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 averaged 54.7 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Camry averaged 205.6 over 10 years. The ATS has 21 recalls and 0 deaths; the Camry has 31 recalls and 1 death. Both show real owner-reported failures. 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 is a compact luxury car that averaged about 55 complaints per year over seven years, with 21 recalls. Owners frequently report transmission shuddering, lurching, and power steering loss, which can make daily driving feel unpredictable. Electrical gremlins, such as airbag lights and wire harness issues, add to ownership frustration. Overall, the ATS demands more attention and patience than a typical commuter car.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher total complaint count—about 206 per year over ten years—but that reflects its far larger sales volume. Owners report a wide range of issues, from stuck ignition keys and hesitant acceleration to brake noises and multiple system malfunctions. While the Camry has a strong reputation for longevity, these complaints show that even popular models can have recurring problems. Buyers should expect a generally reliable car but verify specific systems.
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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 Better | 158 |
| 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 the transmission shudders at high speeds and hesitates or lurches at low speeds, sometimes requiring harder braking. A rear differential failure on the freeway left one car barely rolling, creating a serious crash risk.
The airbag light can stay on for a year, and dealers may charge high fees to fix the sensor. Another owner needed a wire harness and steering gear replacement after a faulty power steering diagnosis.
Some drivers experience jerking and failure to accelerate at highway speeds, with the service light on. This can make merging or passing dangerous if the car suddenly loses power.
Intermittent loss of power steering functionality is reported, sometimes requiring a new wire harness or steering gear. This makes the car hard to steer, especially at low speeds.
“1. The transmission shudders at high speeds and at low speeds it either hesitates to shift gears or it lurches forward causing a rough shifting of gears. 2. I feel as though when I am braking and my car lurches forward, sometimes I have to brake even harder j…”
“My rear differential completely stopped on the freeway, not moving and saying over 100 mph and my car was barely rolling I am extremely lucky that I did not get rear ended because I was very close to that happening, a few cars had swerved to not crash. Luckil…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key gets stuck and cannot be removed unless the battery is disconnected. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on.
Multiple safety systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. Another complaint lists subframe, driveline, and traction control issues.
A several-second delay in throttle response after pressing the gas pedal is reported, which can be alarming when trying to move into traffic. Hesitation and shuddering with a check engine light also appear.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow and a new switch that sometimes does not fix it. A clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is also common, linked to the ABS system.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
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 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles. The affected vehicles have a bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the brakes that may fracture during normal brake pedal operation.
The risk: If the bracket fractures, the driver would not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected bracket, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 153…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac ATS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac ATS has far fewer complaints per year (about 55) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry sells in much higher numbers, so per-vehicle rates are not directly comparable. In practice, the ATS owner faces more frequent luxury-car repair bills, while the Camry owner may encounter a broader mix of issues but often with better parts availability. Neither is trouble-free, but the ATS pattern suggests more costly, recurring problems.
Key differences
- Cadillac ATS complaints center on transmission shuddering/lurching and power steering loss, while Camry complaints include stuck ignition keys and delayed throttle response.
- The ATS has 21 recalls over 7 years; the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, with Camry recalls involving airbag sensors and seats.
- Camry reports include multiple simultaneous system malfunctions (stability, steering, blind spot), while ATS reports focus on individual components like differential or airbag sensor.
- ATS has 0 deaths in its data; Camry has 1 death, though crash and injury counts are higher for Camry due to volume.
- Test drive at both low and high speeds to feel for transmission shuddering, hesitation, or lurching; also check for any delay in acceleration.
- Inspect the airbag light and power steering function—if the airbag light is on or steering feels intermittent, budget for sensor, wire harness, or steering gear repairs.
- Try removing the ignition key multiple times to ensure it does not stick; if it does, a battery disconnect may be needed, indicating a defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake engagement/disengagement; these are common complaint points.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially ATS steering and Camry airbag sensors.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and differential on the ATS, and the ignition key mechanism and brakes on the Camry.
- Scan for stored trouble codes, particularly for airbag, power steering, and engine systems on the ATS, and for ABS and stability control on the Camry.
- Test all electronic features: airbag light, power steering assist, infotainment, and on the Camry, the smart stop and lane keeping systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records; frequent fluid changes and software updates may reduce the risk of the reported issues.
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 | 395 |
| 2018 | 21 | 744 |
| 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
- 2,056
- Cadillac ATS total recalls
- 21
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac ATS avg complaints/year
- 54.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac ATS
- Cadillac ATS top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN