Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
08089-B11/01/200808089-C10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe02/09/2009
0416200404/16/200410009221Illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp and possibly drivability concerns such as rough running engine. special policy program 04015. gm voicemail express. *tt09/17/2004
0203801/01/200410006946Diagnostic trouble code b1000. *mr05/20/2004
0155401/01/200410005393Repeat diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0411. sit bulletin 1410431. *tt02/24/2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
22010101/22/2001618184Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the key cannot be easily removed from the ignition lock cylinder. *tt04/06/2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE
08089-B11/01/200808089-C10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe02/09/2009

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
02/14/2012520001
 Car shuts down when driving. *tr
02/14/201252000
 Car shuts down when driving
05/30/201198000
 The running lights would not turn off. i was in harms way in the rain and had to take the care 70 more miles, while i could get out of the buffalo area to a safe location for the night. the lights never went off till the battery was exhausted. when recharged the headlights remained on again, unable to be turned off. when i managed to exchange a relay, the next problem occurred, the parking lights would not turn off. i did research and learned that this is a common manufacturing problem that nhtsa has directed to be fixed without cost, due to it being a safety issue that the gm lines have not adjusted and still offer on several vehicles. i contacted the local valley cadillac who delined to fix the problem. i contacted the cadillac customer service , who's roshelle # 966-790-5700 ext 42781 also declined to fix without charge. she wants to charge a diagnostic fee instead of making the permanent correction of exchanging the correct the device, properly once and for all. i told her i would contact nhtsa. i also asked her to send a message to cadillac/ gm's legal and i am informing my lawyer that if i should die, operating this vehicle, that i my children should file a wrongful death lawsuit against all involved. this problem could not be diagnosed a couple of months earlier, friendly fred's in erwin, ny could not find the problem because it corrected itself, until this past monday, 4-30-12. i do not know the exact date of the last occurrance but i also had a oil change which i think is is the late fall of 2011. i am a disabled person who can't be exposed to the elements for very long. since you, nhtsa has already called for all of these systems to be replaced, i want nhtsa to prompt and provoke gm's cadillac to make the repair. i work in the rochester and buffalo areas as there is no work in corning area. i can't afford to replace this car which is vital for my survival.
01/01/2006600001
 I purchased a 99 catera about two years ago and sense then this car is a cardboard box on wheels. the alarm system as gone loopy in the sense that i couldn't start my vehicle unless i cranked it once left it for 15-30 min and then cranked it again. after disabling the alarm system it would only happen on occasion. the ac/heater went out due to the compressor having to much compression. the sunroof opens and closes by itself or not at all. the vacuum hoses had holes in it which was a recall but not to ken batchleor. the mass air flow sensor hs gone out three times and costs 300 to replace everytime. my upper radiator hose leaks continuously by the clamp. the leveling light will stay on for days at a time. the arm that keeps my drivers door open broke through the door weldings and is dangling in the door. the seals all had to be replaced due to water in the engine. i paid more in repairs for this vehicle then what it originally cost. the drivers front and rear window gets stuck and opens by their selves. the door locks do not lock fully or open fully. the horn will go out all together in the rain. everytime i take it in they can never read any err codes and it takes me several attempts to explain the issue causing me to get repairs that aren't part of the main problem. there is no camber adjustments in this car so if u hit a curb your screwed. gas full stop randomly does not work and causes loss of money and gas. me and my family of 5 have been stranded for hours due to many issues with this car and here in texas with a car that has no ac or heater is a major pain. anyone who hasn't bought one... don't!!!! cadillac themselves took the ducks off the emblem after 99 because they themselves didn't think of this car as a cadillac standard car. when i called ken batchlore they stated there where only two recalls for this vehicle but had already expired and stated there was nothing they could do. i feel something needs to be done about this ignorance. problems since 06-present. *tr
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!
49000208/22/2002
 Windshield wipers only worked on the fast setting, and failed to disengage unless the vehicle was completely turned off.*ak windshield wiper motor was replaced, however the problem continued. *ts. the consumer believed the probelm was electrical. *jb
608/01/2002
 Intermittently while slowing down, the vehicle stalled without warning. the dealership was unable to locate an error code.*ak the dealership wanted the consumer to inform them when the vehicle cut off again. they wanted him/her to leave it wherever it broke down so they could get and resolve the error code. once the vehicle was started, the code was deleted. *ph *jb
04/20/20000
 Vehicle had electrical/ acceleration problems. accelerator pedal needed to be replaced.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
 Engine check light continuously comes on. owner then started having problems with ignition system. vehicle had to be towed to a dealerhsip. owner picked up vehicle, and later vehicle shut off while approaching toll to cross a bay bridge. please describe details. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!
09/21/1999409/20/1999
 The day after the car was purchased, the consumer noticed the check engine light on, the light came on several times and the dealer stated that the main computer and some sensors went out, the bad main computer was also causing vehicle vibration. *slc
08/29/2000607/01/1999
 Engine stalls causing loss of power steering and brakes resulting in loss of control.*et
12/18/1999112/17/1999
 While driving vehicle stalled unexpectedly which may have caused a crash. dealer said that will reprogram computer in about a month. *ak the vehicle had stall numerous time. currently they are re-programming the computer (ecu unit) and claim this will be the answer to the problem. *yh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
07/18/2002104/30/1999
 Consumer states it's hard to take the key out the ignition and start the car at times.consumer stated it was towed to the dealership and they didn't fix the problem. consumer states she would like the problem fixed or get her money back. ph consumer stated the vehicle would stall at times.*jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
07/13/200686900303/08/2005
 Engine shut off without warning while traveling at highway speed causing loss of power steering and braking. problem was diagnosed as defective crankshaft position sensor. accident was avoided because of quick drivers reaction. urgent attention requested. engine would turn over but not start until after 10-15 minutes. *jb
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
06/11/20050999910/31/2003
 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!