Before you buy
This 2016 Cadillac Ats has 33 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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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2016 Cadillac Ats Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2016 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.
2016 Cadillac Ats Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2016 Cadillac ATS 2DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CADILLAC ATS 2016 has 33 NHTSA complaints, with transmission/drivetrain issues reported 10 times. Electrical faults (6) and engine problems (5) are also common. Two recalls exist. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Ats
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 33
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2016 Cadillac Ats problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. 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 2016 Cadillac Ats?
The 2016 Cadillac ATS may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the transmission complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection and recall verification are essential.
Transmission and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs, affecting long-term ownership satisfaction.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize luxury and performance and are willing to invest in thorough pre-purchase checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal maintenance should consider other years or models.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2016 Cadillac Ats
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and any warning lights.
- Check electrical systems, including infotainment and lighting.
- Review engine performance and listen for unusual noises.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test drive and check transmission for smooth operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for 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 2016 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 2016 Cadillac ATS shows a notable pattern of transmission/drivetrain complaints (10 out of 33). Electrical faults (6) and engine problems (5) are also common. With only 3 crash-related complaints and 2 recalls, the data suggests moderate reliability concerns but limited safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2016 has a moderate complaint count, but transmission issues are more prominent than in some earlier years.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, verify all open recalls are completed before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain accounts for 10 of 33 complaints, the highest category.
- Electrical faults total 6 complaints, indicating potential wiring or module issues.
- Engine problems account for 5 complaints, including possible performance or stalling concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 10 complaints suggest possible shifting or failure issues.
- Electrical Faults: 6 complaints may involve infotainment or power systems.
- Engine Problems: 5 complaints could include stalling or loss of power.
Full breakdown
All 2016 Cadillac Ats complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Cadillac Ats. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2016 Cadillac Ats. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On 3rd differential in 2 years. Dealer won’t fix without us paying ANOTHER $4,700. There is NO way a differential goes 3 times in 2 years. Something is wrong. Help!!
My 2016 Cadillac ATS Coupe has a serious repeating safety defect. The vehicle violently shakes, vibrates, and becomes unstable while driving. This happened TWICE. Both times the rear bolts came out except one. Both mechanics who inspected it said they have NEVER seen this before.…
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed, and the passenger's side seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure…
When driving at around 40-50mph you can feel that the car has a shudder vibration. Took the car into Cadillac where they are informing me that it is the torque converter that needs replacement. No warning lights. If not fixed can lead to transmission failure.
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 speed like on the hi…
The contact owned a 2016 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH and entering the expressway, she engaged the turn signal and verified that the road was cleared. The contact stated that while she was making the turn, an 18-wheeler truck suddenly hit the vehicle, …
Transmission drags. When stopping the car jerks bad and sometimes proceeds to accelerate. When at a stop auto start has a hard jerk I reported this problem to Cadillac dealership when I first got the car. They claim they couldn't find an issue. The touch pad goes out frequently.
Reporting a case for GM recall N182161890. I bought my vehicle in 2022. I was informed that my car had all the recalls completed on that vehicle. My vehicle had exactly what this recall was for happen to it on 10/20/23. After contacting Cadillac, they informed me that this recall…
My back glass on my 2016 Cadillac ATS shattered on 3-10-2023. It looks like it got hot from the defroster lines as it shattered every inch of the back glass and separated from the seals. I contacted Cadillac and they started Case #9-9552142107. I had the car inspected at my deale…
CUE screen cracked and is unresponsive and now handsfree safety options don't work.
When driving, I accidentaley hit a curb on the front left rim and the side air bags deployed. There was no damage to vehicle other than hitting the rim. I want to know if there is a recall on this or if there has been any other incidents of this kind. The only deployed air bags w…
THE GAS FUEL TANK CONTINUOUSLY STOPS EVERY TIME YOU ARE PUMPING GAS. SO IT TAKES VERY LONG TO FILL UP THE TANK. MY CENTER ELECTRICAL SCREEN FOR THE RADIO, BLUETOOTH, ETC DOESN'T WORK. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE FEATURE AND IT DOESN'T WORK.
DROVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE BRAKES FAILED. I APPLIED ALL OF MY FORCE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN LESS THAN 14 MONTHS. HAD IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME. IT HAD NO BRAKE ASSIST AND A CRACKED PCV VALVE. THE …
WHILE ARRIVING AT STOP LIGHTS THE CADDILLAC ROUGHLY SHIFTS DOWN JOLTING THE WHOLE VEHICLE. AROUND 1500 RPMS WHETHER ITS SITTING OR JUST PASSING 1500 RPMS THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND VIBRATES AGGRESIVELY UNTIL AROUND 2000 RPM. RPMS JUMP UP AND DOWN BETWEEN 1000 AND 3000 RPMS
THE VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. IT HAS HAPPENED AND RETURNED BUT IT GONE OUT TOTALLY NOW AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE PART OF THE CADILLAC POWER STEERING RECALL, BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED AS VEHICLE THAT IS AFFECTED.
THE RADIO SCREEN IS CRACKING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SCREEN I'M GETTING A SPIDERWEB EFFECT THAT IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO SEE THE SCREEN. CAN'T SEE THE SPEED OF MY AC FAN BECASUE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN, CAN'T CHANGE TO BLUETOOTH BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE SCREEN, CAN'T USE MY NAVIGATION …
REAR VIEW MIRROR IS VERY FOGGY. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS ALREADY LIKE THAT.
THERE WAS A SHUDDER TO THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION AND IT LURCHES FORWARD LIKE IT SKIPS GEARS WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE AND OFTEN FROM INCREASE SPEED
WHEN OPERATING MY VEHICLE INTO DRIVE MANY TIMES WHEN TURNING THE FRONT WHEELS THE CAR LOOSE IT POWER AND STALLS. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING VEHICLE INTO OTHER CROSS SECTIONS OR SMIPLY TURNING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENHIS. THIS INCIDENT OC…
AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 25 AND 35 MPH THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE ENTIRE CAR IS VIBRATING. ENGINE RPM IS BETWEEN 1000 AND 1500. RESPONSE IS UNPREDICTABLE. THE CAR MAY SPEED UP OR ATTEMPT TO STALL. VERY DANGEROUS ENTERING HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC SITUATIONS OR ACC…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Cadillac Ats.
Safety recalls
2016 Cadillac Ats recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Cadillac Ats. With 2 recalls, verify all open recalls are 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
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2016 Cadillac Ats buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Cadillac Ats reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 33 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Cadillac ATS may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the transmission complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection and recall verification are essential. 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 2016 Cadillac Ats?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (10 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Cadillac Ats?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Cadillac Ats?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Cadillac Ats, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 33 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Cadillac Ats have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Cadillac Ats. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. With 2 recalls, verify all open recalls are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Cadillac Ats?▾
The 2016 Cadillac ATS may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the transmission complaints warrant caution. Pre-purchase inspection and recall verification are essential. Transmission and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs, affecting long-term ownership satisfaction. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain 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.