1998 cad. Catera - no incident started the problems - a mechanic knew it had a bad head gasket before opening the hood or being told why I was there because he said 9 out of 10 Cateras have this problem. Consumer reports lists this year and model as a must to avoid car. At 60K miles had a bad head gasket, oil had gone through the system, car overheats, the hoses had to be replaced, it has to be flushed regularly, now at 80K miles, the power steering fluid is leaking, the coolant is leaking, the bearings and brakes are failing, the oil cannot be changed because the pan will break because the cap is welded on because of the heat in the engine. Why wasn't there a recall. This is too young a car to be failing like this. I would like compensation!

- Middletown, NY, USA

I'm repairing the blown head gasket on the same engine for the third time in less than 50000 miles, 100000 total miles. These cars were lemons! Cadillac knows it, but does not feel the need to respond to the thousands of Catera owners who have suffered the expense of repeated repairs, totaling $10,000 with transmission replacement, major engine repair, timing belts, cooling systems, water pumps, and oh yeah...electrical system failure!!! give me a break! and any advice besides the obvious.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

My recent problem is I can't take the car out of park. I try for more than 30 time and yes, I have my foot on the brake. This car has been in the shop more than 35+ time since 1999 and its nothing but problems.

- Spring, TX, USA

Car over heating, smoking, steaming. Took to mechanic, was told that engine blew, later to find out oil cooler went. Also just found out my transmissions needs over hauled, no warning, no leaks. Heat regulator has been replaced twice, ignition coil has been replaced, all wires have to be replaced. Engine has and still does run too hot, causing continuous problems with engine parts. Etc. I purchased the car in 2001, purchased extended warranty, that has since ware out. My sun roof does not work, my keyless entry does not work, here it is 2005 and the car only has or around 65,000 miles on it, when purchased only had 23,000, I only drive the car to work and back, and too run errands. Why am I having so many problems with it, I can't even get a dealer to take it as trade in.

- Parma, OH, USA

1998 Catera problems: Transmission failed 3 times caused by electronic part mal function; alternator failure; battery has been replaced 3 times; heater and A/C inoperative-burned harness and electronic component; door hinges failed; engine oil leak; vehicle cranks but will not start; premature tire wear; vehicle wanders; front end aligned 3 times in one year; warped disc rotors twice in two year period; differential seals leak; vaoltage meter ambiguos reading; sidemarkers inoperative and corroded; high underhood temperature; remote keys filed; rear view mirrors do not adjust to night driving.

- Burton, MI, USA

Vehicle will not stay in alignment. Dealer claims they are going by GMC specs. But alignment is off, causing inner edge of tires to wear down to steel. There was intermittent problem of shifting out of park. The vehicle had been in and out of shop more than ten times for warranty repair. Al four tires had be to teplaced due to factory related alignment problem.

- Brunswick, GA, USA

Transmission failed.

- Torrance, CA, USA