2013 Cadillac Ats Problems
The 2013 Cadillac ATS, with 160 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls, shows notable issues in engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Based on 160 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2013 Cadillac Ats has 160 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2013 Cadillac Ats Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2013 Cadillac Ats trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2013 Cadillac Ats Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Cadillac ATS 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CADILLAC ATS 2013 has 160 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls. Top issues include engine problems (49 complaints), transmission/drivetrain (45), and electrical faults (36). Buyers should inspect these systems and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Ats
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 160
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2013 Cadillac Ats problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2013 Cadillac Ats?
The 2013 ATS has a high number of complaints for its single model year, particularly in engine and transmission. It may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed.
Engine and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs, while electrical faults may affect reliability and safety.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer willing to invest in a pre-purchase inspection and accept higher maintenance risk for the ATS's driving dynamics.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free ownership experience or low maintenance costs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2013 Cadillac Ats
Inspection Focus
- Check engine for unusual noises, leaks, and check engine light codes.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and any hesitation.
- Inspect electrical system: battery, alternator, and infotainment function.
Before You Close the Deal
- Pre-purchase inspection focused on engine and transmission.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Cadillac Ats, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Cadillac ATS has 160 complaints and 6 recalls. The top concerns are engine problems (49 complaints), transmission/drivetrain issues (45 complaints), and electrical faults (36 complaints). Buyers should prioritize inspecting these systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to later model years, the 2013 ATS has the highest complaint volume, with engine and transmission issues being prominent.
Recall context: With 6 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 49 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 45 complaints, nearly matching engine complaints.
- Electrical faults are reported in 36 complaints, indicating potential reliability concerns.
- Engine Problems: 49 complaints suggest possible stalling, misfires, or oil consumption.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 45 complaints may include rough shifting or failure.
- Electrical Faults: 36 complaints could involve infotainment, lighting, or battery issues.
Full breakdown
All 2013 Cadillac Ats complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Cadillac Ats. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 49 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 45 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 17 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Cadillac Ats. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was in a vehicle accident on 9-26-25 and was t-boned. The other driver hit me at 35-45 after she blew the stopping, I was hit on the driver side pillar and back driver door. My air bags never deployed and I was trapped inside the car until the fire department was on scene
Vehicle would not steer lost power steering and loud noise. Had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic informed me that the bolts for the electronic power steering had corroded causing the electronic steering motor to fall. He told me that it is a problem with these cars a…
Found metal shavings in oil after 13 visits to 3 different dealerships. Engine had to be replaced. Under 100,000 mikes with a service contract
Air bag lights came on.
Car has a shudder at acceleration acting as if it's in the wrong gear or shifts too soon seems like failing TCC in tge transmission not sure this issue could cause accidents due to car not accelerating fast enough with people behind you they could rear end you
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the A/c was independently turned off due to engine overheating. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir wa…
I’m writing here to state that the Cadillac with this VIN [XXX] IS A FRAUDULENT SALE my husband and I have experienced. The car show no damages on CarFax but when we took the car to a certified Cadillac dealership they said they were shocked we could even drive it. The catalyti…
Car keeps cutting off, when put in neutral, or just cutting on RPM goes up then goes down and cut off, when driving car starts off slow then speed up. put a new fuel pump in the car.
I had a total loss of steering about two weeks ago, scariest thing ever in my 50 years of driving. A local automotive shop inspected the car and found one steering motor bolt missing and two broken/sheared laying in their casting holes.General Motors issued a Customer Satisfacti…
My Vehicle will shift out of gear but will not move and there is a rattling sound when the gear is tried to be put back in park and rest of gears
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and switching gears, the vehicle would not move forward or backward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and the contact was informed tha…
Breaks are not working properly, once the car sits for a few hours, then once I start it and put it into gear (reverse/drive) as I press the breaks(new break pads) the car continues to roll. This could be the abs module or the calipers but these should be good for the life of t…
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V338000 (Power Train). The contact discovered that the recall was repaired, however, the failure occurred. The contact's husband was parked in the vehicle while shifting into drive, and the gear…
Took it in 2 weeks ago for an oil changed and they replaced a camshaft solenoid saying that was causing my issues. I had to take it back yesterday and now they're telling me it's a torque converter or a transmission and it's going to cost me $3,500. After reviewing I think have G…
Greetings! I hope this message finds you in great health and spirits. I am experiencing an issue with the transmission linkage cable on my 2013 Cadillac ATS Luxury. There was a product safety recall issued in 2014 - recall bulletin 14179A. I purchased this vehicle in January 20…
Adaptive forward lighting malfunctions. Lights point upward sometimes while driving and will not change. It blinds on coming vehicles.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into drive, the vehicle failed to shift out of park. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicl…
Second time shifter cable failed. Thankfully I was in park and not driving. I had it replaced in 2021 and now 2023 it did the same thing.
I was in a minor rear end accident. I was the victim. My driver seat felt like it came off the hinges causing me to hit my face and chest on the steering wheel.
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the contact attempted to shift into reverse; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact turned off the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to shift out of drive. The vehicle was taken to …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Cadillac Ats.
Safety recalls
2013 Cadillac Ats recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Cadillac Ats. With 6 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
SEATS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2013 Cadillac Ats buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Cadillac Ats reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 160 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 ATS has a high number of complaints for its single model year, particularly in engine and transmission. It may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Cadillac Ats?▾
#1: Engine Problems (49 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (45 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (36 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Cadillac Ats?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Cadillac Ats?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Cadillac Ats, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 160 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Cadillac Ats have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Cadillac Ats. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. With 6 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Cadillac Ats?▾
The 2013 ATS has a high number of complaints for its single model year, particularly in engine and transmission. It may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Engine and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs, while electrical faults may affect reliability and safety. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Cadillac Ats reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.