- Report: #12081
Complaint Review: Cadillac Division General Motors - Detroit Michigan
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Cadillac Division General Motors
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
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We wanted an affordable luxury automobile, and we were impressed by our test drive of a 1999 Cadillac Catera, so we ordered a fully equipped ivory white version, with dealer-installed rear spoiler. The car looks somewhat bland, but attractive, but from the day we drove it out of the showroom, there were problems. Rattles, rattles, all over the place, and as soon as some were eliminated, others appeared.
But the worst part of it all was the awful quality control. We had half a dozen cooling system failiures, four battery replacements, replacements of an assortment of parts that included the ignition lock, brake light switch (a serious potential safety hazard), oxygen sensor, and gas cap cover.
Although the local dealers were reasonably accommodating, they could never quite get a handle on the extent of the troubles.
Now with the lease due to expire in a few months, the car still shudders when you apply the brakes at 45 miles per hour, and the transmission stick rattles at that speed during breaking and over bumps. The radio still cannot remember a station when you turn it off, and various and sundry rattles still persist. Worse, when the dealer fixed a damanged door jamb, they broke a fitting on the inside door handle and tore some of the rubber molding.
This is but a small part of the ills that plagued us with the 1999 Catera. All Cadillac would offer when we repeatedly asked them to buy it back was an insult, an offer of a $2,000 incentive towards purchase of another Cadillac, such as the new CTS, which is basically a Catera with a bigger engine, some suspension and interior refinements, and a butt ugly slab-like exterior.
General Motors, you lost a customer for life with this turkey.
But the worst part of it all was the awful quality control. We had half a dozen cooling system failiures, four battery replacements, replacements of an assortment of parts that included the ignition lock, brake light switch (a serious potential safety hazard), oxygen sensor, and gas cap cover.
Although the local dealers were reasonably accommodating, they could never quite get a handle on the extent of the troubles.
Now with the lease due to expire in a few months, the car still shudders when you apply the brakes at 45 miles per hour, and the transmission stick rattles at that speed during breaking and over bumps. The radio still cannot remember a station when you turn it off, and various and sundry rattles still persist. Worse, when the dealer fixed a damanged door jamb, they broke a fitting on the inside door handle and tore some of the rubber molding.
This is but a small part of the ills that plagued us with the 1999 Catera. All Cadillac would offer when we repeatedly asked them to buy it back was an insult, an offer of a $2,000 incentive towards purchase of another Cadillac, such as the new CTS, which is basically a Catera with a bigger engine, some suspension and interior refinements, and a butt ugly slab-like exterior.
General Motors, you lost a customer for life with this turkey.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Leigh
Columbus,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Don't go without a fight!
#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, December 03, 2003
I have been reading several of the Catera horror stories on this site. About a year ago, I had had it with my Catera. I managed to get a free extended warranty out of the dealership and then sued GM under the Lemon Law. I am not sure about your state or the fact that you no longer own the vehicle, but look into it. I managed to get a small settlement... Not enough to get me out of the car though. Keeping my fingers crossed - the transmission just went out!
Gene
Scottsdale,Arizona,
U.S.A.
contacting General Motors seeking restitution for the defective vehicle, without a satisfactory result.
#3Author of original report
Mon, May 05, 2003
In my previous message, I made a point of mentioning that I had tried contacting General Motors seeking restitution for the defective vehicle, without a satisfactory result. I even had the car inspected by a certified mechanic before the lease expired, and was stunned to discover that the problems were worse than I imagined, with serious defects noted discovered with the brakes, driveline and steering mechanism. Note that this mechanic is not in the business of doing repairs himself and thus isn't inflating the severity of the defects to make some money. Actually, he provides consulting services and serves as an expert witness for a local lemon law attorney. Upon learning that GM's CEO was retiring on May 1st, I wrote a letter to him, not expecting a response. Ten days later, someone from the executive office said they had reviewed the information but could not grant my request for a few refund because I "no longer owned the car." As if that had anything to do with it. Clearly, GM is not capable of satisfying the many disappointed customers who have been inconvenience with this defective model. If anyone is planning a class action lawsuit, I'd like to know about it, as I'd gladly participate. They should not be allowed to get away with it!
