half hour when he turned the seat heater off because it felt hot and he smelled something burning. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed the back of the passenger's coat was burned, and that there was a hole in the back. The front passenger seat had a black burn mark in the middle of the seat, near the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it had not been diagnosed. The current mileage was 76882.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 00

Constant problem since the purchase of vehicle. Such as steering problems, quivering on the road, burning smell, etc. As of feb. 2006, car engine shut down on highway while driving 3 times. At the time there was a burning smell and the engine/coolant light had come on. Vehicle constant in shop for repair, approximately 3 times a month; causing problems for me. Engine sensor was changed in feb. 2006; however, burning smell continued, leaks began to occur,water pump needed replacement, and the coolant light continued to be activated. A number of leaks were discovered, and they were repaired; however, problems continued to occur. Light were coming on and off, "onstar" light remained on, and cd player/stereo would stay on with engine off and no key in ignition with doors open, and the sunroof would open without touching the button. When taken to shop, result was that they did not find any problems with the car. After this event occurred, car created unusual noise when started and as engine continued to run. Now car will not start on its own, it needed a boost three times within one day. When taken to repair shop, marvin starr, reported to me tat corrosion is occurring with wires that leads to the battery. Plastic covering of wire is melting and worn away leaving the bare wire exposed. Overheating is occurring but the source is unknown. Battery, which was replaced in 2005, has now started wearing away. Company wants approximately $1000 in order for wires to be fixed; however, the problem is when they repair it the melting of the wires would still continue due to the over heating. Dangerous driving vehicle at moment; however, I need to get around and driving is a main part of my everyday activities.

Filed Feb 13, 2006 · Seats · 90,995 miles · KY · fire

While I was driving I had my seat heater on to warm the leather seats and it caught fire and burned a place in my seat. Its not a large spot, but its there and now I fear if I turn it on the car will catch on fire. I've spoke to other people in the cadillac catera groups and they have had the same problem.

Filed Dec 22, 2005 · Seats · 73,362 miles · OH · fire

Dt: the contact activated both front seat warmers for a period of at least five minutes. She and the passenger got into the vehicle and fastened the seat belts. Shortly after, she noticed the passenger was scooting to the edge of her seat. Smoke was coming from the front of the back rest portion of the passenger seat through the upholstery. The contact turned off the engine, and both parties quickly escaped the vehicle free of injury. The contact and passenger stood outside the vehicle and saw smoke, but no flames. They waited about 15 minutes and reentered the vehicle. The passenger side seat was cool to the touch. The contact placed the seat heater dial to zero. There was slight damage to the seat. The next day she drove the vehicle to the dealer , who visually inspected the damage and the seat heater. He did not service the vehicle, but scheduled the vehicle for repairs after the holidays. The dealer suspected there was a problem with the wiring of the seat heater. He instructed the contact not to use the seat heater until repairs were made.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Seats · 72,000 miles · MO · fire

Dt: the contact stated the rear passenger seat caught on fire while using the heater within the seat. There were no warning signs indicating a problem with the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle has not been repaired.

Filed Jun 14, 2005 · TN · fire · 1 injury

Where do I even start with the 1999 catera that I just had to trade in this weekend due to so many things that had went wrong with that car. 1st, when filling the car up with gas, it would not automatically shut off. Dealer fixed 1st time, but messed up the gas gauge. It started doing it again 1 month later. You could not keep a set of tires on the car no matter how many alignments that you had performed. The sunroof would not open most of the time when you tried to open it, but it would open on it's own at random. Dealer replaced the switch twice, problem still occurred. The transmission went out at 60k and had to be replaced due to the *s* light flashing. The first radio would not pick up any stations, the radio was replaced by the dealer. 4k later after warranty expired, it happened again. At 65k, the cd player would no longer work. The locks would not completely lock with the remote or when the car was put into gear. At 90k, the drivers side heated seat literally caught fire while driving and burned a 4" diameter hole in front bolster. Gm stated that this is "normal wear and tear, but normally, they just stop functioning. They would not pay for the repairs of the seat at all. Almost caused me to wreck the car as the acbin quickly filled with smoke and as soon as I cracked the window, the fire started to get larger as it got more air to feed it. The check engine light showed cylinder misfires and I was told that it would be $2500 to $5000 to repair it. I traded the car on 6/11/05 for a new 2005 chevy silverado extended cab. I hope that gm reads this and calls me at the number I provided so I can provide more detailed info on this. I was literally screwed on this car. It was a lemon from the start and no one seemed to care!

Filed Sep 10, 2004 · Fuel system · 43,000 miles · TX

No money has changed hands yet. 2001 cadillac caterra is under waranty. Fuel line ruptured from highway debris. Parts were difficult to get. I am a mechanical engineer by schooling and profession. The location of the fuel line is of a bad design, exposed to highway debris. It is not completely armored or shielded. My wife was driving, I was out of town on business. She was not sure what she hit, but smelled gasoline immediately, pulled over and stopped. Approx. 1/2 tank full of gas was quickly pumped to atmosphere and to the ground, due to the tubing failure. I have also contacted the cadillac corporation, spoke with a ms. Stacy adams, manager customer relations, she stated that the waranty will not cover this damage. I disagree. The cadillac file number is 1-255444062. The root cause of the damage was due to faulty design placement of the gasoline supply lines, 3-lines, supply, return and vapor. The supply line ruptured. I am reporting this due to the safety implications involved. Had my wife not been aware of the gasoline smell, the vehicle would have burst into flames if it continued running. This was also evidenced by the mechanic who came to tow the vehicle to demontrond cadillac. I am also reporting this incident to the texas attorney general's office. The vehicle is currently at demontrond cadillac, 888 I-45 south, conroe, tx 77304. As of this date it is still not repaired. This vehicle was purchased new on 9/8/01. My wife is the primary driver, I drive it sometimes. I reviewed the incidents / complaints you have listed on this make/model vehicle. My wife's vehicle has suffered most of the problems listed, the majority.