Cadillac ATS Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Cadillac ATS options? We analyzed 7 model years (2013–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Cadillac ATS you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Cadillac ATS has 380 owner complaints and 21 safety recalls across model years 2013–2019. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- ATS
- Model years analyzed
- 2013–2019 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 380
- Safety recall campaigns
- 21
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2013 (160 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (21 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Cadillac ATS: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CADILLAC ATS has 380 NHTSA complaints and 21 recalls on record. 21 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 380 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 21 federal recall campaigns
- 21 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jun 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
21 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
Most-reported problem areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 380 NHTSA complaints.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
380 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Vehicle has an issue where it intermittently throws errors, loses power, accelerates on its own, and is difficult to steer. I purchased it with 12,800 miles in it and it has been having this issue since then and no one has been able to fix it. It appears from maintenance records it has been happening since it had 2800 miles on it. It has happened many times with me since I purchased the vehicle in November of 2023.
THE ENGINE STOPPED ITSELF WHEN I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. IT DID THIS THREE TIMES IN THE SPACE OF AN HOUR. ALWAYS AT A COMPLETE STOP.
Both side mirrors failed. Internal components corroded, one almost fell off when driving, the other later became completely detached. Failed parts that could have caused a major safety issue if they were to fail during operation.
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the F-module, Part Number: 86815664, used to control the engine Auto START/STOP, needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for the part and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had contacted approximately 6 dealers, who confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,527.
Rear differential. This part will be available after removal. This put me at risk of potentially locking up while driving. According to the dealership, Faulkner Cadillac, "found rear differential bearings damaged, causing noise in the rear end. The Rear Differential will need replaced." There were no warning lights, but there was noise - a new, not normal noise I noticed two weeks prior to the diagnostic procedure by the dealership service department. This is the second rear differential failure. The service writer said there was no sign of leakage.
My vehicle recently started experiencing an issue where the power steering would randomly cut out while I was driving. If I pulled over and shut the car off and then turned it back on the power steering would come back. But sometimes I would have to do this multiple times in a single drive just to keep the power steering on. I know that there is already a recall for this for some 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS vehicles, but mine was not included in the recall, despite having the same issue. Took it to the dealer for diagnostic and they ended up having to replace the control module for the power steering which cost me around $2000.
The power steering will randomly stop working while driving! We have had it in the shop 3 times and they can't find anything! We have replaced alternator, battery and it still isn't fixed! I seen u had a recall on the 16, 17, and some 18s for this issue! We have always bought GMs and are very disappointed! Could u please! Fix this issue on our car! Our car must have been over looked on this issue!
The car was parked outside at around 85 degrees. After entering the vehicle and driving with the AC on for a few minutes the CUE screen started to crack on the inside like a spider web. This has already been reported in 11576315 and 11325962. But I can't find any manufacturer communication on these. On the Internet I found that there is a class action lawsuit but only up to the year 2017 and it has already been settled privately. Since the vehicle is out of warranty there is no effort from GM to pay for the replacement. Since the CUE screen is essential for the vehicle operations, i.e. settings, navigation etc. it's a safety issue. On the Internet there are crowds of people complaining about the same issue. GM should react and offer replacement. Especially a replacement where the issue is fixed, otherwise the replacement will crack again after some years. Thanks and BR
While driving started to smell gas. On same day, car stalled at an intersection in a downtown area. I could not start car. Had to push car in busy traffic to a safe place and called a tow truck. Auto shop I took to said the fuel pump came loose somehow and caused the fuel lines to break causing the fuel leak. Had lines repaired. Fuel pump was not replaced and is working.
Hi, the cue screen is cracked which makes it no longer handsfree. It cracked in July of 2023 and it's a 2018, purchased in October 2017, the dealer will not fix it, I don't have $1500 to replace it with a one year warranty and it could happen again. I am not eligible for the class action suit which stopped with cars up to 2017. Please advise since this is an extreme hazard since the screen cracks and if driving using navigation it can cause an accident !
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle, checked the tires, and checked the inside of the vehicle but found no failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and heard an abnormal winding or rubber sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Unexpected shutter of vehicle, loss of power, unpredictable forward motion, erratic movement, delayed acceleration.
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s side seat was occupied, the air bag (SRS) restraint system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the presence module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and axles, gaskets, and seals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the rear-end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,800.
5am, 2/9/23, it's dark and I'm driving 90 minutes to Portland Airport. ~10 cars that came up behind with what seemed to me to have their bright lights on high beam. Approximately 7 vehicles of these were: ALL Ford F-150 (newish) pickups. Bright lights shining in rear view mirrors is a visibility hazard at night. It seems very unusual that 3/4 of the "high beam" vehicles behind me, were Ford F-150 pickups. (the others were: 1 that did have high beams, 1 with after-market blue lights that were extra bright, one with incorrectly adjusted head light angle).
2018 cadillac ats (most of the cadillac vehicles reported same issue). The transmission fluid is wrong fluid by manufacturer and driving at regular speed all of a sudden it starts shuddering and loses power or slows down at freeway speeds or any local roads. took the car for inspection to a local dealer and they said it is the transmission fluid which has to be upgraded and charged me hundreds of dollars. But how it is not recalled by GM since they sold the cars with wrong transmission fluid which is causing these issues?
Transmission shudder noticed between 42 to 48 mph. It appears the transmission is shaking, it seems to be continually shifting between gears in the 42 to 48 mph range.
Vehicle was involved in a accident all front damage and airbags didn’t deploy
This is the 3rd tire now that I am going to have to replace. PEPE Cadillac replaced the 1st one on 4/21/20 and another one on 6/30/21 and now another one any day. It seems like the tires start bulging off the rim and as per the dealership they are unsafe to drive and need to be replaced. It cost me $276.51 and $274.49 respectively and whatever its going to cost now to replace the 3rd one. First one failed at 10,856 miles, Second one failed at 16,244 miles and now the 3rd one at 19,967 miles. I am attaching the dealership invoices and photo for y our review. Also, as per the dealership employee GM is aware of this problem but is not doing anything.
NO POWER STEERING CLUSTER WARNING SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE
Showing 20 of 380 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Cadillac ATS
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
Understanding this data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Cadillac ATS has 380 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Cadillac ATS has 21 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 21 of the Cadillac ATS's 380 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Cadillac ATS vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Cadillac ATS vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Cadillac ATS has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Cadillac ATS by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Cadillac ATS.
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Keep researching before you buy
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Cadillac ATS reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac ATS reliable?
Poor. The Cadillac ATS has 380 NHTSA owner complaints and 21 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Cadillac ATS years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2013 (160 complaints), 2014 (102 complaints), 2016 (35 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Cadillac ATS problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (100 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (77 complaints); ENGINE (72 complaints).
Does the Cadillac ATS have recalls?
Yes — 21 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Cadillac ATS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.