Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1998 Cadillac Catera
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 1998 Cadillac Catera, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 122 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 52 complaints
- Suspension 20 complaints
- Tires 20 complaints
- Electrical System 16 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 12 complaints
- Air Bags 9 complaints
Of the 122 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 122 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,000–$12,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 1998 Cadillac Catera has a below-average reliability rating due to frequent engine and cooling system issues, as reflected in high complaint counts. Electrical and brake issues also present concerns and may lead to costly repairs.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine cooling | 60,000–90,000 miles | $400–$1,200 | very common |
| suspension | 70,000–100,000 miles | $300–$900 | common |
| electrical system | 50,000–80,000 miles | $200–$600 | common |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change
- Brake fluid replacement
- Transmission service
- Timing belt replacement
- Coolant flush
- Suspension alignment
- Air filter replacement
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Overheating issues
- Suspension noise
- Electrical failures
- Brake system warnings
- Transmission slipping
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Cadillac Catera at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.