The Cadillac Catera is a rear-wheel drive, high-performance luxury car manufactured in Germany. Some engine problems have been reported on Cateras from model years 1997 to 2001. The repairs on all of these engine problems were covered under GM's five year or 100,000 mile warranty, which is no longer in effect for any of these model years.
Malfunctioning of the timing belt, cam drive idler and tensioner pulleys is a common engine problem on model year 1997 Cadillac Cateras, according to Consumer Reports. Failure of these pulleys can cause engine damage. The estimated cost to repair the pulleys is $994.49 for both parts and labor as of March 2010.
Mass air flow sensors on Cadillac Cateras, from the model years 1998 to 2001, have been reported as a problem by Consumer Reports. The mass air flow sensor measures the air coming into the engine and assists with getting the proper balance of air and gasoline injected into each cylinder for maximum performance. The estimated cost of repairing a malfunctioning MAF sensor is $442.32.
The engine valve timing system has also been cited as an engine problem for Cadillac Cateras from model years 1998 to 2001, according to Consumer Reports. A malfunctioning engine valve timing system can cause severe damage to the engine's valves and cylinders. The estimated cost to repair the engine valve timing system on a Catera is $994.49.
