Before you buy
This 2017 Cadillac Ats has 31 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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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2017 Cadillac Ats Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2017 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.
2017 Cadillac Ats Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2017 Cadillac ATS 2DR RWDOfficial 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 2017 has 31 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects (12) and electrical faults (6) as top issues. 2 recalls exist. Buyers should inspect steering and electrical systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Cadillac
- Model
- Ats
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 31
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2017 Cadillac Ats problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. 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 2017 Cadillac Ats?
The 2017 Cadillac ATS may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering and electrical complaint patterns warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Given low confidence, proceed with caution and verify all recalls are addressed.
Steering defects and electrical faults are the top complaint areas, which can affect safety and reliability. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components can help avoid unexpected repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize luxury and performance and are willing to perform due diligence on steering and electrical systems.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability with minimal risk of steering or electrical issues may want to avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2017 Cadillac Ats
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for unusual noises or play.
- Check electrical systems including infotainment and lighting.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering 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 2017 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 2017 Cadillac ATS has 31 total complaints and 2 recalls. Steering defects account for 12 complaints, the most of any component, followed by electrical faults with 6. With only 1 crash-related complaint and low confidence, the data suggests potential issues but is not conclusive. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2017 has a moderate complaint count, but low confidence means comparisons are uncertain.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, ensure all recall repairs have been completed before purchase by checking the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Steering defects account for 12 of 31 total complaints.
- Electrical faults account for 6 complaints.
- There is 1 crash-related complaint.
- Steering Defects (12 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (6 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2017 Cadillac Ats complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Cadillac Ats. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 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 2017 Cadillac Ats. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Driving home message came up on the dash, saying, power steering problem. Next thing you know, it was extremely hard to turn the wheel left or right.
I have replaced two brand new tires on the back right. I then saw that there was a TSB for the very issue im having with my vehicle. A slow loss of air from the back right tire. The TSB link is https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId11017016 Its a slow.loss of air that eventually ends you…
My Que Screen has webbed and makes it impossible to view my screen, important vehicles warnings and my maps for directions. This has been a recall in the past. Prior to me owning my vehicle. I can’t believe Cadillac installed junk in their vehicles. A third party is a direct exte…
In center console there is a dual USB port for either charging or data for CarPlay. When two phones are plugged in and charging, and one phone is in passengers hand, while vehicle is in motion or stopped, the airbag warning light will illuminate. When the phone is removed from p…
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 just to get the car t…
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing intermittent loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to Auto Repair Garage, where a routine inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was fo…
They have terrible transmission that barely make it to 50,000 miles before problems start happening. Parts are not cheap at all it’s General Motors 8 speed transmissions my 2017 caddilac ATS is on its 2nd transmission and it’s already driving terrible I fear I may be left strande…
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, with the service power steering message…
My Cadillac Cue screen is frozen and cracking, and apply play and GPS are no longer visible on the screen when driving. Instead, I would have to look down at my phone while I’m driving to use the gps.
My air bag light randomly appeared and has been on for at about year now the dealership wants me to pay a ridiculous amount of money for all of these safety hazards including to fix my “airbag sensor” when I have never used the airbags. I am the one and only owner of the car whic…
The Cadillac CUE Infotainment system has failed for the second time. Device was replaced 2 years ago
My headlight bulbs have been replaced and checked 2x by the used auto superstore which I will not name at this time ! and by the manufacturer (dealer) but once it’s dark out and the automatic brights come on and either both or one side goes completely out only to come back on som…
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was very stiff and hard to depress causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact drove off the roadway to avoid a collis…
Cadillac ATS is sold with a faulty driver console. The console is known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). Faulty-console is a serious safety issue for the following reasons: 1. Driver distractions: loss of navigation and unexpected changes in radio and air-conditioning are c…
Cadillac ATS is sold with a faulty driver console. The console is known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). Faulty-console is a serious safety issue for the following reasons: 1. Driver distractions: loss of navigation and unexpected changes in radio and air-conditioning are …
Transmission causes car to shudder or shake/vibrate at lower speeds and lower rpm (auto shifting) It's been like this since it was purchased. If you perform manual shifting at 2500 RPM's or higher you don't experience the same shake/vibration. Ron Craft Cadillac says it's perf…
THE CUE ON MY CADILLAC 2018 ATS JUST STOP WORKING , I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MILLIONS ,OF CADILLAC OWNERS CUE HAS STOPPED WORKING. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES, I GOT IT NEW IN 2018 JUNE. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY NAME IS[XXX] ,EMAIL ADDRESS [XXX] PHONE [XXX]. …
THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DROPS TO E. THE TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK AT TIMES YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO GET IT TO WORK.
AT MAJOR INTERSECTION WAS AT A STOP RED LIGHT. BEGAN ACCELERATING VEHICLE STALLED AND THE LIGHT ENGINE TURNED ON, TRANSMISSION STUCK AT FIRST GEAR AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 20MPH. THIS HAPPENED AS I TRIED PASSING A VEHICLE IN FRONT TO LATER MAKE A TURN. THE CAR HAS HAD THIS …
TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS ON LIGHT ACCELERATION (WORST AT AROUND 50 MPH) GENERAL ACCELERATION FEELS SIMILAR TO AN ENGINE MISFIRE WITH INTERMITTENT DROPS IN POWER. SOME TIMES TRANSMISSION CAN SHIFT HARD AND HAVE A BANG, JARRING FEELING.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Cadillac Ats.
Safety recalls
2017 Cadillac Ats recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Cadillac Ats. With 2 recalls, ensure all recall repairs have been completed before purchase by checking the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2017 Cadillac Ats buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Cadillac Ats reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 31 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Cadillac ATS may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering and electrical complaint patterns warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Given low confidence, proceed with caution and verify 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 2017 Cadillac Ats?▾
#1: Steering Defects (12 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Cadillac Ats?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Cadillac Ats?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Cadillac Ats, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 31 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Cadillac Ats have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Cadillac Ats. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. With 2 recalls, ensure all recall repairs have been completed before purchase by checking the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Cadillac Ats?▾
The 2017 Cadillac ATS may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering and electrical complaint patterns warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Given low confidence, proceed with caution and verify all recalls are addressed. Steering defects and electrical faults are the top complaint areas, which can affect safety and reliability. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components can help avoid unexpected repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects 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.