Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac ATS vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac ATS and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Cadillac ATS vs Toyota Camry: The ATS has fewer complaints per year (54.7) than the Camry (214.3), but the ATS's issues include steering instability and sudden acceleration. The Camry has more brake failure and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac ATS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS, a compact luxury sedan, shows a reliability profile that could concern a first-time buyer. With 383 complaints over seven years, owners report issues that often affect drivability and safety, such as sudden acceleration, steering instability, and engine stalling. The frequency of electrical and powertrain problems suggests that the car may require more attention than average, and the presence of recalls for fuel pumps and power steering indicates known weak points.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a higher total number of complaints (2143 over ten years) but also a larger sales base. The complaints are spread across many areas, with notable reports of transmission grinding, brake failure, and engine surging. While the Camry has more recalls, many are for non-critical items like labels and seats, but the brake and powertrain issues are serious and could affect safety. Overall, the Camry's issues are more varied but also more common, reflecting its widespread use.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac ATS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 383 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Cadillac ATS
- 01POWER TRAIN102
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 03ENGINE72
- 04STEERING61
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER54
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration, especially when pulling into driveways or at low speeds, leading to crashes. Others mention transmission drag and jerking when stopping, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous.
The CUE infotainment screen is prone to cracking from heat, and there are issues with the F-module causing check engine lights. These electrical gremlins can be costly to fix and affect daily usability.
Engine problems include loud noises and sudden deceleration at highway speeds, which could leave you stranded. There are also reports of rough idling and hesitation, impacting performance and reliability.
Serious steering defects include violent shaking and instability, with rear bolts coming loose. Some owners report overcompensation when turning, leading to loss of control, which is a critical safety concern.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC ATS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ACHES AND PAINS TH…”
“I’ve only had this vehicle for about 2 years now. I purchased it off of Carvana and had 30 days I could’ve returned the vehicle if there was issues. When I first got it, I noticed the vehicles gas pedal would shutter a tad while going up a hill or at a higher…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises upon acceleration and the need for full transmission replacement in some cases. Owners also report sudden acceleration when braking, which can cause crashes.
Engine problems include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which has led to total loss of the vehicle. There are also coolant valve bypass issues that trigger maintenance lights and could affect engine cooling.
Brake failure is reported, with no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
Electrical issues are less prominent but include problems with the AC condenser being easily damaged by rocks, leading to expensive repairs. There are also recurring HVAC odors that affect comfort.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Cadillac ATS — 21 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange…
The risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles may experience the roof panel closing automatically when the non-recessed switches are pressed and the roof panel is open. These vehicles fail…
The risk: Because the switch is not recessed, the roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed resulting in unintended auto-closure of the roof panel, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the roof console accessory switch trim plate, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall i…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous…
The risk: If the coil antenna generates excessive heat, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac ATS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac ATS has fewer complaints per year (54.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the ATS's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical areas like steering and sudden acceleration. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the nature of its brake and engine problems is equally serious. In practice, the ATS may require more frequent repairs, but the Camry's issues are more widespread.
Key differences
- The ATS has a higher rate of steering complaints, including bolts coming loose and violent shaking, while the Camry has more brake failure reports.
- Both vehicles have sudden acceleration reports, but the ATS's are often tied to pulling into driveways, while the Camry's occur during normal driving.
- The ATS's CUE screen cracking is a unique electrical issue, whereas the Camry has more AC condenser damage from rocks.
- The Camry has more recalls overall, but many are for non-critical items like labels, while the ATS's recalls include fuel pump and power steering.
- Inspect the steering system for any looseness or unusual play, and check for signs of rear bolt issues.
- Test the CUE screen for cracks or delamination, especially if the car has been in warm climates.
- Check the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during a test drive, and listen for unusual noises.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and look for any warning lights related to the brake system.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the power train and transmission for any signs of wear or previous repairs.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway speeds, to feel for any vibrations or unexpected acceleration.
- Inspect the electrical systems, including the infotainment screen and AC, for any malfunctions.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated complaints or major repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Cadillac ATS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 393 |
| 2018 | 21 | 736 |
| 2017 | 32 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Cadillac ATS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac ATS vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac ATS total complaints
- 383
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Cadillac ATS total recalls
- 21
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac ATS avg complaints/year
- 54.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac ATS
- Cadillac ATS top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN