Cadillac Catera pulling problems

Filed Jun 27, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 90,000 miles · MI

1998 catera problems: transmission failed 3 times caused by electronic part mal function; alternator failure; battery has been replaced 3 times; heater and A/C inoperative-burned harness and electronic component; door hinges failed; engine oil leak; vehicle cranks but will not start; premature tire wear; vehicle wanders; front end aligned 3 times in one year; warped disc rotors twice in two year period; differential seals leak; vaoltage meter ambiguos reading; sidemarkers inoperative and corroded; high underhood temperature; remote keys filed; rear view mirrors do not adjust to night driving.

Filed Feb 28, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 67,000 miles · WI

Cadillac cater 1998 experienced multiple failure that caused engine damage. *bf the trunk light bulbs failed. The trunk light bar failed. The key fob failed. The cd player failed. The window washer hose failed. The switch for heating and cooling system had to be replaced. The bottom gear of the crankshaft broke causing engine damage. The front and rear end had to be aligned due to the vehicle pulling to the right. The center link was also replaced.

Filed Dec 27, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · NC

Vehicle shuts down and pulls to the right. Vehicle has been serviced numerous times, and performance is still unsatisfactory. Currently, vehicle is in the repair shop since smoke is coming from the engine and the rear tail pipe.

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · MI

Both front tires are worn excessively on the insides due to improper allignment. Purchased vehicle used on 1-28-02, and have complained about the front end pulling to the left. Have had a new tie rod put on, but this did not help. New tires were on vehicle when purchased. Drivers side tire is worse, with steel cord coming thru, passenger side tire is worn bad. After looking into this, it seems that the control arm and/or control arm bushings are at fault and that general motors and the cadillac division are aware of this problem. At this time I have an appointment with gm dealer to have new tires installed and have a 4 wheel allignment done. Tires have approximately 25000 miles on them, rear tires seem fine for this mileage. This vehicle has 68000 miles on it, I am currently looking into finding past owners for more information on this problem.

Filed Jan 24, 2003 · Steering · OH

This car wanders all over the road. First left, then right. We have had it aligned several times and is within specs but we still have a problem. Two dealers have now told us that this is how they drive. I fear that it will be the cause of an accident, and am actually scared to drive it for any distance. You must hold the steering wheel tight and with both hands at all times or it just seems to leap from one side of the road to the other.

Filed Nov 8, 2002 · Fuel system · MI · 2 injuries

The automatic shut off from fuel tank filler does not register when tank is filled and the amount of fuel spillage is dangerous. Alarm and doors do not respond to keyless remote; car pulls to the right even after wheel alignment. Dt

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 May 19, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · MI

Outer tie rods failed, causing the vehicle to shimmy and pull to the left and right. This also caused premature wear of the tires. Dealer repaired problem. *ak

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 9, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · OH

The steering system lacks equilibrium, lacks on-center feel and has a tendency to wander. A lack of a stable steering system causes the driver to have to apply torque to the steering sheel to keep the car on the road. The car does not steer in a straight line, a neutral steer condition does not exist. The vehicle rools in a circle unless the driver steers the front wheels by applying a torque to the steering wheel. The vehicle pulls to the left and will leave the lane within five - eight seconds at highway speeds in excess of 60 MPH. The alignment is within the gm specification and the tires and wheels have been checked for defects. Three other brand new 1999 cateras from other dealer inventories do the same or worse. Gm has said that this is the way the car is expected to operate, it is a two handed steered car.