Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 3 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
3 reports
109,000 miles · Feb 26, 2016
Air BagsInjury
MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE (BACKED IN). I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THEN PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTED IT. MY LEFT HAND WAS ON THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL, MY RIGHT ON THE GEAR SELECTOR, AND MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS I PULLED THE GEAR SELECTOR FROM 'PARK', THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS …
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MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE (BACKED IN). I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THEN PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTED IT. MY LEFT HAND WAS ON THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL, MY RIGHT ON THE GEAR SELECTOR, AND MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS I PULLED THE GEAR SELECTOR FROM 'PARK', THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED (VERY LOUD EXPLOSION!). THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND DID NOT MOVE - I RETURNED THE GEAR SELECTOR TO PARK, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND EXITED IT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. I WAS NOT INJURED, EXCEPT FOR THE RINGING IN MY EARS THAT DISSIPATED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
NHTSA ODI #10838587
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. …
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WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10099771
Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2002
Electrical System
BATTERY WAS REPLACED SIX TIMES BY THE DEALER, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8015992
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2003 Cadillac Catera Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year