Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Cadillac ATS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 and gave me a reference number (N202301950) I called GM and they said it was not a recall it was a service bulletin which I never received and is now expired. The vehicle needs a whole new Electric Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly due to the faulty corroded GM Bolts not to mention that I could have died or someone else could have been killed due to losing the ability to steer the vehicle because of the faulty GM parts. GM said it is my responsibility to pay for repairs which is thousands of dollars again due to their faulty parts and no fault of my own also not normal wear and tear.
I'm writing here to state that the Cadillac with this VIN [redacted] 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 catalytic Converter is completely missing along with several other computer systems issues. The car jumps up and down when you drive it, feels like horseback riding more than a car ride. Cadillac denied working on the car and advised us not to drive it at all Every single warning light that could be on the dash/odometer lit up approx 5mins of being on the highway. Throw the car in the junkyard where it belongs!
I have had 4 recalls on my ATS since purchase June 2013. Starting 2/5/14 with only 3308mi taken the car in several times for squeaking sound when backing out of my garage complained after fourth visit with the same complaint and listening to the dealer to say that was normal final on 5th visit on 12/10/14 7960mi final solve the problem. Several complaints about when back windows are roll down there is a loud squealing sound that hurts your ear and distract your driving again I was told that was normal how can that be normal when you can't roll back window down for fresh air. All so complained about losing radio signal on several occasions penske reprogrammed. Replaced weather strip around front doors driver& pass side 8/20/14 6521mi. Several complaints about how rough the engine runs when stop at red light on 12/10/14 reprogrammed engine. …
I been having electronic issues sice I got it from dealer in tempe az called auto nation. The main touch screen in cockpit won't power up have had multiple issues in past for repair/replace this will be the third time this has happen an not all parts and service was covered under warranty I had thru alstate an it was a couple hundred out of pocket for the new harness assembly that Cadillac had for a new touch screen assembly that was installed the last time in 2018 an now it's happened again screen won't turn on ac controls won't work an turn signals are intermittent almost got rear-ended driving through town because turn signal would not indicate direction I was turning an other driver had brakes locked up sliding towards me but luckily stopped with only inches apart very scary. But it coming in to summer a ac is a must to have. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that there were several progressing failures within months of owning the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who diagnosed that the intake o2 sensor May be the cause of the failures, but no data was found. The contact stated that there were electrical failures, the TPMS warning indicator kept illuminating, the vehicle was idling roughly, and there was a leak in the rear axle. In addition, an independent mechanic stated that there was a misfire on cylinder three. The dealer (peninsula Chevrolet, 4 heitzinger plaza, seaside, ca 93955, [phone]) diagnosed that there was a low rate of pressure in cylinder four. The manufacturer had been notified for months and was unable to provide a permanent solution. The manufacturer opted to refuse a buy back or trade in. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
I wanted to provide additional information relative to recall no. 15299. This recall effected Cadillac ATS rear defrosters. The "fix" was to add software controls that minimized the risk of fire to some owner, but it certainly did not eliminate the risk. In fact I pointed out to Cadillac last year that there were still controls strategies that would could result in a fire. Meaning for some owners the recall would do nothing to minimize the risk of fire. When I expressed this to Cadillac they immediately stopped responding to my emails (attached). Since then Cadillac has quietly implemented an actual fix to the weak connectors. But they are not issuing this fix to all owners. Only to ones that complain about to lost features. Since this actual fix eliminates instead of reducing the life safety risk it must be added to the original recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle loss electrical power causing the interior lighting and power steering to become inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer honolulu Buick GMC Cadillac (2945 n nimitz hwy, honolulu, hi 96819, [phone]) and diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 103,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. While driving, the radio, air conditioner, heating system, and windshield defrosters became inoperable. The contact stated that the failures occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to north county Buick and Cadillac (1515 auto park way n, escondido, ca 92029, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The contact was offered a discount towards the replacement of the radio. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
There is an automatic lock feature on this vehicle. If the key is left in the car, the driver's door is to remain unlocked. On May 5th 2015, this feature malfunctioned and locked all doors. The safety complaint I have is that my 19 month old baby was in the car when this happened. Fortunately, I was in my driveway and was able to locate my spare key within minutes and get her out. I live in az. If this were to happen away from home on a hot summer day, the outcome could have ended up in fatality. Please suggest a recall so this can never happen to anyone.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that the cue system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a shirley Cadillac (10125 s cicero ave, oak lawn, il 60453. [phone]) who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the cue system had failed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and directed the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical complaints in other ATS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Cadillac ATS?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Cadillac ATS, 23% of the model year's 160 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Cadillac ATS electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Cadillac ATS, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Cadillac ATS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
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.