2001 Cadillac Catera Engine problems

passenger side. The part has been replaced all 3 times, once under warranty and twice at my expense. Gm refuses to acknowledge a design problem, even though this is not a maintenance part. It is constructed from plastic and does not withstand the hot environment of the application. It is used on the 3 litre 6 cylinder engine of the cadillac catera and cts, and the saab 9-5. Dealer use records show a very high incidence of failure even though there are not that many vehicles using this engine. There is a possibility of fire due to the coolant spraying on the catalytic converter when moving, as well as disabling the engine due to the loss of coolant. *Tr

repaired at my expense. Both repairs were performed by val ward cadillac, fort myers, florida, where I purchased the vehicle. I have owned many cars, including four general motors (gm) cars, and this cooling system problem has never occurred on any of them. On june 5, 2007 I sent a letter to gm asking that they issue a recall of the 2001 catera to correct this design defect. I was advised, via a telephone call from ms. Jolene blazukiewicz, in their executive office, that gm does not believe this is a design defect or safety hazard and no recall has been issued. She went on to say the failed part is made of plastic, as though this was a reason for the failure. I suggested they may want to consider making the part from a stronger material, she said she would forward my letter to the design department. I live in a relatively rural part of central florida and sudden loss of cooling fluid on a road far from a town or service station, could present a very real and significant safety hazard and result in severe engine damage. The fact that this valve has now failed twice indicates it is a design defect. It would seem appropriate for general motors to issue a recall and replace the valve with a more robust part. I therefore request the nhtsa to evaluate the problem and, if appropriate, direct gm to issue a recall for the replacement of the defective part. Sincerely, torsten rothman

tires plus and lindsay cadillac service shop technicians, the chrome is peeling from inside rim, causing tires to constantly lose air (deflate), which at any time may be a hazard to my safety, as well as for other passengers). I have asked cadillac to repair/replace 4 rims; 2) defective car jack: although not previously used, on 8/19/05 the new jack slid and bended when I used it according to instructions to replace a flat tire, almost causing personal injury and car damage). I have asked cadillac to replace defective jack; and, 3) leaking engine coolant: according to lindsay's cadillac dealership diagnosis, engine coolant is leaking through water heater control valve (as per archives from www.Cadillacforums.Com, this seems to be a known and recurring issue reported by cadillac catera owners, and should be addressed under cadillac's warranty and they should assume the cost of repairs). Cadillac pressured me over the phone to take 50% cost assistance on repairs (approx $3,500.00 Estimated), and when I refused, offer was withdrawn from the table. I complained that process was not transparent, and when I requested that cadillac's offer and claim information be in writing, representative refused to provide me with copies of case file. *Jb