Table 1 shows one common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 1997 Cadillac Catera.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Door Latch problems |
1997-1999 Cadillac Catera door latch failures. Per the yahoo group web site I belong to, Catera owners, this vehicle suffers chronic door latch failures, trapping occupants inside or not latching. This can be an extremely dangerous situation. My own vehicle has suffered this defect. The latches have plastic that breaks and jams the mechanism. Or simply fail to latch or unlatch. I have had both situations. The doors will not open or will not close (latch). I feel this defect has by pure luck not caused (any known) fatalities, but, only a matter of time and warrants a look.