Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 22 | −23% | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2017 | 33 | −45% | 2 | Steering | Good |
| 2016 | 32 | −53% | 3 | Transmission | Good |
| 2015 | 30 | −61% | 4 | Steering | Good |
| 2014 | 104 | 2.9× | 4 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2013 | 160 | 4.3× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median ATS year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Cadillac ATS problems
Latest Cadillac ATS recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, XTS, 2015-2016 Cadillac ATS, CTS, and SRX vehicles. The front-driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-driver air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 19, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available.
Steering › Electric power assist system
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025.
Steering › Electric power assist system
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedan vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to September 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the coil antenna module that powers the rear defogger system may generate excessive heat due to excessive cycling or continuous operation.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Electronic Climate Control module to remove the automatic rear defogger "on" function, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Cadillac ATS should you avoid?
2013 and 2014 — these years have the most complaints relative to other ATS years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Cadillac ATS?
2015 has the fewest complaints compared with other ATS years at the same age, followed by 2016 and 2017. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Cadillac ATS problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (102), electrical system (75) and engine & cooling (73). Transmission complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Cadillac ATS had?
11 recalls across 2013–2018. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Cadillac ATS recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.