Research · Midsize Cars
1998 Cadillac CateraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 123 owner complaints for the 1998 Cadillac Catera. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (53) and suspension (20). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
123
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1998 Cadillac Catera as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
123 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 1998 – Jan 2012
- Engine and engine cooling53
- Suspension20
- Tires20
- Electrical system16
- Service brakes, hydraulic12
- Power train9
- Air bags9
- Fuel system, gasoline7
- Visibility7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
53 reports1 crash
“ENGINE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH OIL PRESSURE THAT STAY BELOW MINIMUM AT IDLE WHEN ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMP. FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING FAIL WITH LESS THEN 90000 MILES. AUTO TRANSMISSION FAIL WITH LESS THEN 90000 MILES. HAVE ENGAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND SHIFTING PROBLEM. *TR”
Suspension
20 reports
“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. *JB”
Tires
20 reports1 crash
“FUEL LINE BEHIND PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS DAMAGED BY AN OBJECT IN THE ROAD THAT THE DRIVER RAN OVER. THE FUEL LINE IS NOT PROTECTED IN ANYWAY ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WELL. THIS INCIDENT LEAD TO A MAJOR GAS LEAK AND THE ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catera Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Cadillac Catera as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Catera questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Cadillac Catera have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 1998 Cadillac Catera problems?
Owners filed 123 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (53), suspension (20), tires (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Cadillac Catera get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Cadillac Catera at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026