This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Problems with handling and steering wheel locking up on 1999 Cadillac Catera. The steering wheel was not responsive and on one occasion the steering wheel locked up when the driver pulled onto a highway. When the consumer turned the wheel several times there was a crunching sound. The dealer replaced the steering coil.
This car wanders all over the road. First left, then right. We have had it aligned several times and is within specs but we still have a problem. Two dealers have now told us that this is how they drive. I fear that it will be the cause of an accident, and am actually scared to drive it for any distance. You must hold the steering wheel tight and with both hands at all times or it just seems to leap from one side of the road to the other.
Consumer states the steering wheel will not turn left or right without a struggle, which has caused an acute stage of tendonitis in consumers right wrist and is now developing in her right wrist.
- Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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The steering system lacks equilibrium, lacks on-center feel and has a tendency to wander. A lack of a stable steering system causes the driver to have to apply torque to the steering sheel to keep the car on the road. The car does not steer in a straight line, a neutral steer condition does not exist. The vehicle rools in a circle unless the driver steers the front wheels by applying a torque to the steering wheel. The vehicle pulls to the left and will leave the lane within five - eight seconds at highway speeds in excess of 60 mph. The alignment is within the GM specification and the tires and wheels have been checked for defects. Three other brand new 1999 Cateras from other dealer inventories do the same or worse. GM has said that this is the way the car is expected to operate, it is a two handed steered car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Hazlet, NJ, USA